The National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Warning for the west- and north-facing shores of Kauai and Niihau in effect from 6 a.m. Wednesday to 6 p.m. Thursday, announced the County of Kauai.

A series of “large northwest-to-north-northwest swells will build down the island chain” peaking Wednesday night and Thursday, according to a news release. Surf is expected to reach High Surf Warning levels by Wednesday afternoon. NWS says additional “swell pulses” will lead to periods of extra-large surf through the weekend.

NWS predicts surf will rise 18 to 25 feet along north-facing shores and 12 to 18 feet along west-facing shores.

Officials advise beachgoers to avoid entering the water in these areas as doing so could cause serious injury or death. The public should also use extreme caution along the shoreline as the possibility of large breaking waves can take people by surprise.

Updated ocean and weather alerts are available on the NWS website.

Speak to a county lifeguard for Kauai ocean conditions and ocean safety or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.