Ala Moana Bowls
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.
Ala Moana Bowls surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (190°)
- Direction range
- 160° - 220°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2m - 2.6m
- Height multiplier
- 0.92×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (10°)
- Offshore range
- 340° - 60°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
26°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Bottom
Reef
Max wave face
4m+
Board
Shortboard
Consistency
6/10
Difficulty
8/10
Crowd level
7/10
Access: Beach access at Ala Moana Beach Park. Easy paddle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Ala Moana Bowls?
The Ala Moana Bowls profile does not specify a preferred tide stage. That does not mean tide has no effect: check local conditions alongside swell and wind.
What wind direction is offshore at Ala Moana Bowls?
The Ala Moana Bowls profile uses wind from N (10°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 340° to 60°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Ala Moana Bowls?
The Ala Moana Bowls scoring profile favors swell from S (160° to 220°), a swell-height range of 1.2m to 3m, and a reference period of 16s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Ala Moana Bowls?
The main season at Ala Moana Bowls is May-Sep. A secondary window runs Apr, Oct. May-Sep south swell season. Pipeline of Town. Man-made reef from 1950s harbor construction.
How do I get to Ala Moana Bowls?
The spot profile lists HNL as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 15 minutes. Beach access at Ala Moana Beach Park. Easy paddle.
What kind of wave is Ala Moana Bowls?
Ala Moana Bowls is a reef break, a left-hander over a reef bottom. Difficulty is rated 8/10.
Best Season
Peak: May-Sep
Secondary: Apr, Oct
May-Sep south swell season. Pipeline of Town. Man-made reef from 1950s harbor construction.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Kaisers
👑 South Shore premier • Fierce pecking order • Bowly perfection
Kewalos
🏆 Carissa & Seth's home break • A-frame comp wave • Talent factory
Canoes
🏄 Birthplace of modern surfing • Waikiki icon • Mellow to draining
Three's
3️⃣ Fast hollow rights • S-SE swell magnet • All levels welcome
Queen's
👑 Queen Liliuokalani's wave • Historic royalty • Transforms on south swells
Publics
🌊 Longest left in Town • Always crowded • Diamond Head classic
Plan a trip around Ala Moana Bowls
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