Surf Forecast  Kawaihae

Kawaihae surfspot characteristics

More about Kawaihae surfspot

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.

Usually best suited for beginner to intermediate levels.

Easy. Parking at the Kawaihae Cultural Surf Park right in front of the breakwater.

Year-round. Winter N to WNW swells and summer SSW-SW swells.

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.

Good most of the time, but more suspect closer to the harbor entrances.

Reef. Harbor water. Water access.