Surf Forecast  Banyans

Banyans surfspot characteristics

More about Banyans surfspot

Banyans is the locals favourite, requiring patience, skill and luck in order to snag one of the hollow rights in winter NW’ers and shorter lefts in summer souths. NE winds are dead offshore and low tide makes the water depth close to critical. Lefts have a paddling channel amongst the coral heads - the rights don't.

General: Banyans is one of the most popular breaks in the Kailua-Kona area, for both its central location and the fact that it is a multi-personality A-frame that breaks year-round. The usual summertime S to SW angled swells march straight in with nothing in the way, while the steeper S to especially the more rare SSE-SE swells will have a harder time bending in. In wintertime, the more northerly angled swells will be nearly completely blocked by the other islands in the chain, while the more westerly angled NW and especially WNW swells (still partially shadowed) deliver a fair share of energy — need to be below 300° to get in without obstruction. Often in winter, when areas like the North Shore of Oahu is seeing a massive NW swell and most normal spots are maxed/washed out, Banyans will be performing with much more manageable yet still solid surf. The right tends to stand up and hold its line, offering perfect turn sections and even a decent barrel. It also empties into deeper water. Meanwhile, the left can chuck a wide-open barrel on the takeoff, and it will end in a dumping closeout over shallower reef. Located on the Kona Side of the Big Island, Banyans benefits from a typical diurnal wind pattern most days of the year, which means light wind and clean conditions each morning. Because of Banyans' potential and distinction, it's a hot-spot for local contests and pros -- making it a busy, often intense experience. Tides: Medium to high Size: Head high-2X overhead+ Wind: Calm or offshore from an easterly direction (NE to E to SE). North wind is side-offshore. Mornings usually always see light wind and clean conditions, before an afternoon seabreeze develops. Swell: Anything from the S to NW Bottom: Reef Paddling: Fairly short paddle for smaller days. Paddle becomes more the larger it gets. Spot Rating: Super fun, year-round break and usually always clean in the mornings.

All levels -- Depends on size.

Easty. Right off the main road in front of the Kona Bali Kai condos and the Banyan tree.

Year-round. Winter NW-WNW swells and summer S-SW swells. Most consistent in summer, but can occasionally get solid in winter on the bigger WNW swell events.

Crowd Factor: Crowded whenever there is surf going chest high or above. Local Vibe: A local hot-spot and competitive. Humility and respect expected.

Always crowded with the best surfers so scraps only for most visitors.

Pristine.

Reef, urchins, localism.