Expert-verified surf spot database with detailed swell/wind parameters, hazards, and travel information
Pipeline is the proving ground of professional surfing—a shallow, left-breaking barrel that has defined generations of surfers. The wave breaks just 75 yards from the beach over a dangerously shallow lava reef, producing thick, hollow tubes that are as punishing as they are perfect. When NW swells hit during winter, Pipe delivers some of the heaviest barrels on Earth.
🏆 The proving ground • Heaviest barrels on Earth • Experts only
Works best with swells from 310° (NW). Workable range: 295°-340°.
Ideal size: 3.2m. Too small below 1.8m, too big (closeout) above 4.6m.
Needs at least 12s period. Ideal: 18s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 120° (ESE). Offshore range: 90°-160°. Best window: morning.
Nov-Feb peak. WNW-NW swells. Kona winds best.
🪸 Sharp reef, 😮‍💨 Hold-downs, 👊 Localism, 👥 Crowded, ⚠️ Shallow
Extremely dangerous. Shallow 1st reef, deeper 2nd/3rd reef on bigger swells. Long hold-downs. Heavy localism.
Swell direction must be within the workable range AND within the spot's coastal orientation. A south-facing beach cannot receive north swells, no matter the size or period.
Offshore wind (blowing from land toward ocean) grooms the wave face. Onshore wind (blowing from ocean toward land) destroys wave quality. Wind tolerance varies by wave type.
Beach access at Ehukai Beach Park. Easy paddle out through channel.
Backdoor is the right-hand barrel at the Pipeline reef—sharing the same takeoff zone but breaking in the opposite direction. When NW to NNW swells arrive with shorter periods, they break up the swell lines and create peaky A-frames, allowing the right to peel with ferocious power over extremely shallow reef.
🔥 Pipeline's evil twin • Right-hand deathpit • NNW swell specialist
Works best with swells from 330° (NNW). Workable range: 315°-350°.
Ideal size: 2.7m. Too small below 1.8m, too big (closeout) above 3.6m.
Needs at least 12s period. Ideal: 16s+ (long-period groundswell).
Nov-Feb peak. NW-NNW swells create peaky A-frames that produce the right.
Super hollow, deep tube over very shallow reef. Shorter period NW-NNW swells break up lines creating peaky A-frames.
Same as Pipeline. Beach access at Ehukai Beach Park.
Sunset Beach is one of surfing's most revered and challenging waves—a football-field-sized playing field of shifting peaks and deep-water power. West Peak is the classic heavy right, but the wave can break across multiple takeoff zones depending on swell direction. The lineup is deceptive and the currents are strong.
🌅 The ultimate proving ground • Shifting peaks • Deep water power
Works best with swells from 315° (NW). Workable range: 300°-340°.
Ideal size: 4.3m. Too small below 2.4m, too big (closeout) above 6.1m.
Offshore wind from 160° (SSE). Offshore range: 120°-200°. Best window: morning.
Nov-Feb peak. Best at 8-20ft. West Peak is the classic heavy right.
🌀 Strong rips, 😮‍💨 Hold-downs, 👥 Crowded
Powerful and deceptive. Multiple shifting peaks over huge area. Strong currents.
Waimea Bay is the birthplace of big wave surfing—a thundering right-hander that only truly comes alive when swells exceed 15 feet. When it's on, the takeoff is a heart-stopping drop into a churning wall of whitewater. The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is held here, requiring 20ft+ consistent surf.
🤙 Birthplace of big wave surfing • Eddie Would Go • 15ft+ to fire
This is a big wave break, breaking right.
Ideal size: 6.8m. Too small below 4.6m, too big (closeout) above 9.1m.
Needs at least 14s period. Ideal: 18s+ (long-period groundswell).
Only really turns on at 15ft+. Dec-Feb peak. Eddie Aikau invitational venue.
😮‍💨 Hold-downs, 🌀 Strong rips, 👥 Crowded
Birthplace of big wave surfing. Only breaks properly at 15ft+. Massive shorebreak on close-out sets.
Beach access. Popular swimming beach when flat.
Off The Wall sits just west of Pipeline and delivers powerful rights with workable walls and barrel sections. When N-NNE swells sweep sets down from Backdoor, OTW lights up with fast, hollow waves that reward committed tube riders.
