Canoes
Canoes is Hawaii's most iconic learner wave and the birthplace of modern surfing. Most days it's a gentle, rolling right, but when big south swells hit, the barrel section transforms from mellow to draining.
Canoes surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (190°)
- Direction range
- 150° - 235°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 1.8m
- Ideal size
- 1.1m - 1.5m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (10°)
- Offshore range
- 315° - 55°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid to high
Water temp
26°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Bottom
Reef
Max wave face
2.5m+
Board
Longboard
Consistency
8/10
Difficulty
2/10
Crowd level
10/10
Access: Waikiki Beach. Walk-in access from hotels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Canoes?
The Canoes profile favors mid to high tide. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Canoes?
The Canoes profile uses wind from N (10°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 315° to 55°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Canoes?
The Canoes scoring profile favors swell from S (150° to 235°), a swell-height range of 0.6m to 1.8m, 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.
When is the best time of year to surf Canoes?
The main season at Canoes is May-Sep. A secondary window runs Apr, Oct. May-Sep. Hawaii's most iconic learner wave. Transforms on big south swells.
How do I get to Canoes?
The spot profile lists HNL as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 10 minutes. Waikiki Beach. Walk-in access from hotels.
What kind of wave is Canoes?
Canoes is a reef break, a right-hander over a reef bottom. Difficulty is rated 2/10.
Best Season
Peak: May-Sep
Secondary: Apr, Oct
May-Sep. Hawaii's most iconic learner wave. Transforms on big south swells.
Getting There
👨👩👧👦Family Travel
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Kaisers
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Kewalos
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Plan a trip around Canoes
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