Honoli'i is Hilo's go-to surf spot—a rivermouth reef break on the Big Island's wet east side that catches trade wind swells year-round. The wave is remarkably consistent for Hawaii, working when other spots are flat, though the trade wind exposure means conditions can be choppy. The rivermouth creates interesting currents and sandbars, while the rocky entry demands awareness. For east side residents, Honoli'i provides reliable daily surfing with enough quality to keep skills sharp.
Water temp
25°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
6/10
Access: Easy beach park access north of Hilo.
Forecasts are validated against real-time buoy data.
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Apr-Oct
Year-round waves. NE trades provide consistent swell.
Verified by Surfline spot guide
How well swell angle matches the spot
Wave height in the ideal range
Each spot has different period requirements. Points and reefs can handle longer periods than beaches.
Offshore/glassy conditions