Diamond Head Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
Anything from the SE to SW. E tradeswell gets in pretty well too.
Wind
Calm or offshore from NW to NE.
Surf Height
Head high-3X overhead+
Tide
Low to medium
Diamond Head Surf Guide
There are several different spots off Diamond Head that offer rights and lefts -- the best are Lighthouse and Cliffs. These reefbreaks are located a good distance off the point and pick up anything from the Southern Hemisphere, as well as easterly trade swell. However, these breaks will also be the first to blow out with the easterly trade winds, which then opens up the lineup to wind and kite surfers. Cliffs is probably the most popular of the Diamond Head breaks, with both rights and lefts that offer smooth takeoffs and mellower rides. Lighthouse (which, of course, is located right in front of Diamond Head Light) is a bit more high-performance than Cliffs, and also shallower. On larger swells, cross currents can be a factor, especially at Cliffs.
Ability Level
Intermediate - Advanced
All levels when small, but intermediate to advanced when over chest high.
Local Vibe
Doable
Usually mellow. Humility and respect appreciated.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Early mornings on weekends can have a crowd when a decent swell is running, but it's usually pretty spread out. Light crowds during the middle of the day during the workweek.
Spot Rating
Fun
Probably the most consistent break/zone year-round. Variety of spots with excellent waves when the trades go light and there's good swell running.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Long paddles to and from beach, but not bad once you're out there. Currents can get bad sometimes.
Water Quality
Clean
Pristine.
Hazards
Reef, current, sharks.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard, Fish, Bodyboard, Kiteboard
Access
Parking off Diamond Head Road. Plenty of easy trails down to the beach with channels to paddle out through.
Bottom
Reef
Best Season
Summer. From around April through October.
Do you have local knowledge about Diamond Head?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]