Banyans
Banyans is the Big Island's best wave—an A-frame reef break that catches both W/NW swells in winter and S swells in summer, making it one of Hawaii's most versatile spots. Long, glassy rights in Kona conditions are the specialty. Shane Dorian's home break.
Today's Conditions
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Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
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Strike Score Breakdown
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (270°)
- Direction range
- 200° - 300°
- Size range
- 0.9m - 2.4m
- Ideal size
- 1.9m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (80°)
- Offshore range
- 30° - 130°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
Water temp
25°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Bottom
Reef
Max wave face
3m+
Board
Shortboard
Consistency
5/10
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
5/10
👥 Summer Break (Jun 15 – Aug 25) — expect extra crowds
Access: Beach access along Ali'i Drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Banyans?
Banyans works best on a mid tide. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Banyans?
Offshore wind at Banyans blows from the E (80°). Anything in the 30° to 130° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Banyans?
Banyans wants W swell (200° to 300°) between 0.9m and 2.4m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Banyans?
The main season at Banyans is Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. A secondary window runs May-Sep. Year-round. S swells in summer, NW in winter. Shane Dorian's home break.
How do I get to Banyans?
Fly into KOA, then allow about 10 minutes by road. Beach access along Ali'i Drive.
What kind of wave is Banyans?
Banyans is a reef break, a peak with lefts and rights over a reef bottom. Difficulty is rated 5/10.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: May-Sep
Year-round. S swells in summer, NW in winter. Shane Dorian's home break.
Getting There
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