Diamond Head Cliffs
Diamond Head Cliffs encompasses multiple breaks along the iconic crater—Lighthouse, Cliffs, Suicides, and Tongs. More easterly exposure than other south shore spots means it picks up more SE swell, but it's also the first spot to blow out when trade winds kick in.
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Strike Score Breakdown
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (180°)
- Direction range
- 135° - 215°
- Size range
- 0.9m - 2.4m
- Ideal size
- 1.9m
- Height multiplier
- 1.03×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (5°)
- Offshore range
- 335° - 50°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid to high
Water temp
26°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Bottom
Reef
Max wave face
3m+
Board
Shortboard
Consistency
6/10
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
6/10
👥 Summer Break (Jun 15 – Aug 25) — expect extra crowds
Access: Various access points along Diamond Head Road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Diamond Head Cliffs?
Diamond Head Cliffs works best on a mid to high tide. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Diamond Head Cliffs?
Offshore wind at Diamond Head Cliffs blows from the N (5°). Anything in the 335° to 50° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Diamond Head Cliffs?
Diamond Head Cliffs wants S swell (135° to 215°) 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 Diamond Head Cliffs?
The main season at Diamond Head Cliffs is May-Sep. A secondary window runs Apr, Oct. May-Sep. Multiple breaks along Diamond Head. When big south swell wraps in, heavy barrels.
How do I get to Diamond Head Cliffs?
Fly into HNL, then allow about 15 minutes by road. Various access points along Diamond Head Road.
What kind of wave is Diamond Head Cliffs?
Diamond Head Cliffs is a reef break, a peak with lefts and rights over a reef bottom. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: May-Sep
Secondary: Apr, Oct
May-Sep. Multiple breaks along Diamond Head. When big south swell wraps in, heavy barrels.
Getting There
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Three's
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Canoes
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Ala Moana Bowls
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Kaisers
👑 South Shore premier • Fierce pecking order • Bowly perfection