A high surf warning is in effect for west-facing shores of the Big Island through this afternoon.
A large west-northwest swell that arrived in the islands early Tuesday is forecast to remain above warning levels until at least 6 p.m. today, according to the National Weather Service in Honolulu. Wave heights of 9 to 12 feet are expected from Limukoko Point in North Kohala to Ka‘una Point in Ka‘u.
The swell is expected to lower tonight through Friday, but could linger at advisory levels into tonight. A new northwest swell is forecast to arrive Friday night, peak below advisory levels Saturday, then lower Saturday night through early next week.
Forecasters cautioned that large, breaking surf, significant shorebreak, and dangerous currents make entering the water very hazardous. Boaters should be aware of an increased number of surfers and body boarders utilizing harbor channels to access surfing areas.