By Hawaii 24/7 Staff

A high surf advisory remains in effect until 6 a.m. Saturday (March 23) for West facing shores of the Big Island.

Surf is forecst to be in the eight to 12 foot range for the Kona-Kohala coastline.

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 wind advisory is in effect until 6 a.m. Saturday (March 23) for Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea above 8,000 feet in elevation.

Winds are forecast to be in the 20-40 mph range with localized gusts up to 50 mph at the highest elevations.

These winds can make driving difficult especially for high profile vehicles. Motorists should use caution while driving.