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.
Diamond Head Cliffs surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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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
- 1.6m - 2m
- 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
Access: Various access points along Diamond Head Road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Diamond Head Cliffs?
Diamond Head Cliffs is a reef break in South Shore, Oahu, 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 Diamond Head Cliffs?
Diamond Head Cliffs picks up swell from the SE round to the SW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the S. 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. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Diamond Head Cliffs?
A N wind is dead offshore at Diamond Head Cliffs, and anything from the NNW 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 Diamond Head Cliffs?
Diamond Head Cliffs is at its best around the mid to high tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Diamond Head Cliffs?
The most reliable run of swell at Diamond Head Cliffs comes May to Sep. There's a second window in Apr and Oct too. May-Sep. Multiple breaks along Diamond Head. When big south swell wraps in, heavy barrels.
How cold is the water at Diamond Head Cliffs?
The water at Diamond Head Cliffs 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 Diamond Head Cliffs good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 6/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. Expect a moderate crowd (6/10) when it's on. Multiple breaks: Lighthouse, Cliffs, Suicides, Tongs. Shallow reef, urchins. First spot to blow out in trades.
How do I get to Diamond Head Cliffs?
The nearest airport on our list is HNL, then it's roughly a 15-minute drive. Various access points along Diamond Head Road.
What other surf spots are near Diamond Head Cliffs?
The closest breaks we track are Publics (2.0 km), Queen's (2.8 km) and Three's (3.1 km), handy when Diamond Head Cliffs isn't working. We track 6 spots around South Shore, Oahu in total.
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
Nearby Spots
Publics
🌊 Longest left in Town • Always crowded • Diamond Head classic
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
Canoes
🏄 Birthplace of modern surfing • Waikiki icon • Mellow to draining
Ala Moana Bowls
🏙️ Pipeline of Town • Man-made reef • South shore tubes
Kaisers
👑 South Shore premier • Fierce pecking order • Bowly perfection
Plan a trip around Diamond Head Cliffs
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