Polihale
Polihale is a remote beach break at the end of the road on Kauai's west side. Powerful waves channel in from the Na Pali coast, producing empty, epic beachbreak peaks with strong rips. The reward for the long drive is true solitude.
Polihale surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (315°)
- Direction range
- 280° - 345°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2m - 2.6m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (120°)
- Offshore range
- 80° - 160°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
Water temp
25°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Bottom
Sand
Max wave face
4m+
Board
Any
Consistency
5/10
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
2/10
Access: End of the road on Kauai's west side. Dirt road may require 4WD.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Polihale?
The Polihale profile favors mid tide. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Polihale?
The Polihale profile uses wind from ESE (120°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 80° 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 Polihale?
The Polihale scoring profile favors swell from NW (280° to 345°), a swell-height range of 1.2m to 3m, and a reference period of 14s. 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 Polihale?
The main season at Polihale is Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. Nov-Mar. Remote beach break at end of the road. Powerful waves from Na Pali.
How do I get to Polihale?
The spot profile lists LIH as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 75 minutes. End of the road on Kauai's west side. Dirt road may require 4WD.
What kind of wave is Polihale?
Polihale is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights over a sand bottom. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Nov-Mar. Remote beach break at end of the road. Powerful waves from Na Pali.
Getting There
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