Hookipa
Hookipa is world-famous for windsurfing but also delivers excellent reef break surfing. Multiple peaks in the bay catch consistent winter swells, though strong currents and frequent wind make it a challenging paddle.
Hookipa surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
Today's ConditionsToday's Conditions
Find FlightsLocation & Conditions
Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
Tide times today
Strike Score Breakdown
Plan Your Strike
Return flights to OGG, departing today with a 5-day trip window.
Search Flights on SkyscannerLocation & Conditions
Know when Hawaii is about to fire
Get the best strike windows in Hawaii — and worldwide — in your inbox every Monday & Thursday. Live Strike Scores, the swell behind them, zero fluff.
Get the full Hookipa trip window
Pro unlocks the 10-day forecast window, unlimited alerts, and custom spot tracking that help turn a good-looking surf report into a better travel decision.
10-day window
See the trip window before flights get expensive.
Unlimited alerts
Let the app watch your score threshold for you.
Custom spots
Track the breaks that actually matter to your travel plans.
Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNE (15°)
- Direction range
- 350° - 40°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2m - 2.6m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (180°)
- Offshore range
- 140° - 220°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
Water temp
24°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Bottom
Reef
Max wave face
4m+
Board
Shortboard
Consistency
7/10
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
7/10
Access: Beach access at Ho'okipa Beach Park. Easy parking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Hookipa?
Hookipa is a reef break in North Shore, Maui, USA, with peaks that run both left and right over a reef bottom. On its biggest days it can hold faces of around 4m. It's one of the more consistent spots around (7/10). A shortboard is the usual call.
What swell works best at Hookipa?
Hookipa picks up swell from the N round to the NE, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the NNE. It starts working at around 1.2m and handles up to about 3m, with the sweet spot around 2 to 2.6m. 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 Hookipa?
A S wind is dead offshore at Hookipa, and anything from the SE round to the SW 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 Hookipa?
Hookipa is at its best around mid tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Hookipa?
The most reliable run of swell at Hookipa comes Nov to Mar. Nov-Mar. World-famous windsurf spot that's also excellent for surfing. Usually windy.
How cold is the water at Hookipa?
The water at Hookipa averages around 24°C, so boardshorts or a rashguard will do. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Hookipa 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. It gets busy (crowd 7/10), so mind the pecking order. Consistent winter reef breaks. Strong currents and usually windy. Multiple peaks in the bay.
How do I get to Hookipa?
The nearest airport on our list is OGG, then it's roughly a 15-minute drive. Beach access at Ho'okipa Beach Park. Easy parking.
What other surf spots are near Hookipa?
The closest breaks we track are Jaws (9.9 km), Ma'alaea (22 km) and Honokohau Bay (28 km), handy when Hookipa isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Nov-Mar. World-famous windsurf spot that's also excellent for surfing. Usually windy.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Jaws
🦈 Where tow-in was born • Giant walls of water • Maui's monster
Ma'alaea
🚂 World's fastest wave • 300-yard barrel • Handful of times per year
Honokohau Bay
🌊 Honolua's neighbor • Less crowded • Solid right reef
Honolua Bay
🌺 Maui's crown jewel • Long rights • When it's on, it's ON
Pine Trees (Kohanaiki)
🌲 Kona's most consistent • Multiple peaks • Local favorite
Sandy Beach
💥 Legendary shorebreak • Bodysurf paradise • Extremely powerful
Plan a trip around Hookipa
Compare this break with other destinations in these surf guides.