A large northwest swell bringing surf 12 to 15 feet is peaking along the North Shore this morning and lifeguards are warning people to stay out of the water, Emergency Services spokesman Bryan Cheplic said.

"A lot of the swells are washing through and there are only a few select spots where the surf is rideable: Sunset Beach, Pipeline and Laniakea," Cheplic said. "Yesterday was pretty packed with traffic from people coming out to see surf. We're asking everyone to use caution in and out of the water if they're coming out to see the surf today because it's been so busy on the North Shore."

The National Weather Service has its high surf advisory in effect until 6 p.m. Tuesday for the north and west shores of Kauai and Niihau and the north-facing shores of Oaha, Molokai and Maui.

Surf heights of 14 to 18 feet are expected to continue today along the north and west shores of Niiahu and Kauai.