Honomanu Bay Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
Between either the rights or the lefts wrapping into this bay, anything from the NW to ENE.
Wind
Calm or light S to SSW wind for both sides of the bay. The rights are good with E to SE wind as well, while the lefts are good with SW to NW wind.
Surf Height
Head high-2X overhead
Tide
Medium to high
Honomanu Bay Surf Guide
About twenty miles east of Ho'okipa on the Road to Hana, is Honomanu Bay, notched into the untouched sea cliffs of northeast Maui. The main wave is on the rocky western shore of the bay, which faces almost directly east -- an angle that makes for a long, peeling left, but also a spot exposed to the E-NE tradewind. There is also a shorter righthander on the east side of the bay that is more protected from the tradewind, but its quality is very dependent on swell direction.
Ability Level
Intermediate - Advanced
Best suited for good to advanced surfers when its on.
Local Vibe
Doable
Humility and respect appreciated.
Crowd Factor
Mellow
Usually minimal
Spot Rating
Fun
Can produce incredible waves, but it's not too often everything comes together.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Point breaks, so longer the rides then longer the paddle back.
Water Quality
Clean
Good most of the time. There is a rivermouth in the bay that will flow during periods of heavy rain.
Hazards
Rock, reef, strong currents in winter months.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Funboard, Fish, Bodyboard
Access
Depending on road conditions down to parking lot, which can be nasty.
Bottom
Mostly reef and rock, some sand.
Best Season
Winter is best. Tradeswell in summer can be OK, at least rideable, but usually with onshore wind.
Do you have local knowledge about Honomanu Bay?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]