Kohala Lighthouse - surf spot statistics

Kohala Lighthouse is a surf spot that benefits most from consistent ground swells and favorable wind conditions, which are crucial for quality surf. The best months for surfing here are typically from November to February, when ground swell makes up around 44–60% of the swell mix, providing cleaner and more powerful waves. December stands out as the peak month, with the highest mean swell size of 2.0m and a balanced split between ground and wind swells (50/49%). January follows closely, with strong ground swell dominance (60%) and decent wind conditions (32% good). February also remains solid, though wind conditions deteriorate slightly. From March onward, wind swells become more prevalent, reducing wave quality, and unfavorable onshore winds dominate, peaking in summer (June–August) when good wind conditions drop below 20%. Autumn (October–November) offers a slight rebound in ground swell influence but still struggles with inconsistent winds. If you're looking for the most reliable surf, prioritize the winter months when ground swells are prominent and wind interference is relatively lower. Summer and early autumn are less ideal due to choppy wind swells and poor wind alignment.

April at Kohala Lighthouse offers decent surf conditions with an average swell height of 1.8m and a solid period of 9.7s, providing well-formed waves. The most consistent swells come from the ENE to E directions, with the majority of waves in the 1-2.5m range, offering good energy for intermediate to advanced surfers. However, wind conditions are less favorable, with only 16% of days providing ideal offshore or light cross-shore winds—typically from the W to NW directions. Strong onshore winds from the E and ENE are common, which can create choppy or blown-out conditions. When the wind cooperates, the spot delivers clean, powerful waves, but surfers should monitor forecasts closely for those optimal sessions. Overall, April can be hit-or-miss, with the best days being those with E/ENE swell and W/NW wind.