Hapuna Bay Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
The more west the better, from either the South or North Pacific.
Wind
Calm or offshore from an easterly direction (NE to E to SE). Mornings usually always see light wind and clean conditions, before an afternoon seabreeze develops.
Surf Height
Head high-2X overhead
Tide
All tides
Hapuna Bay Surf Guide
Just a few miles south of Kawaihae Harbor is Hapuna Bay, one of the Big Island's most beautiful beaches. While not the greatest surfing spot on the Big Island, Hapuna can turn on, but it is more often than not shadowed from big N swells by the northern tip of the Big Island, and from S swells by the southwest coast. Big, winter W swells, however, can transform Hapuna Bay's southern edge into a spectacular lefthand point-break. The rest of the time, Hapuna's long, wide sweep of golden sand beach is a haven for skimboarders, bodyboarders and bodysurfers. This shoredump breaks over sand, and the outer wave breaks over shallow reef.
Ability Level
Intermediate - Advanced
Ability levels varies with the skimming, bodyboarding, and bodysurfing activities, as well as the size of the swell.
Local Vibe
Doable
Humility and respect appreciated.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Beautiful beach with easy access, so usually always people.
Spot Rating
Poor
Usually always shorepound, but a big WNW swell in winter can transform the southern edge of the bay into a spectacular left-hand point-break.
Shoulder Burn
Light
Very short paddle for the shorepound, while the left point (when breaking) is much more of a paddle.
Water Quality
Clean
Pristine.
Hazards
On bigger swells, the shorepound can slam the crap out of you. Shallow reef at the outer point.
Bring Your
Bodyboard, Skimming, Bodysurfing, Shortboard
Access
Easy. Straight off the highway with parking at Hapuna Beach Park.
Bottom
Sand for the shorepound off the beach. Rocky reef off the left point when breaking.
Best Season
Year-round. Winter NW-WNW swells and summer SSW-SW swells.
Do you have local knowledge about Hapuna Bay?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]