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.

October at Kohala Lighthouse delivers consistent surf with an average swell height of 1.6m and a solid 10.4s period, providing well-organized waves for intermediate to advanced surfers. The dominant swell directions are ENE, NE, and especially NNW, where the largest waves (1.5m+) tend to arrive—NNW alone accounts for over 28% of swells above 1.5m, including powerful 2.5m+ sets (3.35% combined). While smaller waves (0.5–1.5m) are frequent from NNE to NE, the best days come with ENE-NNW energy, offering hollow sections and longer walls. Wind conditions are challenging, with ideal offshore flow only 23% of the time. Predominant easterlies (E-ENE) bring onshore winds at 10–30kph (peaking at 20–30kph in 20.68% of E winds), which can create chop, but early mornings may see lighter winds. Westerlies (WNW-SSW) are rare but cleaner when they occur. For scoring the best sessions, watch for NNW swells paired with light WNW or NW winds—these combos yield the cleanest, most powerful waves.