💪 Pipeline's neighbor • Powerful rights • Regular footer's dream
Works best with swells from 330° (NNW). Workable range: 310°-350°.
Ideal size: 2.1m. Too small below 1.2m, too big (closeout) above 3m.
Needs at least 10s period. Ideal: 14s+ (long-period groundswell).
Nov-Feb peak. NW-NNW swells. Pipeline's neighbor.
Powerful right for regular footers with workable walls and barrel sections. N-NNE swells sweep sets down from Backdoor.
Rocky Point is the North Shore's premier high-performance wave—shifty peaks over reef that offer both rippable faces and solid barrel sections. Strong currents keep the lineup constantly reshuffling, making it one of the more democratic waves on the Seven Mile Miracle.
📸 Photographer magnet • High performance • Shifty peaks
Works best with swells from 315° (NW). Workable range: 300°-330°.
Offshore wind from 120° (ESE). Offshore range: 90°-180°. Best window: morning.
Nov-Feb peak. Shifty peaks, strong currents keep lineup mixed.
Shifty peaks with strong currents. Photographer magnet. Rippable faces plus solid barrels.
Haleiwa is the gateway to the North Shore and a Triple Crown venue that delivers powerful rights and hollow barrels. The Toilet Bowl inside section is brutally shallow, adding consequence to an already demanding wave. When solid WNW swells wrap in, the rights can barrel for 100 yards.
🚪 Gateway to the North Shore • Triple Crown venue • Toilet Bowl inside
Works best with swells from 305° (NW). Workable range: 290°-320°.
Offshore wind from 135° (SE). Offshore range: 100°-170°. Best window: morning.
Nov-Feb peak. Triple Crown venue. Gateway to the North Shore.
🪸 Sharp reef, ⚠️ Shallow, 👥 Crowded, 🌀 Strong rips
Powerful rights, hollow barrels. Toilet Bowl inside section is brutally shallow. Dangerous coral reef.
Beach access at Ali'i Beach Park. Parking available.
Velzyland is a draining right-hand ledge over shallow coral named after legendary shaper Dale Velzy. Phantom Reef offshore funnels swell directly into the lineup, creating hollow, peeling rights that can run for 150 yards. One of the most heavily localized spots on the North Shore.
🏄 Dale Velzy's legacy • Draining ledge • 150-yard peelers
Ideal size: 1.6m. Too small below 0.9m, too big (closeout) above 2.4m.
Offshore wind from 120° (ESE). Offshore range: 90°-170°. Best window: morning.
Nov-Mar. Named after Dale Velzy. Phantom Reef offshore funnels swell in.
Draining right-hand ledge over shallow coral. Can peel 150 yards. Heavily localized.
Log Cabins catches more northerly swells than its neighbor Pipeline, with westerly swells refracting past toward Pipe. The uneven lava and sand bottom creates heavier barrels that many consider even more consequential than Pipeline.
🪵 Heavier than Pipe • N swell magnet • Life-changing barrels
Works best with swells from 350° (N). Workable range: 340°-360°.
Ideal size: 3.5m. Too small below 2.4m, too big (closeout) above 4.6m.
Nov-Feb. More northerly swells hit Logs direct while westerly swells refract to Pipe.
🪸 Sharp reef, 😮‍💨 Hold-downs, ⚠️ Shallow
Uneven lava/sand bottom makes it even heavier than Pipe. Life-changing barrels.
Gas Chambers is a fast, hollow, detonating barrel that breaks over extremely shallow reef between Rocky Point and Pipeline. The name says it all—you're locked in a tube with very little room for error over razor-sharp coral.
💀 Detonating barrels • Extremely shallow • Helmet recommended
Nov-Feb. Between Rocky Point and Pipeline.
🪸 Sharp reef, ⚠️ Shallow, 😮‍💨 Hold-downs
Fast, hollow, detonating barrels over extremely shallow reef. Expert tube riders only. Helmet recommended.
Beach access between Rocky Point and Pipeline.
Rockpile sits between Log Cabins and Off The Wall, offering a mighty left that rolls 150 yards from deep water. Also known as Gap in the Road, it becomes a legitimate big wave spot at 10ft+ and is rarely as crowded as its famous neighbors.
🪨 Gap in the Road • 150-yard lefts • Uncrowded alternative
Nov-Feb. Between Log Cabins and OTW. Big wave spot at 10ft+.
