About two and a half miles north of Haleiwa, Laniakea, or Lani's, is a broad, right-breaking reef where the main takeoff zone is around 400 yards offshore. It's part of a massive lava hammerhead that also features the left-breaking reef known as Jocko's nearby. You can access Lani's through a channel next to the point, which makes it easier to paddle out. This spot works really well with northerly angled swells, offering long rides down the line with some nice bowling sections.
Laniakea can be pretty fun on most winter days, especially when it’s smaller NW swells, as it breaks into more manageable peaks. However, when a solid N swell hits, Lani's can become one of the best waves on the North Shore. These waves run fast, and you might get a few hollow sections that require some skill and awareness. It handles swells from about 5 to 10 feet (1.5 to 3 meters), with the best conditions found around low to mid tide. Watch out for strong currents on those big N days, especially if you end up far from the lineup. The waves here are mostly right-breaking, perfect for shortboards, longboards, fishtails, bodyboards, and SUPs. The ideal wind is calm or light, blowing from the east.
When the swell is on, expect moderate to heavy crowds, but they tend to spread out a bit. The local vibe is usually friendly, and respect in the lineup goes a long way. Just be cautious, as there are hazards like the reef and occasional strong currents, especially during those larger swells. So, keep an eye out and enjoy your time at Laniakea!