HAWAII ISLAND – A High Surf Warning has been issued for the West facing shores of Kohala, Kona and Ka’u through Thursday.

Surf is forecast to build through the night and continue through Thursday. The National Weather Service expects to see wave heights of 10 to 14 feet. It will peak Thursday along West Hawaii shores.

“A High Surf Warning means that there is significant threat to life and property from the surf,” said Hawaii County Civil Defense in a message issued early Wednesday evening. “Surf is forecast to build through the night and continue through Thursday. Oceanfront residents, all ocean activities and beachgoers along the affected shores are advised to be on the alert for possible high and dangerous surf.”

The public is advised to exercise caution due to the unpredictability of huge swells and dangerous surf, emergency officials say. Boat owners and oceanfront residents should take actions to secure their property.

The same, large west-northwest swell will build across Hawaiian waters tonight and Thursday. The swell is expected to peak late tonight and early Thursday across the smaller islands, forecasters say. Wave heights of 20 to 25 feet are expected for north facing shores of Oahu and Maui.