Himalayas
Himalayas is a massive outer reef off Haleiwa that only breaks on historic, once-in-a-decade swells. Named for the Himalayan scale of the waves it produces, this is true frontier big wave surfing—tow-in only, rarely crowded, and deeply consequential.
Himalayas surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNW (330°)
- Direction range
- 310° - 350°
- Size range
- 6.1m - 12.2m
- Ideal size
- 7.9m - 9.7m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 20s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SE (135°)
- Offshore range
- 100° - 180°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
25°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Bottom
Reef
Max wave face
18m+
Board
Gun / Step-up
Consistency
1/10
Difficulty
10/10
Crowd level
1/10
Access: Tow-in only. Accessible by jet ski from Haleiwa Harbor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Himalayas?
Himalayas is a big-wave spot in North 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 18m. It's fickle (consistency 1/10), so it's worth jumping on when it does turn on. A step-up or gun is the usual call.
What swell works best at Himalayas?
Himalayas picks up swell from the NW round to the N, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the NNW. That's a tight window, so it needs the swell direction to line up. It starts working at around 6.1m and keeps going up to about 12.2m, with the sweet spot around 7.9 to 9.7m. Period matters too: aim for 20s or longer, as anything under 16s 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 Himalayas?
A SE wind is dead offshore at Himalayas, and anything from the E round to the S keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to midday. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Himalayas?
Himalayas isn't especially fussy about tide and generally works through the cycle, so swell and wind matter more here. Big tides can still change how it breaks, so it's worth checking before you paddle out.
When is the best time of year to surf Himalayas?
The most reliable run of swell at Himalayas comes Dec to Feb. Dec-Feb. Only breaks on historic swells. Tow-in territory.
How cold is the water at Himalayas?
The water at Himalayas 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 Himalayas good for beginners?
No. As a big-wave spot, it's strictly for experienced surfers. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 1/10). Massive outer reef off Haleiwa. Only breaks on historic swells. Named for Himalayan-scale waves.
How do I get to Himalayas?
The nearest airport on our list is HNL, then it's roughly a 50-minute drive. From there you need a boat to reach the break (we estimate around $200 USD, but confirm with an operator). Tow-in only. Accessible by jet ski from Haleiwa Harbor.
What other surf spots are near Himalayas?
The closest breaks we track are Chun's Reef (0.9 km), Laniakea (1.2 km) and Haleiwa (1.6 km), handy when Himalayas isn't working. We track 23 spots around North Shore, Oahu in total.
Best Season
Peak: Dec, Jan, Feb
Dec-Feb. Only breaks on historic swells. Tow-in territory.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Chun's Reef
🏖️ Mellow North Shore • Longboard heaven • Fun and accessible
Laniakea
🐢 Turtle Beach • Fun right point • Intermediate-friendly
Haleiwa
🚪 Gateway to the North Shore • Triple Crown venue • Toilet Bowl inside
Avalanche
🏔️ Haleiwa's outer reef • Deep water power • Big swell handler
Leftovers
🤫 North Shore sleeper • World-class potential • Empty on the right day
Waimea Bay
🤙 Big wave history • Eddie Would Go • 15ft+ to fire
Plan a trip around Himalayas
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