Weather advisory map via National Weather Service/NOAA

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a high surf advisory until 6 p.m. Friday (Dec 18).

Surf is forecast to be in the 8-11 foot range along east facing shores of Hawaii Island.

Coastal areas can expect strong breaking waves, shore breaks and strong longshore and rip currents making swimming difficult and dangerous.

Beachgoers, swimmers and surfers should heed the advice given by ocean safety officials and be careful. Know your limits and when in doubt, don’t go out.

Boaters should expect recreational surfers and bodyboarders using harbor channels to access surfing areas.

A small craft advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. Friday (Dec 18) for Kauai northwest, windward and leeward waters, the Kauai Channel, Oahu windward and leeward waters, the Kaiwi Channel, Maui county windward and leeward waters, Maalaea Bay, the Pailolo Channel, Hawaii Island windward, leeward and southeast waters.