Northwest Swell Brings 12-16 Foot Surf

View of from Hookipa of large and messy sets on the North Shore, all the way to Kahului. File photo by Madeline Ziecker.

By Wendy Osher

A northwest swell will keep surf heights near advisory levels along the north and west facing shores of much of the state today.

The National Weather Service has continued a high surf advisory for the north and west facing shores of Molokai, and the north facing shores of Maui until 6 p.m.

Forecasters say surf is expected to be in the 12 to 16 foot range along the north facing shores of Maui and Molokai; and 8 to 12 feet along the west facing shores of Molokai.

The NWS advises that conditions will produce surf with strong rip currents and localized beach erosion along affected shorelines.

Beach goers, swimmers and surfers should follow the advice of ocean safety officials, and exercise caution in the area.