HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Heads up for residents on Maui's north shore, Hamakua Poko Kai beach will be closed throughout the month of January. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Maui County officials will assess the environmentally and culturally sensitive areas impacted by recent high surf at Hamakua Poko Kai, also known as Bones Beach. WATCH: Surfer tumbles down super-sized wave at Jaws on Maui, survives Once the area is assessed, crews from the Department of ʻŌiwi Resources and the State of Hawaiʻi Historic Preservation Division will check if the area is "treated in accordance with state law and to assess whether it is safe for the public." In the meantime, residents and visitors are advised to avoid disturbing or moving anything from the area. County Department of Parks and Recreation officials will monitor the area. Check out more news from around Hawaii The closure is expected to remain through Jan. 31 however, future closures will be determined once the assessment process is completed.