35-Foot Surf Forecast on North Shores of Maui and Moloka‘i

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The National Weather Service has issued a high surf warning for north and west facing shores of Molokaʻi and the north facing shores of Maui, in effect from 6 a.m. Monday until 6 a.m. Wednesday.=

A High Surf Warning means that dangerous, battering waves will pound the shoreline. This will result in very dangerous swimming conditions, and deadly rip currents.

A hurricane-force low set up late last week across the northwest Pacific and has sent an extra large northwest swell in our direction that will impact exposed north and west facing shores Monday through Tuesday night, then decline through midweek.

Expect surf heights of 25 to 35 feet along north facing shores of Molokaʻi and Maui. Expect surf heights of 18 to 24 feet along west facing shores of Molokaʻi.

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

The NWS issued the following notice:

Expect ocean water surging and sweeping across beaches, coastal benches and lava flows, creating the potential for impacts to coastal properties and infrastructure, including roadways.

Powerful long-shore and rip currents will be present at most beaches.  Large breaking waves and strong currents may impact harbor entrances and channels causing challenging boat handling.

These dangerous conditions mean that only highly experienced persons should enter the water.  Inexperienced persons should remain off beaches and adjacent beachfront areas.  Large breaking surf, significant shore-break and dangerous currents make entering the water very hazardous. Anyone enter the water could face significant injury or death.

Boaters should be aware of an increased number of surfers and body boarders utilizing the harbor channel to access surfing areas.