Honokohau Bay Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
NNW to NNE is best to get in, NE is OK, and a very large and consistent NW swell (although shadowed by Molokai) will wrap plenty of energy in.
Wind
Depends on the left or right. Calm is good for both. ENE to SE for the right and S to WSW for the left.
Surf Height
Head high-overhead.
Tide
Medium
Honokohau Bay Surf Guide
About three miles east of Maui's crown jewel, Honolua Bay, is Honokohau Bay, a deep crescent divot in the heart of the island's lush Upper Westside. Not quite the generator of perfection that Honolua is during peak winter months, but Honokohau does offer both rights and lefts, as well as a mellower vibe in the lineup. The right is the higher-quality choice, where it can offer powerful and fairly long walls that have potential to peel all the way to the cobble shore. However, more often than not, it is broken apart by difficult, fat-then-fast sections. The left is usually not as good as the right, though on a solid NNW swell it will line up better. Beware of exposed rocks in the lineup, especially at the righthander and on lower tides.
Ability Level
All Abilities
All levels, but depends on size.
Local Vibe
Intimidating
Can get quite intense.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Usually moderate, depending on quality of surf and day of week, hit or miss.
Spot Rating
Fun
Can offer a good right or left, which usually one of those waves have clean conditions.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Long paddle back up the point after a long ride.
Water Quality
Clean
Pristine.
Hazards
Rocks and reef.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard, Fish, Bodyboard, Bodysurfing
Access
Can be difficult to park.
Bottom
Rock, Reef
Best Season
Winter.
Do you have local knowledge about Honokohau Bay?
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