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 kind of wave is Canoes?
Canoes is a reef break in Waikiki, Oahu, USA, that mostly breaks right over a reef bottom. On its biggest days it can hold faces of around 2.5m. It's one of the more consistent spots around (8/10). A longboard is the usual call.
What swell works best at Canoes?
Canoes picks up swell from the SSE round to the SW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the S. It starts working at around 0.6m and handles up to about 1.8m, with the sweet spot around 1.1 to 1.5m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 10s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Canoes?
A N wind is dead offshore at Canoes, and anything from the NW round to the NE 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 Canoes?
Canoes is at its best around the mid to high tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Canoes?
The most reliable run of swell at Canoes comes May to Sep. There's a second window in Apr and Oct too. May-Sep. Hawaii's most iconic learner wave. Transforms on big south swells.
How cold is the water at Canoes?
The water at Canoes averages around 26°C, so boardshorts or a rashguard will do. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Canoes good for beginners?
Yes, it's one of the friendlier waves around, rated 2/10 for difficulty. It gets busy (crowd 10/10), so mind the pecking order. Mellow most days. Transforms on big south swells. Birthplace of modern surfing.
How do I get to Canoes?
The nearest airport on our list is HNL, then it's roughly a 10-minute drive. Waikiki Beach. Walk-in access from hotels.
What other surf spots are near Canoes?
The closest breaks we track are Queen's (0.4 km), Three's (0.6 km) and Publics (1.3 km), handy when Canoes isn't working.
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
Nearby Spots
Queen's
👑 Queen Liliuokalani's wave • Historic royalty • Transforms on south swells
Three's
3️⃣ Fast hollow rights • S-SE swell magnet • All levels welcome
Publics
🌊 Longest left in Town • Always crowded • Diamond Head classic
Ala Moana Bowls
🏙️ Pipeline of Town • Man-made reef • South shore tubes
Kaisers
👑 South Shore premier • Fierce pecking order • Bowly perfection
Kewalos
🏆 Carissa & Seth's home break • A-frame comp wave • Talent factory
Plan a trip around Canoes
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