Bodyboarders tossed about in the Washing Machine by Kailua Pier

Video by Lynn Beittel, Visionary Video

KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii – Waves crashed against the sea wall in Kailua-Kona on Wednesday; another day of high surf in West Hawaii.

Take a look at this footage shot by Visionary Video. Water splashed onto Ali’i drive in Kailua Village, but most people did not seem to mind.

These sort of conditions can be dangerous. However, often it draws people into the water to experience thrills found at spots like the so-called “Washing Machine” next to Kailua Pier.

Kona resident Nancy Coppola described the scene in an interview on Wednesday.

Things were pretty choppy by Hulihe’e Palace as well. The caretakers of the historic landmark set sandbags out as a precaution.

They say Tuesday was worse. The Old Kona Airport had to be closed thanks to a rare water run-up onto the former runway. The sight was so unusual that many questioned if there really was a tsunami surge following the magnitude 5.3 earthquake in the ocean 30 moles off the southern end of the Big Island. The county park was back open on Wednesday.

The National Weather Service says a high surf advisory remains in effect until 6 pm Thursday.

Beachgoers, swimmers and surfers should heed all advice given by ocean safety officials and exercise caution. The National Weather Service also says boaters should expect large, breaking waves near harbor entrances, gradually easing Thursday.

Surf is expected to be 8 to 12 feet with sets up to 14 feet, but it should taper off today.