Haleiwa - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

Haleiwa roars to life during the winter months as the North Pacific generates a steady stream of powerful, long-period swell. With an average swell height exceeding 2.4m and periods often above 11 seconds, the NW-NNW swell window is consistently active. The trade winds relax slightly, allowing for more frequent offshore flow from the south and southwest, keeping the waves clean and lined up. This is prime time for the famous Haleiwa bowls and long lefts.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

These transition months offer a mixed bag. April still sees substantial swell from the north, but the period drops and the trade winds ramp up, making conditions more variable. September sees a resurgence of NW swell as autumn storms begin to form, and the trade wind strength eases, resulting in a higher percentage of ideal wind days (up to 53%). However, the average wave height is lower (1.7-2.2m) compared to peak winter.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

During the summer months, the dominant swell shifts to the ENE-E quadrant, which is shadowed at Haleiwa by the island's northern coastline. While the trade winds blow consistently from the east-northeast, they are cross-shore and often too strong, creating bumpy, short-period waves. The average swell height drops to 1.6-1.8m with periods under 9 seconds, resulting in mostly small, weak surf. Only occasional long-period south swell or small NW pulses offer any decent waves.

April: Waning Winter Swell

By April, the average swell height drops to 2.2m and period to 10.3s. The dominant swell direction shifts to ENE (24.2%) and NE (17.5%), which are not ideal for Haleiwa's WNW-facing orientation. The optimal NW-NNW window is much less active (NNW only 9%). Waves are punchier but less consistent in direction. Trade winds from ENE intensify, reaching 47.3% of total wind, and often blowing over 20kph. Ideal wind is 35%, but offshore flows are weaker and less frequent. Surf quality declines; it's a month for smaller boards and hunting for windows of lighter wind.