Hanalei Point
Hanalei Point is a long right point that breaks 300+ yards over lava reef with powerful barrel sections and an inside bowl. Multiple peaks spread the crowd across the lineup. This is where Andy and Bruce Irons honed their skills.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNW (340°)
- Direction range
- 300° - 360°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 3.6m
- Ideal size
- 2.3m - 3m
- Height multiplier
- 0.90×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSE (160°)
- Offshore range
- 100° - 200°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid to high
Water temp
25°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Bottom
Reef
Max wave face
5m+
Board
Shortboard
Consistency
6/10
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
7/10
Access: Beach access at Hanalei Bay Beach Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Hanalei Point?
Hanalei Point is a point break in North Shore, Kauai, USA, that mostly breaks right over a reef bottom. On its biggest days it can hold faces of around 5m. A shortboard is the usual call.
What swell works best at Hanalei Point?
Hanalei Point picks up swell from the WNW round to the N, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the NNW. It starts working at around 1.2m and handles up to about 3.6m, with the sweet spot around 2.3 to 3m. Period matters too: aim for 16s or longer, as anything under 12s 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 Hanalei Point?
A SSE wind is dead offshore at Hanalei Point, and anything from the E round to the SSW 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 Hanalei Point?
Hanalei Point is at its best around the mid to high tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Hanalei Point?
The most reliable run of swell at Hanalei Point comes Nov to Mar. Nov-Mar. Long right point breaking 300+ yards over lava reef. Andy & Bruce Irons' proving ground.
How cold is the water at Hanalei Point?
The water at Hanalei Point averages around 25°C, so boardshorts or a rashguard will do. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Hanalei Point good for beginners?
Not really. It's rated 7/10 for difficulty and suits experienced surfers. It gets busy (crowd 7/10), so mind the pecking order. Powerful with barrel sections and inside bowl. Multiple peaks spread the crowd. Andy & Bruce Irons' proving ground.
How do I get to Hanalei Point?
The nearest airport on our list is LIH, then it's roughly a 35-minute drive. Beach access at Hanalei Bay Beach Park.
What other surf spots are near Hanalei Point?
The closest breaks we track are Waikoko's (0.9 km), Hideaways (1.9 km) and Tunnels (5.8 km), handy when Hanalei Point isn't working. We track 5 spots around North Shore, Kauai in total.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Nov-Mar. Long right point breaking 300+ yards over lava reef. Andy & Bruce Irons' proving ground.
Getting There
👨👩👧👦Family Travel
Nearby Spots
Waikoko's
🌴 Hanalei Bay's hidden left • Fickle but beautiful • Secluded
Hideaways
🙈 Hidden Princeville gem • Hollow A-frames • 10 parking spots
Tunnels
🏔️ Na Pali backdrop • Deep barrel tubes • Crystal clear water
Cannons
💣 Tunnels' twin left • Equally hollow • Breathtaking setting
Polihale
🏝️ End of the road • Empty epic peaks • Na Pali power
Pakala
♾️ Infinities • 200-yard lefts • Kauai's hidden gem
Plan a trip around Hanalei Point
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