Mighty left that rolls 150 yards from deep water. Also known as Gap in the Road.
Leftovers sits between Haleiwa and Waimea Bay, catching leftover swell that bends around the point. On the right day, it can deliver world-class waves with barely anyone out—one of the North Shore's best-kept open secrets.
🤫 North Shore sleeper • World-class potential • Empty on the right day
Nov-Feb. Haleiwa-side of Waimea. Can be world-class and empty on the right day.
Multiple peaks, powerful walls. Catches leftover swell.
Laniakea is a beautiful right point break 2.5 miles north of Haleiwa, also famous as Turtle Beach for the green sea turtles that bask on shore. The wave offers fun, long walls that are more accessible than the heavier breaks further up the coast.
🐢 Turtle Beach • Fun right point • Intermediate-friendly
Ideal size: 1.8m. Too small below 1.2m, too big (closeout) above 2.4m.
Nov-Mar. Also known as turtle beach. Good intermediate North Shore wave.
Fun, long walls when not too big. Good intermediate North Shore wave.
Beach access. Also known as Turtle Beach.
Chun's Reef is the mellow side of the North Shore—a fun reef break that offers longboard-friendly rights without the intensity of its bigger-name neighbors. Accessible and forgiving, it's one of the best spots for intermediate surfers to experience North Shore waves.
🏖️ Mellow North Shore • Longboard heaven • Fun and accessible
Ideal size: 1.4m. Too small below 0.9m, too big (closeout) above 1.8m.
Nov-Mar. Mellower North Shore break good for longboarding.
Right peels over reef. Less intense than bigger-name neighbors.
Backyards is a shifty wave between Sunset Beach and Velzyland that requires a fast takeoff to get barreled. Shallow coral can detonate without warning, and the break sits directly behind beachfront houses—hence the name.
🏠 Behind the houses • Fast takeoff required • Shallow detonations
Nov-Feb. Between Sunset and V-Land. Fast takeoff required for barrel.
Requires fast takeoff to get barreled. Shallow coral can detonate. Behind beachfront houses.
Pupukea is a sand and rock bottom break between the Pipeline area and Rocky Point. Fun and surfable at smaller sizes, it becomes demanding at head-high-plus with legitimate barreling potential.
🌊 Classic Hawaiian reef • Fun to demanding • Barrel potential
Sand and rock bottom. Fun to 6ft, demanding to 10ft. Barreling potential.
Kammieland is named after the old Kammie's Market nearby. It offers a fickle but consistent left over shallow reef with long, workable walls—and far less crowd pressure than the higher-profile breaks nearby.
🏪 Kammie's Market legacy • Workable walls • Under the radar
Nov-Feb. Near old Kammie's Market. Fickle but consistent left.
Shallow reef near old Kammie's Market. Long workable walls. Less crowded than nearby breaks.
Mokuleia is a two-mile north-facing beach break stretch west of Haleiwa with multiple peaks and relative solitude. The trade-off is that NE trade winds are onshore here, so it needs WNW-NW swells with SE or light variable winds to really shine.
🏖️ Two miles of peaks • Uncrowded beach break • Wind-dependent
Nov-Mar. NE trades are onshore here. Need WNW-NW swells with E-SE wind.
Two-mile north-facing stretch west of Haleiwa. Multiple peaks, relatively uncrowded. NE trades are onshore.
Phantoms is a big wave outer reef that lurks beyond Velzyland and Sunset Beach, only awakening when XL winter swells march in. It funnels swell toward the shoreline breaks and offers deep water peaks for those willing to paddle or tow into the unknown.
👻 Outer reef phantom • XL swell only • Deep water power
This is a big wave break, breaking both.
Ideal size: 6.1m. Too small below 4.6m, too big (closeout) above 7.6m.
Dec-Feb. Only breaks on XL swells. Funnels swell into V-Land.
Big wave outer reef beyond V-Land/Sunset. Only breaks on XL swells. Remote, heavy, rarely crowded.
55 minutes drive from HNL airport. Requires boat access ($150/day).
Outer Log Cabins is the North Shore's extreme outer reef that refracts long-period WNW swell toward Pipeline. Breaking on only the biggest swells, it reforms into Pipe on the inside. An 85-foot wave was ridden here in 1998.
