Overview
Hauru is a fast, shallow reef break tucked into a narrow cut in the fringing reef near the Intercontinental on Moorea's north coast. It breaks over live coral and clearly favours lefthanders, especially when there's a bit of west in the swell. The town of Hauru and the former Club Med that gave the break its name sit around the corner on the west-facing coast. If the main peak feels like too much, there's an easier left back at the entrance to Opunohu bay.
When It Works
The reef draws swell from west to north (W-N), with northwest (NW) the best match, since that touch of west is what lights up the lefts. It works from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft and is moderately consistent, so you'll find rideable windows without it turning on every day. Stick to the left: the right is even less forgiving, fast and shallow with boiling shut-down sections that are really only for committed chargers.
Wind and Tide
Look for a south (S) offshore to clean it up. The break can work through low, mid and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This one suits intermediate surfers who are comfortable sitting over shallow live coral, and the lineup tends to stay fairly quiet. Keep an eye on the currents, which can run really strong here, and note that the nearby motus are popular shark diving hotspots.
