HONOLULU -- The National Weather Service said on Friday that the islands should see large swells over the next week reaching as high as 40 feet.

Storms are expected to produce the northwest swells, forecasters said.

The first major swell is set to arrive on Friday night and peak on Saturday with waves of 20 to 30 feet. The waves should subside on Sunday before rising again on Sunday night, forecasters said.

That swell is expected to generate surf of 30 to 40 feet with occasional sets of 50 feet from Monday through Tuesday. Waves should remain above advisory levels through Wednesday, officials said.

Forecasters warned boaters and beachgoers to be cautious.

The organizers of the Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau surfing competition have scheduled to run the event starting on Monday at Waimea Bay. The Eddie Aikau is only be run when waves exceed 20-feet.

Images: Eddie Aikau Opening Ceremony

The event was last held in 2004.

The holding period begin on Dec. 1 and lasts until the end of February.