Backyards is a shifty wave between Sunset Beach and Velzyland that requires a fast takeoff to get barreled. Shallow coral can detonate without warning, and the break sits directly behind beachfront houses—hence the name.
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Water temp
25°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Bottom
Reef
Max wave face
4m+
Board
Shortboard
Consistency
6/10
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
5/10
Access: Public beach access between houses.
The Backyards profile favors mid tide. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
The Backyards profile uses wind from ESE (120°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 90° to 170°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
The Backyards scoring profile favors swell from NNW (310° to 350°), a swell-height range of 1.2m to 3m, and a reference period of 14s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
The main season at Backyards is Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb. A secondary window runs Oct, Mar. Nov-Feb. Between Sunset and V-Land. Fast takeoff required for barrel.
The spot profile lists HNL as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 55 minutes. Public beach access between houses.
Backyards is a reef break, a peak with lefts and rights over a reef bottom. Difficulty is rated 7/10.
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Secondary: Oct, Mar
Nov-Feb. Between Sunset and V-Land. Fast takeoff required for barrel.
🏪 Kammie's Market legacy • Workable walls • Under the radar
🏄 Dale Velzy's legacy • Draining ledge • 150-yard peelers
🌅 The ultimate proving ground • Shifting peaks • Deep water power
👻 Outer reef phantom • XL swell only • Deep water power
🌊 Pipe's outer shelf • 2nd & 3rd reef • Reforms into Pipeline
💪 Pipeline's neighbor • Powerful rights • Regular footer's dream
Compare this break with other destinations in these surf guides.