Near-gale-force winds and a lingering west-northwest swell have prompted a high-surf advisory for most islands through Wednesday evening.

The advisory covers the north and west shores of Niihau, Kauai and Molokai; the north shores of Oahu and Maui; and the east shores of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui and Hawaii island through 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Surf heights are forecast to reach 10 to 15 feel along north and west shores of Kauai and Niihau and the north shores of Oahu and Maui.

West shores of Molokai are expected to see surf of 8 to 12 feet.

Ocean users are cautioned to expect strong breaking waves, shorebreak and strong longshore and rip currents that could make swimming difficult and dangerous.

Hiker airlifted, swimmers saved by rescue crews on Garden Isle

Kauai rescue personnel were busy Sunday assisting a hiker and swimmers on the North Shore.

Sunday afternoon, rescuers airlifted a 47-year-old visitor out of Kalalau Valley.

At 2:41 p.m. firefighters and staff from the Department of Land and Natural Resources responded to a call about a woman from Houston who needed assistance.

Kauai Fire Battalion Chief Jason Ornellas said, “She was incapacitated and needed to be taken out for her own safety.” Ornellas declined to provide additional information on the rescue.

The woman was airlifted to Princeville Airport, where paramedics were waiting. The county said she refused treatment and was released at the scene.

Sunday morning, rescue personnel assisted a man and a woman who were swept out to sea at about 10:15 a.m. at Queen’s Bath in Hanalei.

A lifeguard on a personal watercraft picked up the swimmers and brought them to the Hanalei lifeguard tower, where paramedics assessed the victims and released them.

Public may set appointments for Philippine Consulate help

Maui County officials say the public can reserve appointments for the Philippine Consulate Mobile Outreach, which will provide services for Philippine passport renewal and dual citizenship March 19-20.

For information, call the Maui County Immigrant Services Division at 270-7791.