Located on the Big Island's east coast, just north of Hilo, Honolii Point is a well-known surf spot that offers a reliable break at the rivermouth. The beach park is easy to access, making it a popular choice for surfers of all levels. The area features a mix of black sand, rocks, and shade trees, creating a pleasant environment to chill before or after your session. Although the spot can get crowded, especially when the swell is on, the local vibe is generally friendly, and humility and respect from surfers are appreciated.
The waves at Honolii typically offer fast, consistent lefts and rights that can become hollow and powerful with a solid swell, especially during the winter months. This place works best with northeast swells (optimal direction) and can handle sizes ranging from 4 ft to 10 ft (about 1.2 m to 3 m). You can expect the best conditions during low to medium tides, with offshore winds from the southwest providing clean faces. Keep in mind that the waves break over boulders, and the currents can get strong, particularly off the point, so it’s more suitable for intermediate surfers. A left-hander off the point is also worth checking out when the conditions align.
While Honolii is mostly consistent, its quality can vary with rain due to the river's flow. The spot can see decent action year-round, especially during autumn and spring, but winter brings the most powerful swells from the North Pacific. Surfers can ride various board types here, including shortboards, funboards, longboards, fishes, SUPs, and bodyboards. Just remember to check the wind and swell conditions before heading out, as it can really fire when the right swell meets those offshore Kona winds.