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.

November at Kohala Lighthouse offers consistent surf with an average swell height of 1.9m and a solid 10.9s period, providing good energy for intermediate to advanced surfers. The dominant swell direction is from the northeast to north-northwest, with the largest waves (1.5m+) frequently arriving from the E, NE, and NNE sectors, often producing clean, powerful waves. However, wind conditions can be hit or miss—only 24% of the time is the wind ideal for surfing (typically light offshore or sideshore winds). Strong easterly trade winds (20-30kph+) are common, particularly from the E and ENE, which may cause choppy or blown-out conditions. The best windows will coincide with lighter winds or protected wind angles, especially when swells peak in the 1.5-2.5m range from the northerly quadrants. Overall, expect decent surf but be prepared for variable winds that can impact quality. Experienced surfers will find the most success by tracking swell consistency and wind patterns closely.