🏔️ 85ft ridden here • North Shore's outer limit • Tow-in territory
Works best with swells from 307° (NW). Workable range: 295°-320°.
Offshore wind from 135° (SE). Offshore range: 90°-180°. Best window: morning.
Dec-Feb. Deep water outer reef. Breaks on biggest swells, reforming into Pipe.
Extreme conditions. Tow-in only. Refracts long-period WNW swell toward Pipeline.
Himalayas is a massive outer reef off Haleiwa that only breaks on historic, once-in-a-decade swells. Named for the Himalayan scale of the waves it produces, this is true frontier big wave surfing—tow-in only, rarely crowded, and deeply consequential.
🗻 Himalayan-scale waves • Historic swells only • Frontier big wave
Ideal size: 9.1m. Too small below 6.1m, too big (closeout) above 12.2m.
Needs at least 16s period. Ideal: 20s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 135° (SE). Offshore range: 100°-180°. Best window: morning.
Dec-Feb. Only breaks on historic swells. Tow-in territory.
Massive outer reef off Haleiwa. Only breaks on historic swells. Named for Himalayan-scale waves.
50 minutes drive from HNL airport. Requires boat access ($200/day).
Tow-in only. Accessible by jet ski from Haleiwa Harbor.
Avalanche is a deepwater outer reef near Haleiwa that handles massive swells when the nearshore breaks max out. It offers big wave left-handers in relatively deep water.
🏔️ Haleiwa's outer reef • Deep water power • Big swell handler
This is a big wave break, breaking left.
Works best with swells from 315° (NW). Workable range: 290°-345°.
Nov-Feb. Deepwater outer reef near Haleiwa. Handles massive swells.
Deepwater outer reef near Haleiwa. Handles massive swells.
50 minutes drive from HNL airport. Requires boat access ($150/day).
The Backdoor Outer Reef encompasses Pipeline's 2nd and 3rd reef, breaking 80 yards outside the main zone at 4x+ overhead. Foamy lumps reform into Pipe on the inside, creating one of the most consequential waves on the North Shore.
🌊 Pipe's outer shelf • 2nd & 3rd reef • Reforms into Pipeline
Dec-Feb. Pipeline's 2nd and 3rd reef. Breaks 80yds outside main zone at 4x+ overhead.
😮‍💨 Hold-downs, 🪸 Sharp reef, ⚠️ Shallow
Pipeline's 2nd and 3rd reef. Foamy lumps that reform into Pipe. Historic big wave arena.
Paddle from Ehukai Beach Park. Long paddle out.
Makaha is Hawaii's original big wave spot—the place where big wave surfing was pioneered before Waimea Bay. Multiple sections (Point, Bowl, Blowhole, Inside Reef) offer different rides depending on the swell. Also a legendary longboard wave, but heavily localized.
🤙 Original big wave spot • Legendary longboard wave • Heavy localism
Works best with swells from 270° (W). Workable range: 260°-280°.
Offshore wind from 45° (NE). Offshore range: 20°-90°. Best window: morning.
Nov-Mar. Hawaii's original big wave spot. Multiple sections: Point, Bowl, Blowhole, Inside Reef.
Heavily localized. Can hold massive W swells. Multiple sections with different characters.
Kaena Point is Oahu's most remote and most powerful wave, accessible only by foot at the island's northwestern tip. Sometimes deemed unrideable, it represents true frontier big wave surfing at a site of deep Hawaiian spiritual significance.
⚡ Oahu's most powerful • Accessible only by foot • Sacred ground
Dec-Feb. Oahu's most remote, most powerful wave. Accessible only by foot.
😮‍💨 Hold-downs, 🏝️ Remote, 🚶 Difficult access, 🌀 Strong rips
Oahu's most remote, most powerful wave. Accessible only by foot. Hawaiian spiritual site.
Accessible only by hiking trail from Mokuleia or Makaha side. No road access.
Ala Moana Bowls is the Pipeline of Town—long, hollow, fast lefts over a shallow man-made reef created during 1950s harbor construction. When solid south swells arrive, it produces draining barrels that rival anything on the North Shore for intensity.
🏙️ Pipeline of Town • Man-made reef • South shore tubes
Works best with swells from 190° (S). Workable range: 160°-220°.
Offshore wind from 10° (N). Offshore range: 340°-60°. Best window: morning.
