giant surf prompts Hawaii beach closures

Officials fear waves could reach as high as 50 feet

HONOLULU - Strong winds in the northwest Pacific Ocean sent towering waves crashing along Hawaii’s coast, prompting officials to close beaches amid fears that some waves could reach as high as 50 feet.

The National Weather Service put high surf warnings in effect for the north-facing shores of all the islands except Lanai until Wednesday night...

The agency advised residents to avoid the beaches and stay out of the water, but city lifeguards said they expect some of the largest crowds of the season to attend a seldom-held big wave surfing contest. The Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is held only when the waves reach at least 20 feet; it has been held only six times in 19 years.

Via MSNBC