Pohakuloa Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
ENE, or wrap from large NW and WNW swells will get some energy in.
Wind
Calm or offshore from the southerly direction, which is usually during a frontal passage in winter.
Surf Height
Chest high-2X overhead
Tide
Medium tides
Pohakuloa Surf Guide
Pohakuloa is situated on the northern edge of Lanai, just outside of Lanai City. This raw, sandy beach-fringed coastline is home to a series of reef points that offer lefts and rights. Like most beaches in Lanai, access to Pohakuloa's various surf spots is by dirt roads only, meaning you'll more than likely need a 4X4 to get there.Pohakuloa is actually very consistent all year long with ENE trade swell sneaking in between Molokai and Maui, but it usually comes with breezy trade winds from the same direction as well. Make your way out to the Pohakuloa wilds in winter during a solid ENE swell and with prefrontal south winds. Occasionally, large NW swells will wrap some energy around the west side of Molokai and bring swell to Pohakuloa; large W and WNW swells can also scoot just under the island of Ni'ihau off of Kauai and make their way to Pohakuloa.
Ability Level
Intermediate - Advanced
Best suited for good to advanced surfers, as winds and currents make this stretch of coast tricky for beginners.
Local Vibe
Welcoming
None to very mellow. Be cool and keep it that way.
Crowd Factor
Mellow
Zero to minimal. Variety of different spots to pick from.
Spot Rating
Fun
All depending on swell direction, wind conditions, and specific spot.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Long paddle from the beach to most breaks. Most spots are not bad once you're out there. Some spots are long rides, which means long paddle back.
Water Quality
Clean
Pristine.
Hazards
Reef, sharks, current, getting lost.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard, Fish, Bodyboard, Kiteboard
Access
Dirt roads, 4x4 is a must.
Bottom
Reef
Best Season
Wintertime, as that is the best chance for the best winds to occur.
Do you have local knowledge about Pohakuloa?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]