May-Sep south swell season. Pipeline of Town. Man-made reef from 1950s harbor construction.
🪸 Sharp reef, ⚠️ Shallow, 😮‍💨 Hold-downs, 👥 Crowded
South Shore Pipeline. Long, hollow, fast lefts over shallow dredged reef. Birthplace of modern tube riding in Town.
Beach access at Ala Moana Beach Park. Easy paddle.
Kaisers is the premier South Shore performance wave—a bowly, hollow right that empties into a deep channel with a left going over shallow reef. The fierce pecking order among locals makes this one of the more intimidating lineups in Honolulu.
👑 South Shore premier • Fierce pecking order • Bowly perfection
Works best with swells from 190° (S). Workable range: 155°-225°.
Offshore wind from 10° (N). Offshore range: 340°-55°. Best window: morning.
May-Sep. Bowly hollow right empties into channel, left goes over shallow reef.
🪸 Sharp reef, ⚠️ Shallow, 👥 Crowded, 👊 Localism
Bowly hollow right empties into channel. Fierce pecking order. Best at 3-5ft SW swell.
Kewalos is an A-frame peak that has served as the proving ground for some of Hawaii's greatest modern surfers, including Carissa Moore and Seth Moniz. The left walls up for high-performance surfing, making it a popular summer competition venue.
🏆 Carissa & Seth's home break • A-frame comp wave • Talent factory
May-Sep. A-frame peak. Hot bed for Hawaii's emerging talent.
A-frame peak. Carissa Moore, Seth Moniz home break. Great summer comp venue.
Publics offers one of the longest lefts in Honolulu, peeling over sharp live coral near Diamond Head. Softer and friendlier on higher tides, it becomes hollower and more dangerous at low tide. Consistent and always crowded.
🌊 Longest left in Town • Always crowded • Diamond Head classic
Works best with swells from 190° (S). Workable range: 160°-230°.
Offshore wind from 25° (NNE). Offshore range: 340°-80°. Best window: morning.
May-Sep. One of the longest lefts in Honolulu. Low tide dangerous over sharp live coral.
🪸 Sharp reef, ⚠️ Shallow, 🦔 Urchins, 👥 Crowded
Sharp shallow live coral. Softer on higher tide, hollower on low. Always crowded.
Canoes is Hawaii's most iconic learner wave and the birthplace of modern surfing. Most days it's a gentle, rolling right, but when big south swells hit, the barrel section transforms from mellow to draining.
🏄 Birthplace of modern surfing • Waikiki icon • Mellow to draining
Works best with swells from 190° (S). Workable range: 150°-235°.
Ideal size: 1.2m. Too small below 0.6m, too big (closeout) above 1.8m.
Offshore wind from 10° (N). Offshore range: 315°-55°. Best window: morning.
May-Sep. Hawaii's most iconic learner wave. Transforms on big south swells.
Mellow most days. Transforms on big south swells. Birthplace of modern surfing.
Waikiki Beach. Walk-in access from hotels.
Queen's is named after Queen Liliuokalani, the last monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Most days it's a mellow, forgiving wave, but when big south swells hit, the inside ramp section transforms into a legitimate performance wave. Historic and iconic.
👑 Queen Liliuokalani's wave • Historic royalty • Transforms on south swells
Works best with swells from 195° (SSW). Workable range: 150°-235°.
Offshore wind from 350° (N). Offshore range: 315°-80°. Best window: morning.
May-Sep. Named for Queen Liliuokalani. Inside ramp section legitimate on big south swells.
Named for Queen Liliuokalani. When big south swells hit, the inside ramp turns into a legitimate performance wave.
Three's is a fast and hollow right-hander in the Waikiki/Diamond Head area that catches more S-SE swell than other south shore breaks, making it one of the more consistent summer options. All levels share the lineup.
3️⃣ Fast hollow rights • S-SE swell magnet • All levels welcome
Works best with swells from 190° (S). Workable range: 155°-220°.
May-Sep. Catches more S-SE swell than other Town breaks.
Fast and hollow right-hander. Catches more S-SE swell than other Town breaks.
Beach access in Waikiki/Diamond Head area.
Diamond Head Cliffs encompasses multiple breaks along the iconic crater—Lighthouse, Cliffs, Suicides, and Tongs. More easterly exposure than other south shore spots means it picks up more SE swell, but it's also the first spot to blow out when trade winds kick in.
