Rainbows Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
Summer S to SW swells and winter N to NE swells. The much more rare, larger wintertime WNW swells that slip under Kauai/Ni'ihau can also get in.
Wind
Calm or offshore from NE to SSE, with ESE as straight offshore.
Surf Height
Waist high-2X overhead
Tide
Medium
Rainbows Surf Guide
Located on the far western edge of Maui in the resort mecca of Kaanapali lies Rainbows, a collection of peaks in the shadow of the Kaanapali Beach Club that picks up both summer S swells and winter N swells, though nearby Moloka'i, Lana'i and Kaho'olawe islands do shadow a lot of it. The quality of Rainbows' lefts and rights are dependent upon season, but no matter the swell direction, you're guaranteed a crowd in the water. You can also count on favorable winds, as Maui's dominant ENE tradewind is offshore at Rainbows. On larger swells, especially those in winter, the right at Rainbows can be a good barrel.
Ability Level
Beginner - Intermediate
All levels, but usually best for beginners to intermediate.
Local Vibe
Welcoming
Usually mellow. Be cool and keep it that way.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Usually moderate, depending on quality of surf and day of week, hit or miss.
Spot Rating
Fun
Usually a mellow and easy wave, but the right can barrel on solid N swells.
Shoulder Burn
Light
Not bad.
Water Quality
Clean
Pristine.
Hazards
Reef.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard, Fish, Bodyboard
Access
Easy. Honoapiilani Park.
Bottom
Reef
Best Season
All year; summer S to SW swells and winter WNW to NNE swells that can filter through the other islands and wrap in. Lots of shadowing by nearby islands.
Do you have local knowledge about Rainbows?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]