Waves of up to 50 feet were expected to peak overnight Wednesday on Kauai County’s north and west shores, and the north shores of Oahu, Molokai and Maui.
Forecasters expect the waves to gradually diminish through the weekend. But surf will remain at warning levels until about 6 p.m. today.
The warning extends to west shores of the Big Island, where waves should peak at 8 to 12 feet.
The National Weather Service is advising against travel to coastal areas of Kauai because of the potential hazards.
Surf should lower to 15 to 25 feet on most shores today and advisory-level surf is expected to continue through Saturday.
The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau big-wave surfing contest was not held Wednesday, despite the size of the waves, because the swell is peaking at night.
Another northwest swell is expected to arrive Sunday and bring advisory-level surf through Monday. It will be followed by yet another swell on Wednesday.
North Kona a high-risk area for dengue
The state Department of Health on Wednesday designated North Kona one of two high-risk areas for locally acquired dengue fever.
As of Jan. 20, North Kona, Milolii and Pahoa were moderate-risk areas. South Kona is the only area to maintain the high-risk designation throughout this outbreak.
Milolii and Waipio Valley, once high risk, are now in the some-risk category, as is Pahoa.
The Health Department confirmed Wednesday that 241 people contracted locally acquired dengue fever in the past four months on Hawaii island.
Waipio Valley Access Road and Waipio Valley remain closed to visitors until further notice. Hookena and Milolii beach parks remain closed. State lands in Milolii and Honomalino are also closed to visitors.
Park to remain open, parking lot to close
The heavily used parking lot at Waialae Beach Park will be closed for at least two weeks for repaving and restriping, but the park will be open.
The project is expected to be begin today and should be completed by Feb. 14. Although the parking lot will be closed, the park located at 4925 Kahala Ave. will remain open to the public during normal hours, from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
