Haleiwa
Haleiwa is the gateway to the North Shore and a Triple Crown venue that delivers powerful rights and hollow barrels. The Toilet Bowl inside section is brutally shallow, adding consequence to an already demanding wave. When solid WNW swells wrap in, the rights can barrel for 100 yards.
Haleiwa surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (305°)
- Direction range
- 290° - 320°
- Size range
- 1.8m - 3.6m
- Ideal size
- 2.6m - 3.2m
- Height multiplier
- 0.90×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SE (135°)
- Offshore range
- 100° - 170°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid to high
Water temp
25°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Bottom
Reef
Max wave face
5m+
Board
Shortboard
Consistency
7/10
Difficulty
8/10
Crowd level
8/10
Access: Beach access at Ali'i Beach Park. Parking available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Haleiwa?
The Haleiwa 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 Haleiwa?
The Haleiwa profile uses wind from SE (135°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 100° to 170°. 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 Haleiwa?
The Haleiwa scoring profile favors swell from NW (290° to 320°), a swell-height range of 1.8m to 3.6m, and a reference period of 16s. 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 Haleiwa?
The main season at Haleiwa is Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb. A secondary window runs Oct, Mar. Nov-Feb peak. Triple Crown venue. Gateway to the North Shore.
How do I get to Haleiwa?
The spot profile lists HNL as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 45 minutes. Beach access at Ali'i Beach Park. Parking available.
What kind of wave is Haleiwa?
Haleiwa is a reef break, a peak with lefts and rights over a reef bottom. Difficulty is rated 8/10.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Secondary: Oct, Mar
Nov-Feb peak. Triple Crown venue. Gateway to the North Shore.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Laniakea
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Avalanche
🏔️ Haleiwa's outer reef • Deep water power • Big swell handler
Chun's Reef
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Himalayas
🗻 Himalayan-scale waves • Historic swells only • Frontier big wave
Leftovers
🤫 North Shore sleeper • World-class potential • Empty on the right day
Waimea Bay
🤙 Birthplace of big wave surfing • Eddie Would Go • 15ft+ to fire
Plan a trip around Haleiwa
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