Pine Trees (Kohanaiki)
Pine Trees (Kohanaiki) is the most consistent break on the Kona coast, with multiple peaks that work on a wide range of swell directions. The left is usually better. Shallow reef and strong currents on bigger days keep it honest.
Pine Trees (Kohanaiki) surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Planning a session at Pine Trees (Kohanaiki)
Which Pine Trees does this forecast cover?
This page covers Kohanaiki, known locally as Pine Trees, on the Kona coast of Hawaiʻi Island. It is a different location from the Pine Trees name used at Hanalei on Kauaʻi. Check the island and map before using the forecast to plan a session.
Check the reef and your experience level
Go Hawaii places Kohanaiki among the island’s options for intermediate surfers and above. Use the swell, wind and tide forecast as a starting point, then assess the actual entry, reef and currents at the peak you choose. Do not infer beginner suitability from a small model swell value alone.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WNW (290°)
- Direction range
- 200° - 320°
- Size range
- 0.9m - 2.4m
- Ideal size
- 1.6m - 2m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ENE (70°)
- Offshore range
- 10° - 100°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
25°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Bottom
Reef
Max wave face
3m+
Board
Shortboard
Consistency
6/10
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
5/10
Access: Beach access. Local favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Pine Trees (Kohanaiki)?
Pine Trees is a reef break in Kona Coast, Big Island, USA, that mostly breaks left over a reef bottom. On its biggest days it can hold faces of around 3m. A shortboard is the usual call.
What swell works best at Pine Trees (Kohanaiki)?
Pine Trees picks up swell from the SSW round to the NW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the WNW. It starts working at around 0.9m and handles up to about 2.4m, with the sweet spot around 1.6 to 2m. 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 Pine Trees (Kohanaiki)?
An ENE wind is dead offshore at Pine Trees, and anything from the N round to the E 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 Pine Trees (Kohanaiki)?
Pine Trees isn't especially fussy about tide and generally works through the cycle, so swell and wind matter more here. Big tides can still change how it breaks, so it's worth checking before you paddle out.
When is the best time of year to surf Pine Trees (Kohanaiki)?
The most reliable run of swell at Pine Trees comes Nov to Mar. Nov-Mar. Most consistent break on the Kona coast. Left usually better.
How cold is the water at Pine Trees (Kohanaiki)?
The water at Pine Trees 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 Pine Trees (Kohanaiki) good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 5/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. Expect a moderate crowd (5/10) when it's on. Multiple peaks, most consistent break on the Kona coast. Shallow reef, strong currents on bigger days.
How do I get to Pine Trees (Kohanaiki)?
The nearest airport on our list is KOA, then it's roughly a 15-minute drive. Beach access. Local favorite.
What other surf spots are near Pine Trees (Kohanaiki)?
The closest breaks we track are Banyans (11 km) and Lyman's (19 km), handy when Pine Trees isn't working. Fun fact: it's the third most southerly break we track in USA.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Nov-Mar. Most consistent break on the Kona coast. Left usually better.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Banyans
🌴 Big Island's best • Shane Dorian's home • Year-round waves
Lyman's
👑 Hawaiian royalty spot • Multi-direction • Classic Kona left
Honoli'i
🌊 Hilo's best • Year-round rivermouth • Magic when offshore
Ma'alaea
🚂 World's fastest wave • 300-yard barrel • Handful of times per year
Jaws
🦈 Where tow-in was born • Giant walls of water • Maui's monster
Hookipa
🌬️ Windsurf capital • Multiple reef peaks • Consistent winter waves
Plan a trip around Pine Trees (Kohanaiki)
Compare this break with other destinations in these surf guides.