💎 Multiple DH breaks • SE swell exposure • Heavy when on
Works best with swells from 180° (S). Workable range: 135°-215°.
Offshore wind from 5° (N). Offshore range: 335°-50°. Best window: morning.
May-Sep. Multiple breaks along Diamond Head. When big south swell wraps in, heavy barrels.
🪸 Sharp reef, ⚠️ Shallow, 🦔 Urchins, 🪨 Rocks
Multiple breaks: Lighthouse, Cliffs, Suicides, Tongs. Shallow reef, urchins. First spot to blow out in trades.
Various access points along Diamond Head Road.
Sandy Beach is one of the most powerful shorebreaks in Hawaii—a thick, detonating shore pound that's primarily a bodysurf and bodyboard wave. Red Bull Foam Wreckers venue. Not a traditional paddle-in surf wave, but iconic in its own right.
💥 Legendary shorebreak • Bodysurf paradise • Extremely powerful
Works best with swells from 170° (S). Workable range: 150°-200°.
Needs at least 8s period. Ideal: 12s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 340° (NNW). Offshore range: 300°-20°. Best window: morning.
May-Sep. Incredible bodysurf/bodyboard shorebreak. Extremely powerful and dangerous.
⚠️ Shallow, 🌀 Strong rips, 😮‍💨 Hold-downs
Incredible bodysurf/bodyboard shorebreak. Extremely powerful, dangerous, thick shore pound. Not a paddle-in surf wave.
Beach access at Sandy Beach Park. Large parking lot.
Jaws (Pe'ahi) is one of the biggest rideable waves on Earth and the birthplace of tow-in surfing. A deep water reef amplifies massive North Pacific swells, producing walls of water that move at 30mph. The iconic right barrel at XXL size is one of surfing's most awe-inspiring sights.
🦈 Where tow-in was born • 30mph walls of water • Maui's monster
Works best with swells from 340° (NNW). Workable range: 320°-30°.
Ideal size: 12.2m. Too small below 6.1m, too big (closeout) above 18.3m.
Needs at least 14s period. Ideal: 20s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 180° (S). Offshore range: 135°-225°. Best window: morning.
Nov-Mar. ~15 rideable days/year. Tow-in and paddle. Iconic right barrel at XXL size.
One of the biggest rideable waves on Earth. Deep water reef amplifies massive NP swells. Waves move at ~30mph.
30 minutes drive from OGG airport. Requires boat access ($200/day).
Tow-in or paddle from cliff access. 4WD road to overlook.
Honolua Bay is Maui's crown jewel—Hawaii's best point break offering 200-400 meter rides through multiple sections (Coconuts, The Cave, Keiki Bowl). Molokai island shadows pure NW swells, so it needs a N component to fire. When it's on, it's world-class.
🌺 Maui's crown jewel • Quarter-mile rights • When it's on, it's ON
Works best with swells from 0° (N). Workable range: 340°-20°.
Nov-Mar. Hawaii's best point break. Molokai shadows pure NW; needs N component.
200-400m rides through Coconuts, The Cave, Keiki Bowl. Molokai shadows pure NW; needs N component.
Trail from parking area. Short walk through trees.
Ma'alaea (Freight Trains) is considered the world's fastest rideable wave—a 150-300+ yard barrel that fires only a handful of times per year when huge south swells slip through the gap between Kahoolawe and Maui. When it runs, it's one of surfing's greatest spectacles.
🚂 World's fastest wave • 300-yard barrel • Handful of times per year
Works best with swells from 190° (S). Workable range: 160°-210°.
Needs at least 14s period. Ideal: 16s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 340° (NNW). Offshore range: 290°-10°. Best window: morning.
May-Sep. World's fastest rideable wave. Fires only a handful of times per year.
Considered the world's fastest rideable wave. 150-300+ yard barrel. Needs huge S-SW swell through Kahoolawe gap.
Hookipa is world-famous for windsurfing but also delivers excellent reef break surfing. Multiple peaks in the bay catch consistent winter swells, though strong currents and frequent wind make it a challenging paddle.
🌬️ Windsurf capital • Multiple reef peaks • Consistent winter waves
Works best with swells from 15° (NNE). Workable range: 350°-40°.
