Kaena Point
Kaena Point is Oahu's most remote and most powerful wave, accessible only by foot at the island's northwestern tip. Sometimes deemed unrideable, it represents true frontier big wave surfing at a site of deep Hawaiian spiritual significance.
Kaena Point 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
- 4.6m - 9.1m
- Ideal size
- 5.9m - 7.3m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 18s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SE (135°)
- Offshore range
- 90° - 180°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
25°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Bottom
Reef
Max wave face
15m+
Board
Gun / Step-up
Consistency
1/10
Difficulty
10/10
Crowd level
1/10
Access: Accessible only by hiking trail from Mokuleia or Makaha side. No road access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Kaena Point?
The Kaena Point profile does not specify a preferred tide stage. That does not mean tide has no effect: check local conditions alongside swell and wind.
What wind direction is offshore at Kaena Point?
The Kaena Point profile uses wind from SE (135°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 90° to 180°. 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 Kaena Point?
The Kaena Point scoring profile favors swell from NW (290° to 320°), a swell-height range of 4.6m to 9.1m, and a reference period of 18s. 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 Kaena Point?
The main season at Kaena Point is Dec, Jan, Feb. Dec-Feb. Oahu's most remote, most powerful wave. Accessible only by foot.
How do I get to Kaena Point?
The spot profile lists HNL as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 60 minutes. Accessible only by hiking trail from Mokuleia or Makaha side. No road access.
What kind of wave is Kaena Point?
Kaena Point is a big wave break, a peak with lefts and rights over a reef bottom. Difficulty is rated 10/10.
Best Season
Peak: Dec, Jan, Feb
Dec-Feb. Oahu's most remote, most powerful wave. Accessible only by foot.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
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