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.
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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
- 2.5m
- 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
👥 Summer Break (Jun 15 – Aug 25) — expect extra crowds
Access: End of the road on Kauai's west side. Dirt road may require 4WD.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Polihale?
Polihale works best on a mid tide. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Polihale?
Offshore wind at Polihale blows from the ESE (120°). Anything in the 80° to 160° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Polihale?
Polihale wants NW swell (280° to 345°) between 1.2m and 3m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
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?
Fly into LIH, then allow about 75 minutes by road. 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
Nearby Spots
Pakala
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Tunnels
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Waikoko's
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Hanalei Point
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Hideaways
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