Publics
Publics offers one of the longest lefts in Honolulu, peeling over sharp live coral near Diamond Head. Softer and friendlier on higher tides, it becomes hollower and more dangerous at low tide. Consistent and always crowded.
Publics surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (190°)
- Direction range
- 160° - 230°
- Size range
- 0.9m - 1.8m
- Ideal size
- 1.3m - 1.6m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNE (25°)
- Offshore range
- 340° - 80°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid to high
- Danger below
- 0.3m
Water temp
26°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Bottom
Reef
Max wave face
2.5m+
Board
Any
Consistency
7/10
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
9/10
Access: Beach access near Diamond Head.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Publics?
Publics is a reef break in South Shore, Oahu, USA, that mostly breaks left over a reef bottom. On its biggest days it can hold faces of around 2.5m. It's one of the more consistent spots around (7/10).
What swell works best at Publics?
Publics picks up swell from the SSE round to the SW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the S. It starts working at around 0.9m and handles up to about 1.8m, with the sweet spot around 1.3 to 1.6m. 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 Publics?
A NNE wind is dead offshore at Publics, and anything from the NNW 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 Publics?
Publics is at its best around the mid to high tide. Below 0.3m it gets dangerously shallow.
When is the best time of year to surf Publics?
The most reliable run of swell at Publics comes May to Sep. There's a second window in Apr and Oct too. May-Sep. One of the longest lefts in Honolulu. Low tide dangerous over sharp live coral.
How cold is the water at Publics?
The water at Publics averages around 26°C, so boardshorts or a rashguard will do. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Publics 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. It gets busy (crowd 9/10), so mind the pecking order. Sharp shallow live coral. Softer on higher tide, hollower on low. Always crowded.
How do I get to Publics?
The nearest airport on our list is HNL, then it's roughly a 15-minute drive. Beach access near Diamond Head.
What other surf spots are near Publics?
The closest breaks we track are Queen's (1.0 km), Three's (1.1 km) and Canoes (1.3 km), handy when Publics isn't working. We track 6 spots around South Shore, Oahu in total.
Best Season
Peak: May-Sep
Secondary: Apr, Oct
May-Sep. One of the longest lefts in Honolulu. Low tide dangerous over sharp live coral.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Queen's
👑 Queen Liliuokalani's wave • Historic royalty • Transforms on south swells
Three's
3️⃣ Fast hollow rights • S-SE swell magnet • All levels welcome
Canoes
🏄 Birthplace of modern surfing • Waikiki icon • Mellow to draining
Diamond Head Cliffs
💎 Multiple DH breaks • SE swell exposure • Heavy when on
Ala Moana Bowls
🏙️ Pipeline of Town • Man-made reef • South shore tubes
Kaisers
👑 South Shore premier • Fierce pecking order • Bowly perfection
Plan a trip around Publics
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