Log Cabins
Log Cabins catches more northerly swells than its neighbor Pipeline, with westerly swells refracting past toward Pipe. The uneven lava and sand bottom creates heavier barrels that many consider even more consequential than Pipeline.
Log Cabins surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (350°)
- Direction range
- 340° - 360°
- Size range
- 2.4m - 4.6m
- Ideal size
- 3.4m - 4.1m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (120°)
- Offshore range
- 90° - 160°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
Water temp
25°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Bottom
Mixed
Max wave face
6m+
Board
Shortboard
Consistency
6/10
Difficulty
9/10
Crowd level
6/10
Access: Beach access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Log Cabins?
Log Cabins is a reef break in North Shore, Oahu, USA, with peaks that run both left and right. On its biggest days it can hold faces of around 6m. A shortboard is the usual call.
What swell works best at Log Cabins?
Log Cabins picks up swell from the NNW round to the N, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the N. That's a tight window, so it needs the swell direction to line up. It starts working at around 2.4m and handles up to about 4.6m, with the sweet spot around 3.4 to 4.1m. Period matters too: aim for 16s or longer, as anything under 12s 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 Log Cabins?
An ESE wind is dead offshore at Log Cabins, and anything from the E round to the SSE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Log Cabins?
Log Cabins is at its best around mid tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Log Cabins?
The most reliable run of swell at Log Cabins comes Nov to Feb. There's a second window in Mar and Oct too. Nov-Feb. More northerly swells hit Logs direct while westerly swells refract to Pipe.
How cold is the water at Log Cabins?
The water at Log Cabins 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 Log Cabins good for beginners?
No. At 9/10 for difficulty, it's strictly for experts. Expect a moderate crowd (6/10) when it's on. Uneven lava/sand bottom makes it even heavier than Pipe. Life-changing barrels.
How do I get to Log Cabins?
The nearest airport on our list is HNL, then it's roughly a 55-minute drive. Beach access.
What other surf spots are near Log Cabins?
The closest breaks we track are Rockpile (0.2 km), Pipeline (0.3 km) and Backdoor (0.3 km), handy when Log Cabins isn't working. We track 23 spots around North Shore, Oahu in total.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Secondary: Oct, Mar
Nov-Feb. More northerly swells hit Logs direct while westerly swells refract to Pipe.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Rockpile
🪨 Gap in the Road • 150-yard lefts • Uncrowded alternative
Pipeline
🏆 The proving ground • Among the heaviest barrels on Earth • Experts only
Backdoor
🔥 Pipeline's evil twin • Right-hand deathpit • NNW swell specialist
Backdoor Outer Reef
🌊 Pipe's outer shelf • 2nd & 3rd reef • Reforms into Pipeline
Outer Log Cabins
🏔️ 85ft ridden here • North Shore's outer limit • Tow-in territory
Off The Wall
💪 Pipeline's neighbor • Powerful rights • Regular footer's dream
Plan a trip around Log Cabins
Compare this break with other destinations in these surf guides.