Hawaii surf forecast

Surfing in Hawaii

Hawaii's surf season for the spots covered here is the northern hemisphere winter. The north and north-west facing coasts of Oahu and Maui sit directly in the path of groundswell from North Pacific storms, which usually arrive from around October and peak between November and March. On Oahu that means the North Shore reefs of Pipeline, Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay and Laniakea. On Maui it means Ho'okipa near Paia, the big-wave reef at Jaws/Pe'ahi on the north coast, and Honolua Bay, a long right-hand point in the north-west near Kapalua. In summer these north-facing coasts are mostly small or flat, and the surf shifts to south-facing shores that are not yet part of this page.

Swell direction decides which spot works. North and north-north-west swells suit the north-facing Oahu reefs and Pe'ahi, while Pipeline prefers a more west-north-west angle. Honolua Bay on Maui's north-west tip needs a north-west to north-north-west swell, and there the trade winds usually blow offshore. The north-east trades are the other big factor: they blow offshore on parts of Oahu's North Shore but often make Maui's exposed north coast too windy to surf by midday, which is why Ho'okipa is equally famous for windsurfing. Pe'ahi only breaks on the largest midwinter swells and is ridden by specialist big-wave teams.

All of these breaks are over coral or lava reef and suit experienced surfers. Expect shallow water over sharp reef, strong currents and crowded, closely watched line-ups in good conditions. Use lifeguarded beaches where possible and ask them about the day's hazards.