Offshore wind from 180° (S). Offshore range: 140°-220°. Best window: morning.
Nov-Mar. World-famous windsurf spot that's also excellent for surfing. Usually windy.
Consistent winter reef breaks. Strong currents and usually windy. Multiple peaks in the bay.
Beach access at Ho'okipa Beach Park. Easy parking.
Honokohau Bay sits just south of Honolua Bay and offers a less crowded alternative when Honolua is maxed out. Solid right reef break with barrel sections that shares the same swell window.
🌊 Honolua's neighbor • Less crowded • Solid right reef
Works best with swells from 355° (N). Workable range: 340°-10°.
Nov-Mar. Just south of Honolua. Less crowded alternative when Honolua is maxed.
Solid right reef break with barrel sections. Same swell window as Honolua.
Tunnels is a spectacular hollow right-hander that breaks over shallow reef on Kauai's North Shore. The long paddle out is rewarded with deep barrel tubes in crystal-clear water with the Na Pali coast as a backdrop. Appropriately named and very localized.
🏔️ Na Pali backdrop • Deep barrel tubes • Crystal clear water
Works best with swells from 350° (N). Workable range: 320°-40°.
Offshore wind from 160° (SSE). Offshore range: 110°-200°. Best window: morning.
Nov-Mar. Long paddle to spectacular hollow rights over shallow reef. Na Pali backdrop.
🪸 Sharp reef, ⚠️ Shallow, 👊 Localism, 🌀 Strong rips
Long paddle to hollow rights over shallow reef. Crystal clear water, Na Pali backdrop. Very localized.
Beach access at Ha'ena Beach Park. Long paddle out.
Cannons is the equally hollow and shallow left on the other side of Ha'ena Bay from Tunnels. A shorter paddle than its neighbor, it delivers powerful barrels in a breathtaking setting. Very localized.
💣 Tunnels' twin left • Equally hollow • Breathtaking setting
Works best with swells from 330° (NNW). Workable range: 300°-360°.
Offshore wind from 200° (SSW). Offshore range: 190°-250°. Best window: morning.
Nov-Mar. Other side of Ha'ena Bay from Tunnels. Equally hollow left.
Equally hollow and shallow as Tunnels. Shorter paddle. Powerful and localized.
Beach access at Ha'ena Beach Park. Shorter paddle than Tunnels.
Hanalei Point is a long right point that breaks 300+ yards over lava reef with powerful barrel sections and an inside bowl. Multiple peaks spread the crowd across the lineup. This is where Andy and Bruce Irons honed their skills.
🏄 Irons brothers' proving ground • 300-yard rights • Multiple peaks
Works best with swells from 340° (NNW). Workable range: 300°-360°.
Ideal size: 2.4m. Too small below 1.2m, too big (closeout) above 3.6m.
Offshore wind from 160° (SSE). Offshore range: 100°-200°. Best window: morning.
Nov-Mar. Long right point breaking 300+ yards over lava reef. Andy & Bruce Irons' proving ground.
Powerful with barrel sections and inside bowl. Multiple peaks spread the crowd. Andy & Bruce Irons' proving ground.
Waikoko's sits across Hanalei Bay from Hanalei Point, offering a fickle left reef break that requires large N swell and W wind to fire. When conditions align, it's a beautiful, secluded wave with a shorter right also available.
🌴 Hanalei Bay's hidden left • Fickle but beautiful • Secluded
Works best with swells from 350° (N). Workable range: 310°-20°.
Offshore wind from 200° (SSW). Offshore range: 170°-250°. Best window: morning.
Nov-Mar. Across Hanalei Bay from the point. Fickle left reef break. Needs large N swell and W wind.
Fickle left reef break. Needs large N swell and W wind. Beautiful, secluded.
Beach access from Hanalei Bay west side.
Hideaways is an exposed reef break in Princeville that produces hollow A-frames on NW swell. Limited to 10 parking spots and accessed by a steep trail, it rewards the effort with very little crowd and quality waves over sharp reef.
🙈 Hidden Princeville gem • Hollow A-frames • 10 parking spots
Works best with swells from 360° (N). Workable range: 320°-30°.
Offshore wind from 157° (SSE). Offshore range: 120°-200°. Best window: morning.
Nov-Mar. In Princeville. Exposed reef break with hollow A-frames on NW swell.
