Pupukea
Pupukea is a sand and rock bottom break between the Pipeline area and Rocky Point. Fun and surfable at smaller sizes, it becomes demanding at head-high-plus with legitimate barreling potential.
Pupukea 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
- 300° - 330°
- Size range
- 0.9m - 2.4m
- Ideal size
- 1.6m - 2m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (120°)
- Offshore range
- 90° - 160°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
Water temp
25°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Bottom
Mixed
Max wave face
3.5m+
Board
Shortboard
Consistency
7/10
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
5/10
Access: Beach access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Pupukea?
The Pupukea profile favors low to mid tide. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Pupukea?
The Pupukea profile uses wind from ESE (120°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 90° 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 Pupukea?
The Pupukea scoring profile favors swell from NW (300° to 330°), a swell-height range of 0.9m to 2.4m, 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 Pupukea?
The main season at Pupukea is Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb. A secondary window runs Oct, Mar. Nov-Feb. Fun to 6ft, demanding to 10ft.
How do I get to Pupukea?
The spot profile lists HNL as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 55 minutes. Beach access.
What kind of wave is Pupukea?
Pupukea is a reef break, a peak with lefts and rights over a mixed bottom. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Secondary: Oct, Mar
Nov-Feb. Fun to 6ft, demanding to 10ft.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Rocky Point
📸 Photographer magnet • High performance • Shifty peaks
Gas Chambers
💀 Detonating barrels • Extremely shallow • Helmet recommended
Off The Wall
💪 Pipeline's neighbor • Powerful rights • Regular footer's dream
Pipeline
🏆 The proving ground • Heaviest barrels on Earth • Experts only
Backdoor
🔥 Pipeline's evil twin • Right-hand deathpit • NNW swell specialist
Rockpile
🪨 Gap in the Road • 150-yard lefts • Uncrowded alternative
Plan a trip around Pupukea
Compare this break with other destinations in these surf guides.