Populars Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
Anything from the SE to SW, but usually from the S to SW.
Wind
Calm or offshore from NW to E, with NE straight offshore.
Surf Height
Waist high-well overhead
Tide
Low to medium
Populars Surf Guide
Just west of Canoes, and a hundred yards or so further out, lies the long, curving stretch of reef that's aptly named Populars (or Pop's). It's a peak with a decent right that peels and swings down the line with a few bowly sections towards the inside, and a shorter, fairly mushy left. Occasionally it fires, like on a big S swell.
Note: This zone has a rescue station equipped with AEDs, bleeding kits, and other emergency supplies through the Adopt a Cove program. Learn more here.
Ability Level
All Abilities
All levels, but best suited for beginner to intermediate most of the time.
Local Vibe
Doable
Mellow, except when there is a perfect SSE or S swell running, that's when all the heavies show up.
Crowd Factor
Heavy
All the spots through Waikiki are pretty much always crowded all the time.
Spot Rating
Fun
Usually a mellow and user friendly wave, but gets good when a solid swell is running.
Shoulder Burn
Light
Long paddles to and from beach, but not bad once you're out there.
Water Quality
Clean
Clean for the most part, but most of Hawaii's population lives on the South Shore of Oahu. Tons of people.
Hazards
Reef, large crowds, boards. Many first-timers that get in the way.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard, Fish, Bodyboard
Access
Easy. Located in front of the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, across the channel and east of Canoes.
Bottom
Reef
Best Season
Summer. From around April through October.
Do you have local knowledge about Populars?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]