Avalanche
Avalanche is a deepwater outer reef near Haleiwa that handles massive swells when the nearshore breaks max out. It offers big wave left-handers in relatively deep water.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (315°)
- Direction range
- 290° - 345°
- Size range
- 4.6m - 9.1m
- Ideal size
- 7.1m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 18s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SE (135°)
- Offshore range
- 90° - 180°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
25°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Bottom
Reef
Max wave face
12m+
Board
Gun / Step-up
Consistency
2/10
Difficulty
10/10
Crowd level
2/10
👥 Summer Break (Jun 15 – Aug 25) — expect extra crowds
Access: Paddle or tow-in from Haleiwa area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Avalanche?
Avalanche handles all stages of the tide, so time your session around the wind instead. The live chart above shows the next few days.
What wind direction is offshore at Avalanche?
Offshore wind at Avalanche blows from the SE (135°). Anything in the 90° to 180° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Avalanche?
Avalanche wants NW swell (290° to 345°) between 4.6m and 9.1m, with a period of 18s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Avalanche?
The main season at Avalanche is Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb. Nov-Feb. Deepwater outer reef near Haleiwa. Handles massive swells.
How do I get to Avalanche?
Fly into HNL, then allow about 50 minutes by road, plus a boat transfer (around $150 USD). Paddle or tow-in from Haleiwa area.
What kind of wave is Avalanche?
Avalanche is a big wave break, a left-hander over a reef bottom. Difficulty is rated 10/10.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Nov-Feb. Deepwater outer reef near Haleiwa. Handles massive swells.
Getting There
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