Pohakuloa surf guide

Pohakuloa is located on the northern edge of Lanai, just outside of Lanai City. This beach has a raw feel with sandy shores and a rugged coastline lined with reef points that offer both lefts and rights. Accessing Pohakuloa can be a bit of an adventure as it's only reachable by dirt roads, which generally means you’ll need a 4X4 to get there. The area has a chill vibe, and you can expect a variety of spots to choose from without dealing with big crowds.

The surf at Pohakuloa is pretty consistent throughout the year, particularly with ENE trade swells filtering in between Molokai and Maui. The waves usually come with breezy trade winds, so be prepared for that. The main swell directions are from the Northeast (about 1.2 to 2.4 meters) and can handle sizes from 1.2 to 2.4 meters (4 to 8 feet). You might catch the best conditions in winter during a solid ENE swell and prefrontal south winds. When the larger NW swells wrap around Molokai, you can also see some nice action here. Most of the surf spots are reef breaks over lava and coral, and they primarily offer right and left waves. A long paddle from the beach is needed to reach most breaks, but once you’re out there, the rides can be pretty enjoyable, though expect a long paddle back afterwards.

Winter tends to be the optimal season for good surfing conditions, and the best winds usually come around this time. Winds from the East-Southeast up to the West-Southwest are preferable. The crowd factor is generally low to minimal, so there’s a good chance you’ll find a spot to yourself. However, be mindful of the environment, including potential hazards like reefs and currents. This is a place for intermediate to expert surfers, and a variety of boards like shortboards, funboards, longboards, and even kiteboards can be used here.