Motels
Motels is a dependable left-hander on Tongatapu's west coast, part of the Ha'atafu reef system that includes five excellent breaks. Near Ha'atafu Beach Resort, it's one of the more forgiving waves in the lineup, making it ideal for intermediate surfers. SW groundswells from Tasman Sea lows light it up from May through October.
Motels surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (225°)
- Direction range
- 190° - 260°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.5m - 2m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SE (135°)
- Offshore range
- 100° - 170°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 1.5m
Water temp
25°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Near Ha'atafu Beach Resort. Short drive from west coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Motels?
Motels is a reef break in Tongatapu, Tonga, that mostly breaks left.
What swell works best at Motels?
Motels picks up swell from the S round to the W, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SW. It starts working at around 0.6m and handles up to about 2.5m, with the sweet spot around 1.5 to 2m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 9s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Motels?
A SE wind is dead offshore at Motels, and anything from the E round to the S keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Motels?
Motels is at its best around mid tide, roughly 0.5m to 1.5m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Motels?
The most reliable run of swell at Motels comes May to Oct. Austral winter. SW groundswells from Tasman Sea / Antarctic lows.
How cold is the water at Motels?
The water at Motels averages around 25°C, so boardshorts or a rashguard will do. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Motels good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 4/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 3/10). Coral reef. Part of Ha'atafu reef system.
How do I get to Motels?
The nearest airport on our list is TBU, then it's roughly a 40-minute drive. Near Ha'atafu Beach Resort. Short drive from west coast.
What other surf spots are near Motels?
The closest breaks we track are Ha'atafu Beach (1.9 km) and The Peak (Tonga) (4.5 km), handy when Motels isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: May-Oct
Austral winter. SW groundswells from Tasman Sea / Antarctic lows.