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Ho'okipa Surf Guide

Surf spot guide

Report & ForecastChartsGuide
Satellite map of Ho'okipa

Ideal Surf Conditions

Swell Direction

Anything from the NW to N to NE.

Wind

Calm or offshore from the ESE to SSW, which happens in winter with passing fronts. ENE-E trades are OK, but often too strong.

Surf Height

Head high-3X overhead+.

Tide

Medium to high.

Ho'okipa Surf Guide

Wind/kitesurfers and paddle surfers actually play quite well together at Ho'okipa Beach Park, on Maui's north-central coast. With a mostly unobstructed window to the North Pacific, Ho'okipa can pump out some serious surf in the winter months -- usually best for surfers in the early-morning hours when the predominant E-NE trade wind has yet to flair up. Ho'okipa consists of four different spots:

1. Pavilions is the most easterly spot, just below the Ho'okipa Lookout. Pavilions is predominantly a righthander;

2. Heading west from Pavilions is Middles, the main spot for surfers. The wave breaks both right and left, though the lefts handle the wind better;

3. H'Poko, or Point, is located on the west end of Ho'okipa Beach. Point offers up fun righthanders in the morning but becomes the sole domain of the wind/kitesurfers in the afternoon;

4. Just west of Ho'okipa Beach is Wana Beach, where Lane is located. You can pick off both rights and lefts at Lane, but like the Point, Wana gets blown to bits in the afternoon.

Ability Level

All Abilities

BegIntAdv

All levels -- Depends on size of course.

Local Vibe

Doable

WelcomingIntimidating

Humility and respect appreciated.

Crowd Factor

Moderate

MellowHeavy

Usually always crowded with locals and tourists, especially if the winds are offshore.

Spot Rating

Fun

PoorPerfect

Very consistent spot with easterly tradeswell, but usually accompanied by onshore easterly trade winds as well. Best days are with a N to NE swell and an approaching front bringing S to SW wind, which is not very often.

Shoulder Burn

Medium

LightExhausting

Depends on the spot and size, but usually about average.

Water Quality

Clean

CleanDirty

Pristine.

Hazards

Outside cleanup sets, the reef, drop-ins, and currents.

Bring Your

Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard, Fish, Bodyboard, Skimming, Bodysurfing, Gun, Kiteboard

Access

Easy. Parking lots at the break. Then enter the water from various locations on the Ho'okipa Beach Park.

Bottom

Reef.

Best Season

Winter is best. Tradeswell in summer can be OK, at least rideable, but usually with strong sideshore wind.

Do you have local knowledge about Ho'okipa?

If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]