Surf: General: Located in the historical town of Kawaihae, and tucked under the northwest corner of the Big Island, is Kawaihae Harbor -- a fun surf spot during the winter and summer months that offers both rights and lefts. WNW to N swells run down along the northwest Big Island coast and hit the breakwater at Kawaihae, producing running right-handers. The left empties out into the boat channel, so it's not quite as good as the right. Tides: Medium tides Size: Chest high-2X overhead Wind: Calm or offshore from an easterly direction (NE to E to SE). N wind is side-offshore. Mornings usually always see light wind and clean conditions, before an afternoon seabreeze develops. Swell: The more west the better, from either the South or North Pacific. Bottom: Reef Paddling: The paddle is not bad for smaller days, but becomes more the larger it gets. Spot Rating: Can get really fun on a solid WNW swell, but usually average to below average. Access: Easy. Parking at the Kawaihae Cultural Surf Park right in front of the breakwater. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Depending on surf quality. Can be hit or miss with the crowd. Local Vibe: Usually friendly. Be cool and keep it that way. Environment: Good most of the time, but more suspect closer to the harbor entrances. Hazards: Reef. Harbor water. Water access. Season: Year-round. Winter N to WNW swells and summer SSW-SW swells.