Popoia Island, also known as Flat Island, is a small four-acre isle sitting about a quarter-mile off Kailua Beach Park. The main wave is a left point that breaks over reef and wraps around the island on the best days, with a shorter right peeling off the other side. Both waves stay mellow, which makes Popoia a friendly place for beginners and longboarders.
When It Works
The break draws swell from north to east (N-E) and stays consistent through the year thanks to the steady easterly tradeswell, so there is nearly always something to ride. It comes into its own on winter north to northeast (N-NE) groundswells, when the island gets open exposure to northerly swell. Waves run from waist- to head-high, usable from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 1.5 m / 5 ft. Winter is the best overall stretch, though the tradeswell keeps surf on tap the rest of the year.
Wind and Tide
Persistent onshore easterly trades are the catch here, strongest through the summer months, and they often leave the surf tattered. Clean windows tend to come with passing winter fronts or on lighter-wind early mornings. The offshore direction is west-southwest (WSW), with a workable wind window running from south through west-southwest to northwest (S-WSW-NW). It surfs through mid and high tide, with a rising tide the better call.
Local Tips
The relaxed waves suit beginners and intermediates, and the spot handles just about anything you paddle out on, from shortboards and funboards to longboards, fish, and even kiteboards. The lineup is usually quiet and can feel a little reserved, but expect it to draw a crowd on the rare days when the wind turns offshore and a swell is pulsing, especially on a weekend.
Access
Getting here is easy enough, but there is a long paddle out to the island from Kailua Beach Park. Long rides also mean long paddles back, so pace yourself.
