Honoli'i Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
Anything from the N to ESE.
Wind
Calm or offshore from a westerly direction.
Surf Height
Head high-2X overhead.
Tide
Low to medium.
Honoli'i Surf Guide
Located on the Big Island's east coast, just north of Hilo, Honoli'i Beach Park is a really consistent rivermouth break that offers lefts and rights that can get hollow and powerful with a sizable swell on a lower tide. The best time of year is winter, when swells from the North Pacific are at their most powerful. There is also a lefthander off the point, on the north side of the rivermouth, that can be fun. While Honoli'i is often a sure bet, it is also usually affected by breezy onshores, as steady easterly tradewinds and tradeswell occur all year long. However, watch for it to fire when prefrontal S-clocking-W wind meets a solid N-NE groundswell. The bottom at Honoli'i is reef and the beach is a mix of black sand, rocks and shade trees.
Ability Level
All Abilities
All levels -- Depends on size.
Local Vibe
Welcoming
Humility and respect appreciated.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Heavy, depending on swell quality.
Spot Rating
Fun
Great when the rare solid NE swell meets offshore Kona winds from the SW.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Fairly short paddle. Currents can get bad at times, especially off the point.
Water Quality
Fair
Rivermouth flows out right here, so quality decreases depending on amount of rain, but usually OK.
Hazards
Reef, water quality after heavy rain.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard, Fish, SUP, Bodyboard
Access
Easy. Parking at Honoli'i Beach Park.
Bottom
Reef.
Best Season
Winter, but breaks year-round. Hurricane swells can get really good here.
Do you have local knowledge about Honoli'i?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]