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 tide is best at Log Cabins?
The Log Cabins profile favors mid tide. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Log Cabins?
The Log Cabins profile uses wind from ESE (120°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 90° to 160°. 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 Log Cabins?
The Log Cabins scoring profile favors swell from N (340° to 360°), a swell-height range of 2.4m to 4.6m, and a reference period of 16s. 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 Log Cabins?
The main season at Log Cabins is Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb. A secondary window runs Oct, Mar. Nov-Feb. More northerly swells hit Logs direct while westerly swells refract to Pipe.
How do I get to Log Cabins?
The spot profile lists HNL as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 55 minutes. Beach access.
What kind of wave is Log Cabins?
Log Cabins is a reef break, a peak with lefts and rights over a mixed bottom. Difficulty is rated 9/10.
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 • 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.