Overview
Hawa's Beach is a sandy beach break at the southern end of Kovalam, and the spot to head for when you actually want waves. While the town's northern beach sits swell-protected and mostly flat, Hawa faces straight into the southwest swell and wind, so it picks up surf when the rest of the bay stays calm. Expect messy lefts peeling off the scattered rocks at the southern end, with rights on offer too. Kovalam itself makes an easygoing base, with cheap hotels, laid-back places to hang out, and even a couple of local surfers around.
When It Works
The break draws swell from south through west-southwest to northwest (S-WSW-NW), with south the best match. It works from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft, breaking over sand as a left and right beach break.
Wind and Tide
Look for a northeast offshore wind to clean things up, since the beach faces into the southwest wind that tends to leave it messy. It can work through low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This is an approachable, beginner-friendly wave, and with only a handful of local surfers around the lineup stays quiet.
Access
Lifeguards patrol the beach, and you'll find restrooms, camping, and a surf school on hand. It's a popular tourist beach, so expect plenty of people milling around onshore.
