Honolua Bay • Surf Spot Statistics

Best Surf Season (November - March)

The North Pacific storm track powers up through late fall and winter, with the Aleutian Low and a series of mid-latitude cyclones firing long-period swell toward the island chain. This is when Honolua Bay sees its most consistent and most powerful waves. Average swell heights peak near 6-7ft (1.8-2.1m) from December through February, and periods stay in the 11.6-12.6s range, putting the bay in the powerful long-period class. The swell direction rose shows the biggest clusters under NNW, NW, and N, which are exactly the directions that hit this northwest-facing reef most effectively. Winter also brings a higher share of southwest- to west-southwest wind shifts in the wake of cold fronts, giving the bay more clean, groomed days.

Fair Surf Season (April - May and September - October)

During the shoulder seasons, the North Pacific storm track is either backing off or just waking up. April and May are dominated by the retreat of winter: north-northwest swell fades, average periods drop to 10.0-10.6s, and the trade-wind swell from ENE and E takes over. September and October are the reverse: the first hints of N and NNW groundswell start showing on the wave rose, periods climb from 9.8s to 11.0s, and the percentage of ideal southwest wind rises to about 30 percent. These months deliver less consistent size, but when a low-pressure system dips south, Honolua can enjoy fun, lined-up surf with warm water.

Low Surf Season (June - August)

The summer months are the quietest for Honolua Bay. The North Pacific high pressure system is strong and the storm track stays far to the north, so the bay receives almost zero N, NW, or NNW swell. The swell rose is overwhelmingly dominated by short-period ENE and E trade-wind energy, with average periods under 9.5s and heights around 4ft (1.3m). At the same time, easterly trade winds are strongest, blowing cross-shore or onshore across the northwest-facing reef for much of June, July, and August. The result is small, chopped-up conditions - a beautiful place for a swim, but not for serious surfing.