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.
Banyans surf forecast
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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
- 1.6m - 2m
- 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
Access: Beach access along Ali'i Drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Banyans?
Banyans is a reef break in Kona Coast, Big Island, USA, with peaks that run both left and right over a reef bottom. On its biggest days it can hold faces of around 3m. A shortboard is the usual call.
What swell works best at Banyans?
Banyans picks up swell from the SSW round to the WNW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the W. It starts working at around 0.9m and handles up to about 2.4m, with the sweet spot around 1.6 to 2m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 10s tends to be weak. Catches S swells in summer in addition to NW swells in winter. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Banyans?
An E wind is dead offshore at Banyans, and anything from the NNE round to the SE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Banyans?
Banyans is at its best around mid tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Banyans?
The most reliable run of swell at Banyans comes Nov to Mar. There's a second window in May to Sep too. Year-round. S swells in summer, NW in winter. Shane Dorian's home break.
How cold is the water at Banyans?
The water at Banyans averages around 25°C, so boardshorts or a rashguard will do. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Banyans good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 5/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. Expect a moderate crowd (5/10) when it's on. A-frame reef break. Long glassy rights in Kona conditions. Shane Dorian's home break.
How do I get to Banyans?
The nearest airport on our list is KOA, then it's roughly a 10-minute drive. Beach access along Ali'i Drive.
What other surf spots are near Banyans?
The closest breaks we track are Lyman's (7.7 km) and Pine Trees (Kohanaiki) (11 km), handy when Banyans isn't working. Fun fact: it's the second most southerly break we track in USA.
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
Nearby Spots
Lyman's
👑 Hawaiian royalty spot • Multi-direction • Classic Kona left
Pine Trees (Kohanaiki)
🌲 Kona's most consistent • Multiple peaks • Local favorite
Honoli'i
🌊 Hilo's best • Year-round rivermouth • Magic when offshore
Ma'alaea
🚂 World's fastest wave • 300-yard barrel • Handful of times per year
Jaws
🦈 Where tow-in was born • Giant walls of water • Maui's monster
Hookipa
🌬️ Windsurf capital • Multiple reef peaks • Consistent winter waves