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Reef
both
Level 5/10

Honoli'i

Hilo, USA
🌀Strong rips🪨Rocks

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.

Spot Details

Swell Requirements

Optimal direction
NE (50°)
Direction range
20° - 100°
Size range
0.8m - 3.5m
Ideal period
12s+

Wind Requirements

Optimal direction
W (270°)
Offshore range
230° - 310°
Best window
morning

Tide Requirements

Optimal tide
mid
Optimal range
0.3m - 1.5m

Water temp

25°C

Wetsuit

Boardshorts / Rashguard

Difficulty

5/10

Crowd level

6/10

Access: Easy beach park access north of Hilo.

Getting There

Airport
ITO
Drive time
10 min

Nearby Buoy

Forecasts are validated against real-time buoy data.

51003 (NOAA)

Best Season

Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar

Secondary: Apr-Oct

Year-round waves. NE trades provide consistent swell.

Data Quality

verified

Verified by Surfline spot guide