Surf Forecast  Rainbows

Rainbows surfspot characteristics

More about Rainbows surfspot

Roping rights skirt the reef here on winter pulses from the north, serving up some barrel action and grunty hooks, plus a shorter, bonus left barrel. Shallow and powerful line-up with plenty of current, making it for experienced riders when bigger.

General: Located on the far western edge of Maui in the resort mecca of Kaanapali lies Rainbows, a collection of peaks in the shadow of the Kaanapali Beach Club that picks up both summer S swells and winter N swells, though nearby Moloka'i, Lana'i and Kaho'olawe islands do shadow a lot of it. The quality of Rainbows' lefts and rights are dependent upon season, but no matter the swell direction, you're guaranteed a crowd in the water. You can also count on favorable winds, as Maui's dominant ENE tradewind is offshore at Rainbows. On larger swells, especially those in winter, the right at Rainbows can be a good barrel. Tides: Medium Size: Waist high-2X overhead Wind: Calm or offshore from NE to SSE, with ESE as straight offshore. Swell: Summer S to SW swells and winter N to NE swells. The much more rare, larger wintertime WNW swells that slip under Kauai/Ni'ihau can also get in. Bottom: Reef Paddling: Not bad. Spot Rating: Usually a mellow and easy wave, but the right can barrel on solid N swells.

All levels, but usually best for beginners to intermediate.

Easy. Honoapiilani Park.

All year; summer S to SW swells and winter WNW to NNE swells that can filter through the other islands and wrap in. Lots of shadowing by nearby islands.

Crowd Factor: Usually moderate, depending on quality of surf and day of week, hit or miss. Local Vibe: Usually mellow. Be cool and keep it that way.

Just south is Osterizers, another crisp A-frame that will always have some takers.

Pristine.

Reef.