NORTH SHORE, Hawaii -- The big surf hitting the islands prompted Big Island officials to close two beaches.

National Weather Service issued a high surf warning for Friday, predicting 20- to 25-foot waves on Oahu's north and west shores.

Forecasters placed the high surf warning for north and west shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu and Molokai, north-facing shores of Maui, and for west-facing shores of the Big Island.

Hawaii County officials closed La’aloa Beach Park and Kahalu’u Beach Park completely.

The high surf on Thursday attracted crowds to Oahu's North Shore. Waimea Bay remained packed with spectators as the sun set.

Surfers got in their last few runs, as photographers, residents and tourists from all around the world crowded the narrow path above the bay to watch.

"It's amazing. It's scary, but looks like a lot of fun if you know what you're doing," New York resident Dennis Price said.

"You know, those books, like '10 Things To See Before You Die'? I think it's one of the things to see. It gives you the chills, you know? It's so big," Quebec City resident Magalie Labbe said.

The crowd also watched as big wave surfers from around the world formed a circle in Waimea Bay to end the opening ceremony of the Eddie Aikau Invitational. The event honors the legend, lifeguard and surfing great Eddie Aikau, who was lost at sea.

"It's always an exciting time of the year, you know, the big wave season and the event for my brother, and most of all, all of the high and love and respect for my Brother Eddie is always very humbling for our family every year," Clyde Aikau said.

Waves must reach a minimum of 20 feet Hawaiian-style measurement (40-foot face) for the contest to go.

Although the surf was smaller than that on Thursday, Ocean Safety officials made 14 rescues on the North Shore and took action to warn people of the dangerous conditions some 1,200 times.

At the end of the day, surfers like Eric Olson headed home as Ocean Safety officials on loud speakers urged surfers to leave the water before dark.

Meanwhile tourists took it all in one last time before leaving.

"Wow. There are no words to express it really. It's just an amazing sight," Price said.