Honoli'i
Honoli'i is the most consistent wave on the Big Island's east side—a rivermouth break near Hilo that creates strong, reliable peaks year-round. Sharp lava rocks demand respect, and it's usually onshore with trade winds, but when the winds switch offshore, it's magic.
Honoli'i surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (45°)
- Direction range
- 10° - 95°
- Size range
- 0.9m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.8m - 2.5m
- Height multiplier
- 0.92×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (230°)
- Offshore range
- 200° - 260°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
Water temp
25°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Bottom
Mixed
Max wave face
4m+
Board
Shortboard
Consistency
8/10
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
5/10
Access: Beach access at Honoli'i Beach Park. Short walk from parking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Honoli'i?
Honoli'i is a beach break in Hilo, Big Island, USA, with peaks that run both left and right. On its biggest days it can hold faces of around 4m. It's one of the more consistent spots around (8/10). A shortboard is the usual call.
What swell works best at Honoli'i?
Honoli'i picks up swell from the N round to the E, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the NE. It starts working at around 0.9m and handles up to about 3m, with the sweet spot around 1.8 to 2.5m. Period matters too: aim for 12s or longer, as anything under 8s 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 Honoli'i?
A SW wind is dead offshore at Honoli'i, and anything from the SSW round to the W keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Honoli'i?
Honoli'i is at its best around mid tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Honoli'i?
Honoli'i works year-round. Year-round. Most consistent wave on Big Island's east side. Usually onshore but magic when winds switch.
How cold is the water at Honoli'i?
The water at Honoli'i 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 Honoli'i good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 5/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. Expect a moderate crowd (5/10) when it's on. Rivermouth creates strong reliable peaks. Sharp lava rocks. Usually onshore but magic when winds switch.
How do I get to Honoli'i?
The nearest airport on our list is ITO, then it's roughly a 5-minute drive. Beach access at Honoli'i Beach Park. Short walk from parking.
Best Season
Peak: Jan-Dec
Year-round. Most consistent wave on Big Island's east side. Usually onshore but magic when winds switch.
Getting There
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Plan a trip around Honoli'i
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