High Surf Warning Extended For Maui, Molokaʻi

High surf at Ho‘okipa Beach on the North Shore. File photo by Madeline Ziecker.

A high surf warning has been continued for Maui County until 6 p.m., with wave faces expected to reach 35 feet, the county announced today.

A high surf warning means that dangerous, battering waves will pound the shoreline.

Early morning high tides will bring the risk of wave run up and over wash along low-lying coastlines exposed to the swell.

This swell will slowly subside through Saturday. Surf along north and west facing shores of Molokai and Maui will be 25 to 35 feet today.

Surf along west facing shores of Molokaʻi will rise to 15 to 25 feet today. Tide gauges are showing water levels near 6/10 of a foot higher than predicted. This added water level will allow waves to reach higher along exposed coastlines.

Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face or front of waves.

“This will result in very dangerous swimming conditions, and deadly rip currents,” the announcement read.

A full moon high tide early this morning will bring the potential of over wash along coastal roadways.

“Expect ocean water occasionally sweeping across portions of beaches, very strong breaking waves, and strong long shore and rip currents. Breaking waves may occasionally impact harbors making navigating the harbor channel dangerous,” the county added.

For alerts from the county, click here.