Thousands flock to watch waves crash on beaches
The surf grew so large that a few beaches on Oahu and Maui were closed because lifeguards feared inexperienced sightseers could drown, according to state officials.
Honolulu: Thousands of spectators and surfers are flocking to Hawaii's beaches to see the biggest waves in years crash ashore.
Heavy traffic backed up for kilometres on Monday along roads leading to Oahu's North Shore. Some of the world's most daring surfers took on the powerful and dangerous waves, which forecasters say could reach heights of 15 metres.
The surf grew so large that a few beaches on Oahu and Maui were closed because lifeguards feared inexperienced sightseers could drown, according to state officials.
"After the water comes in, it can drag you back out with it," said Eric Basta, a manager at Surf N Sea in Haleiwa. "Be mindful of how powerful the surf really is."
As violent as the waves were, they may grow in strength by Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. The high waves are expected to continue through today.
A legendary big wave surfing contest, the Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau, was planned for Tuesday for the first time since 2004 if waves reach a minimum of 12 metres, organisers said.
