The National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Warning for the North and West Shores of all Hawaiian Islands except for Lanai. A large swell has been moving down the island chain throughout the day. Waves of up to 30-40 feet have are hitting Kauai with the surf expected to rise rapidly on Maui late this afternoon and early evening. The swell is being accompanied by a weak weather front that has brought north winds. The North winds will produce stormy conditions and less than ideal surf for big wave riders. The warning is projected to persist through Friday. Friday will also see a shift back towards more typical trade wind patterns. While not ideal for most Maui big wave spots, it should be more favorable than today’s conditions. Beach goers should be aware of the large surf and associated currents before venturing too close to the water’s edge.
