Backdoor
Backdoor is the right-hand barrel at the Pipeline reef—sharing the same takeoff zone but breaking in the opposite direction. When NW to NNW swells arrive with shorter periods, they break up the swell lines and create peaky A-frames, allowing the right to peel with ferocious power over extremely shallow reef.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNW (330°)
- Direction range
- 315° - 350°
- Size range
- 1.8m - 3.6m
- Ideal size
- 3.1m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (120°)
- Offshore range
- 90° - 160°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.2m
- Danger below
- 0.1m
Water temp
25°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Bottom
Reef
Max wave face
5m+
Board
Shortboard
Consistency
6/10
Difficulty
10/10
Crowd level
10/10
👥 Summer Break (Jun 15 – Aug 25) — expect extra crowds
Access: Same as Pipeline. Beach access at Ehukai Beach Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Backdoor?
Backdoor works best on a low to mid tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1.2m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window. Below 0.1m it gets dangerously shallow.
What wind direction is offshore at Backdoor?
Offshore wind at Backdoor blows from the ESE (120°). Anything in the 90° to 160° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Backdoor?
Backdoor wants NNW swell (315° to 350°) between 1.8m and 3.6m, with a period of 16s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Backdoor?
The main season at Backdoor is Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb. A secondary window runs Mar, Oct. Nov-Feb peak. NW-NNW swells create peaky A-frames that produce the right.
How do I get to Backdoor?
Fly into HNL, then allow about 55 minutes by road. Same as Pipeline. Beach access at Ehukai Beach Park.
What kind of wave is Backdoor?
Backdoor is a reef break, a right-hander over a reef bottom. Difficulty is rated 10/10.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Secondary: Mar, Oct
Nov-Feb peak. NW-NNW swells create peaky A-frames that produce the right.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Pipeline
🏆 The proving ground • Heaviest barrels on Earth • Experts only
Rockpile
🪨 Gap in the Road • 150-yard lefts • Uncrowded alternative
Off The Wall
💪 Pipeline's neighbor • Powerful rights • Regular footer's dream
Log Cabins
🪵 Heavier than Pipe • N swell magnet • Life-changing barrels
Backdoor Outer Reef
🌊 Pipe's outer shelf • 2nd & 3rd reef • Reforms into Pipeline
Gas Chambers
💀 Detonating barrels • Extremely shallow • Helmet recommended