Surf: Laniakea is a rare righthander that can be perfect when a N swell meets a light E wind at mid tide. When it finally fires, surfers descend, looking for their share of one of the North Shore's best rights, as it combines down-the-line speed with cylindrical beauty, especially on the inside wedge sections. Some lefts in W swells as the line-up breaks up, but going against the grain will involve some punishment over a reef prone to baring it's teeth above water-level. Environment: Medium consistency at best so it is always crowded when good. Surf: General: 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 400 yards offshore. The reef is really just one-half of a massive lava hammerhead that flanks a small point of land (the other half makes up the left-breaking reef known as Jocko's, a quarter-mile to the northeast). Lani's is best accessed through a channel that runs out next to the point and cuts partway through the hammerhead, allowing a quick paddler to cross the thinnest point between closeouts. The more northerly angled swells are ideal, allowing swells to wrap down the line in a long, fast series of bowling sections.

On most winter days, Lani's breaks up the typical smaller NW winter swells into a series of peaks that are considerably easier to ride (and often less crowded) than the higher-profile breaks past Waimea. However, when a more rare, straight N swell strikes, Laniakea reveals her true face as perhaps the North Shore's finest wave. Outrageously fast, with some super hollow sections, it requires a fine degree of judgment and a willingness to be picked off by wide-swinging sets, which are quite capable of returning the surfer to the original paddle-out point. Shallow areas on the inside reef will get you if your eyes aren't peeled. During those big N swells, a strong rip swings off the end of the break to the west; this should be avoided, especially if you're boardless. Tides: Can handle all tides, but generally best between the peak low and peak high. Size: Head high-2X overhead Wind: Calm or light to moderate ENE to S. Swell: NW to NE Bottom: Reef Paddling: Moderate overall. Currents can be bad on big N swells. Long paddle back to top of point after riding a wave all the way in, but at least there is a channel. Spot Rating: One of the best waves on the North Shore during the more northerly angled swells. A long ride that can offer a bit of everything. Access: Easy: Park in the dirt lot on the inland side of Kam Highway, just across from Laniakea beach. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Moderate to heavy, but spread out. Local Vibe: Spread out and friendly for the most part. Humility and respect appreciated. Environment: Intermittent run-off during period of heavy rain. Hazards: Reef, strong current, sharks sightings. Season: Winter