Pipeline
Pipeline is the proving ground of professional surfing—a shallow, left-breaking barrel that has defined generations of surfers. The wave breaks just 75 yards from the beach over a dangerously shallow lava reef, producing thick, hollow tubes that are as punishing as they are perfect. When NW swells hit during winter, Pipe delivers some of the heaviest barrels on Earth.
Today's Conditions
Find FlightsLocation & Conditions
Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
Tide times today
Strike Score Breakdown
Plan Your Strike
Return flights to HNL, departing today with a 5-day trip window.
Search Flights on SkyscannerLocation & Conditions
Know when Hawaii is about to fire
Get the best strike windows in Hawaii — and worldwide — in your inbox every Monday & Thursday. Live Strike Scores, the swell behind them, zero fluff.
Get the full Pipeline trip window
Pro unlocks the 10-day forecast window, unlimited alerts, and custom spot tracking that help turn a good-looking surf report into a better travel decision.
10-day window
See the trip window before flights get expensive.
Unlimited alerts
Let the app watch your score threshold for you.
Custom spots
Track the breaks that actually matter to your travel plans.
Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (310°)
- Direction range
- 295° - 340°
- Size range
- 1.8m - 4.6m
- Ideal size
- 3.8m
- Height multiplier
- 1.03×
- Ideal period
- 18s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (120°)
- Offshore range
- 90° - 160°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.2m
- Danger below
- 0.1m
Water temp
25°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Bottom
Reef
Max wave face
6m+
Board
Shortboard
Consistency
7/10
Difficulty
10/10
Crowd level
10/10
👥 Summer Break (Jun 15 – Aug 25) — expect extra crowds
Access: Beach access at Ehukai Beach Park. Easy paddle out through channel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Pipeline?
Pipeline works best on a low to mid tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1.2m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window. Below 0.1m it gets dangerously shallow.
What wind direction is offshore at Pipeline?
Offshore wind at Pipeline blows from the ESE (120°). Anything in the 90° to 160° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Pipeline?
Pipeline wants NW swell (295° to 340°) between 1.8m and 4.6m, with a period of 18s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Pipeline?
The main season at Pipeline is Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb. A secondary window runs Mar, Oct. Nov-Feb peak. WNW-NW swells. Kona winds best.
How do I get to Pipeline?
Fly into HNL, then allow about 55 minutes by road. Beach access at Ehukai Beach Park. Easy paddle out through channel.
What kind of wave is Pipeline?
Pipeline is a reef break, a left-hander over a reef bottom. Difficulty is rated 10/10.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Secondary: Mar, Oct
Nov-Feb peak. WNW-NW swells. Kona winds best.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Backdoor
🔥 Pipeline's evil twin • Right-hand deathpit • NNW swell specialist
Rockpile
🪨 Gap in the Road • 150-yard lefts • Uncrowded alternative
Off The Wall
💪 Pipeline's neighbor • Powerful rights • Regular footer's dream
Log Cabins
🪵 Heavier than Pipe • N swell magnet • Life-changing barrels
Backdoor Outer Reef
🌊 Pipe's outer shelf • 2nd & 3rd reef • Reforms into Pipeline
Gas Chambers
💀 Detonating barrels • Extremely shallow • Helmet recommended