🪸 Sharp reef, ⚠️ Shallow, 🚶 Difficult access
Limited parking (10 spots). Sharp reef, especially on low tide. Steep trail access.
Steep trail from Princeville. Very limited parking (10 spots).
Pakala (Infinities) is a long, roping left point break on Kauai's south coast. Named Infinities for the seemingly endless 200+ yard rides it produces when big enough. A hidden gem that catches summer south swells.
♾️ Infinities • 200-yard lefts • Kauai's hidden gem
Works best with swells from 190° (S). Workable range: 170°-235°.
Needs at least 12s period. Ideal: 14s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 40° (NE). Offshore range: 20°-120°. Best window: morning.
May-Sep. Also known as Infinities for the ride length. 200+ yard rides.
Long roping left point break. 200+ yard rides when big enough. Hidden gem south swell spot.
Beach access from roadside near mile marker 21.
Polihale is a remote beach break at the end of the road on Kauai's west side. Powerful waves channel in from the Na Pali coast, producing empty, epic beachbreak peaks with strong rips. The reward for the long drive is true solitude.
🏝️ End of the road • Empty epic peaks • Na Pali power
Works best with swells from 315° (NW). Workable range: 280°-345°.
Offshore wind from 120° (ESE). Offshore range: 80°-160°. Best window: morning.
Nov-Mar. Remote beach break at end of the road. Powerful waves from Na Pali.
Remote beach break at end of the road. Powerful waves channel in from Na Pali. Strong rips.
End of the road on Kauai's west side. Dirt road may require 4WD.
Banyans is the Big Island's best wave—an A-frame reef break that catches both W/NW swells in winter and S swells in summer, making it one of Hawaii's most versatile spots. Long, glassy rights in Kona conditions are the specialty. Shane Dorian's home break.
🌴 Big Island's best • Shane Dorian's home • Year-round waves
Works best with swells from 270° (W). Workable range: 200°-300°.
Offshore wind from 80° (E). Offshore range: 30°-130°. Best window: morning.
Year-round. S swells in summer, NW in winter. Shane Dorian's home break.
A-frame reef break. Long glassy rights in Kona conditions. Shane Dorian's home break.
Pine Trees (Kohanaiki) is the most consistent break on the Kona coast, with multiple peaks that work on a wide range of swell directions. The left is usually better. Shallow reef and strong currents on bigger days keep it honest.
🌲 Kona's most consistent • Multiple peaks • Local favorite
Works best with swells from 290° (WNW). Workable range: 200°-320°.
Offshore wind from 70° (ENE). Offshore range: 10°-100°. Best window: morning.
Nov-Mar. Most consistent break on the Kona coast. Left usually better.
Multiple peaks, most consistent break on the Kona coast. Shallow reef, strong currents on bigger days.
Lyman's is a classic left point/reef break south of Magic Sands on the Kona coast. It works on multiple swell directions—NW in winter, SW in summer—making it one of the more versatile waves on the Big Island. A Hawaiian royalty surf spot with rich history.
👑 Hawaiian royalty spot • Multi-direction • Classic Kona left
Works best with swells from 292° (WNW). Workable range: 250°-320°.
Offshore wind from 90° (E). Offshore range: 50°-140°. Best window: morning.
Year-round. Works on multiple swell directions. Hawaiian royalty surf spot.
Classic left point/reef break south of Magic Sands. Shallow reef, sharp bottom. Hawaiian royalty surf spot.
Access from Ali'i Drive near Holualoa Bay.
Honoli'i is the most consistent wave on the Big Island's east side—a rivermouth break near Hilo that creates strong, reliable peaks year-round. Sharp lava rocks demand respect, and it's usually onshore with trade winds, but when the winds switch offshore, it's magic.
🌊 Hilo's best • Year-round rivermouth • Magic when offshore
Works best with swells from 45° (NE). Workable range: 350°-100°.
Ideal size: 1.9m. Too small below 0.9m, too big (closeout) above 3m.
Offshore wind from 230° (SW). Offshore range: 200°-260°. Best window: morning.
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
Year-round. Most consistent wave on Big Island's east side. Usually onshore but magic when winds switch.
Rivermouth creates strong reliable peaks. Sharp lava rocks. Usually onshore but magic when winds switch.
Beach access at Honoli'i Beach Park. Short walk from parking.