Popoia Island Kailua Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
N to NE swells, and NE to E tradeswell.
Wind
Will depend a little on if you're surfing the left or right. Calm or offshore from S to W, with SW as straight offshore. Passing winter fronts bring offshore winds. Early mornings can be clean during lighter trade wind days.
Surf Height
Waist-head high
Tide
Medium to high
Popoia Island Kailua Surf Guide
Popoia Island, or Flat Island, is a four-acre isle located about a quarter of a mile off of Kailua Beach Park in Kailua. The wave is a left point that breaks over reef and wraps around the island on the best days. There is also a shorter right on the other side of the island. Both the right and left are predominantly mellow waves, making Popoia an ideal spot for beginners or longboarders. Despite its general lack of size, the surf is consistent, due to the year-round tradeswell. However, conditions are often tattered from the persistent onshore tradewinds (strongest through summer months). Conditions are best on winter N-NE groundswells with the occasional offshore S-W wind. The tradeswell is usually not as strong, but when it is, onshore winds are usually strong as well. Nevertheless, there can be healthy crowds on the days when the wind occasionally turns offshore and a swell is pulsing.
Ability Level
Beginner - Intermediate
All levels, but usually best suited for beginners to intermediate.
Local Vibe
Welcoming
Mellow.
Crowd Factor
Mellow
Usually minimal, but can get a crowd when winds occasionally turn offshore on this side, especially if its a weekend.
Spot Rating
Poor
Very consistent with the steady easterly tradeswell, but often with onshore easterly trade wind as well. Occasional clean days, mainly during passing fronts in winter.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Long paddle to get out to the island. Then long rides mean long paddles back.
Water Quality
Clean
Pristine.
Hazards
Reef.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard, Fish, Kiteboard
Access
Easy, but be aware there's a long paddle from Kailua Beach Park.
Bottom
Reef
Best Season
Winter tends to be best overall, but there is surf year-round due to easterly tradeswell exposure. Open exposure to the northerly swells in winter, and winter will also bring offshore wind events.
Do you have local knowledge about Popoia Island Kailua?
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