Ha'ena Bay Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
Between Cannons and Tunnels, anything from the WNW to NE.
Wind
Calm or light southerly wind for both. Tunnels is good with E to SE wind as well, while Cannons is good with SSW to WSW wind.
Surf Height
Head high-3X overhead. Tunnels can hold even bigger sets of up to 15-20' faces or so.
Tide
Medium to high
Ha'ena Bay Surf Guide
Heading west past Hanalei and Wainiha Bays, you'll run into beautiful Ha’Ena Beach, a goofy or regular footer's dream in the winter. On the eastern side of the shallow bay is Tunnels, a right-hander breaking over shallow reef, which on a proper N to NE swell it will quickly make you realize this wave has a very appropriate name. The paddle-out to Tunnels is a long one, but gets you warmed up for the waves waiting beyond. On the other side of the bay is Cannons, an equally hollow and shallow left that really gets going on a solid N to NW swell. The paddle-out to Cannons isn't as long as Tunnels. Like most surf spots in Kauai, Ha’Ena is breathtaking -- crystal clear water and jagged green mountains rising beyond the white sand beach. Ha’Ena is, however, a popular surf spot, especially in winter, and visiting surfers should pay special attention to the local crew in the water at all times.
Ability Level
Advanced
Best suited for good to advanced surfers when its on.
Local Vibe
Doable
Competitive. Locals tend to rule the place. Humility and respect expected.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Usually always people out there, but not as bad as Hanalei. Can be pretty spread out along the two points.
Spot Rating
Perfect
A couple of the best waves on the island, offering barreling rights or lefts within close proximity of each other. Also, chances are high the wind is good for at least one of these spots, usually Tunnels given the prevailing easterly trades.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
The paddle out is not hard, just long, especially for Tunnels. And they are each point breaks, so longer the rides then longer the paddle back.
Water Quality
Clean
Pristine most of the time. There is a rivermouth in the center of the bay that will occasionally open up during periods of heavy rain.
Hazards
Sections of shallow reef, currents, sharks.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Bodyboard, Gun, Tow
Access
Easy. Enter the water either from anywhere of the sandy beach in the bay.
Bottom
Reef
Best Season
Winter is best. Tradeswell in summer can be OK, at least rideable.
Do you have local knowledge about Ha'ena Bay?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]