Hapuna Point is located just a few miles south of Kawaihae Harbor on the Big Island. It's known for its stunning beach, which is the largest and whitest on the island. While it's not the top surfing spot on the island, it can deliver some fun sessions. Most of the time, you're looking at a beautiful stretch of golden sand that's great for skimboarding and bodysurfing, but it can catch some decent waves, especially when the conditions align.
The surf here is generally soft and mushy, but it can surprise you with some epic swells during the winter, especially big WNW (northwest) swells that can transform the southern edge into a left-hand point break. When the waves do come in, you'll experience mostly shorepound that breaks over sand, while the outer waves can hit some shallow reef. Hapuna can handle swell sizes from about 6 to 10 feet (2 to 3 meters) and works best with a northwest swell direction. Ideal conditions are typically found with calm or offshore winds coming from the southeast, which help keep the waves clean. The waves can break left and right, and there's a short paddle for the shoredump, while the outer point requires a bit more effort. All tides can work here, but low to mid tides might serve you better.
Access to Hapuna Point is easy, with parking available at Hapuna Beach Park right off the highway. Since it's a popular beach, you can expect crowds, especially during peak hours. The local vibe is generally friendly, but it's good to show humility and respect in the water. The environment here is pristine and offers a nice escape for surfers looking for a mix of bodyboarding, shortboarding, and skimboarding.