Kaisers surf guide

Kaisers is the easternmost surf spot on the Ala Moana reef area in Oahu. This place has become popular among surfers looking for a challenge. It’s pretty shallow, so you need to stay sharp. The crowd can get intense, making it feel kind of competitive out there. The waves are often fast and powerful, with a mix of locals and visitors adding to the busy vibe. The best time to surf here is during the summer months, from around April through October.

The waves at Kaisers can reach heights from chest high to well overhead (approximately 1.2 to 2.4 meters) depending on the swell. It works best with swells coming from the South, SouthEast, or SouthWest. The right break is steep and can produce good barrels, making it a favorite for those looking to score some tube time. The left is usually a bit more mellow but can close out on the inside, which means you’ll need to navigate through some whitewash with not much water above the reef. Paddling out can involve some long distances, but it's not too bad once you’re on the waves. Just be cautious, as on bigger swells, the right can start closing out and the paddling back out might get tricky.

Access is pretty straightforward; you can walk along the east breakwater by the Ala Moana parking lot and paddle out through the channel. Alternatively, you can launch from the small beach near the parking lot, but be careful during low tide as the reef can get a bit sketchy. Since it’s always packed, be prepared for an intense crowd and keep your cool when sharing the waves. This is definitely an expert spot, so if you're not comfortable with powerful reef breaks and tight crowds, you might want to consider other options.