Kewalo's is a surf spot located near Honolulu, Hawaii. It is known for its consistent waves thanks to the deep Kewalo Basin channel, which helps pull in swells from various directions. The spot doesn’t have a beach, so surfers typically paddle out from the wall. It attracts many surfers looking for quick, challenging rides, but it’s not always beginner-friendly.
The surf mainly breaks over dead coral, producing both left and right waves. The optimal swell direction is from the south, with the spot also handling swells coming from the southeast and southwest. It picks up swells at sizes of around 3 feet (about 1 meter) and works well on low, mid, and high tides. The waves can get hollow and challenging, appealing mostly to expert surfers due to their unpredictable nature. While lefts can barrel and section off, rights may lead to shallow close-outs, keeping you on your toes. A good wind direction to aim for is from the northeast.
Surfers should be aware that there’s often a lot of fishing boat traffic in the area. Additionally, it’s not uncommon to spot sharks, so keep an eye out while you’re in the water. The waves can vary in their intensity and behavior, making it a spot where you have to stay alert and ready for anything.