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.
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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
- 7.1m
- 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
👥 Summer Break (Jun 15 – Aug 25) — expect extra crowds
Access: Accessible only by hiking trail from Mokuleia or Makaha side. No road access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Kaena Point?
Kaena Point handles all stages of the tide, so time your session around the wind instead. The live chart above shows the next few days.
What wind direction is offshore at Kaena Point?
Offshore wind at Kaena Point blows from the SE (135°). Anything in the 90° to 180° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Kaena Point?
Kaena Point wants NW swell (290° to 320°) between 4.6m and 9.1m, with a period of 18s or more for quality waves.
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?
Fly into HNL, then allow about 60 minutes by road. 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
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