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Reef
both
Level 6/10

Banyans

Kona, USA
🪸Sharp reef👥Crowded👊Localism

Banyans is the Big Island's premier wave—an A-frame reef break in Kailua-Kona that produces quality peaks year-round, catching both summer south swells and winter northwest energy. The wave offers both lefts and rights over a well-defined reef, with enough variety to keep things interesting regardless of swell direction. The local crew takes their waves seriously, and visitors should approach with appropriate respect. For Big Island surfers, Banyans is the daily driver that delivers when other spots go flat.

Spot Details

Swell Requirements

Optimal direction
SW (220°)
Direction range
180° - 280°
Size range
0.8m - 3m
Ideal period
14s+

Wind Requirements

Optimal direction
E (90°)
Offshore range
45° - 135°
Best window
morning

Tide Requirements

Optimal tide
mid
Optimal range
0.3m - 1.5m

Water temp

26°C

Wetsuit

Boardshorts / Rashguard

Difficulty

6/10

Crowd level

7/10

Access: Beach access from Alii Drive in Kailua-Kona.

Getting There

Airport
KOA
Drive time
15 min

Nearby Buoy

Forecasts are validated against real-time buoy data.

51003 (NOAA)

Best Season

Peak: May-Sep

Secondary: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb

Year-round surf. S swells summer, NW swells winter.

Data Quality

verified

Verified by Stormrider surf guide