Surf Forecasts:
Big Beach surf forecast from 20 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Wednesday 26 Aug, 8PM (local time) - 2.5ft (0.7m), 19s period, S swell with offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Thursday 27 Aug, 8AM (local time) - 2.5ft (0.8m), 18s period, S swell with 452 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Thursday 20 Aug, 2PM (local time) - 2ft (0.6m), 18s period with SSW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Big Beach this week:
The surf forecast for Big Beach over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Thursday (Aug 20) at 2PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 0.6m and 18s period. The wind is predicted to be glassy as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Big Beach in the next 16 days are 0.9m 16s and forecast to arrive on Thursday (Aug 27) at 8AM. Winds are predicted to be offshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 2.1m 6s period and expected on Sunday (Aug 23) at 8PM.
| Wave Type | Time (HST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 2PM (Thu 20th Aug) | 2ft (0.6m) 18s |
| Best Surf | 8PM (Wed 26th Aug) | 2.5ft (0.7m) 19s |
| Most Powerful | 8AM (Thu 27th Aug) | 2.5ft (0.8m) 18s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Big Beach over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
### Imperial
Alright folks, Rusty here. Let's have a look at what's on the menu for the next couple of weeks around Big Beach.
Let's be straight up, the start of this outlook is a bit of a slow burner. We've got a few days of clean, small surf coming up, but nothing that's going to get the heart racing just yet. The water is sitting at a warm 81°F, which is pretty much spot on for this time of year, so the wetsuit can stay in the car.
The first real chance to get a half-decent wave kicks off on Thursday the 26th of August. The swell is still tiny, around 2ft from the SSW, but we're getting a clean offshore wind from the NE. The combined energy is moderate (369), and the waves will be clean, making it a good option for a beginner-friendly session. It's not a standout, but it's a start.
The real highlight, and the one you want to circle on the calendar, is Thursday the 27th of August. The swell bumps up to 3ft from the SSW, and the period stretches out to a juicy 16 seconds. That's a proper groundswell. The combined energy jumps to a strong 720, and with a light ENE breeze, the conditions are going to be very good. This is the best on offer in the first week – clean, long-period lines that will have a bit more push.
After that, things settle back down into that "surfable but ordinary" zone for a few days. The winds stay mostly offshore, but the swell just doesn't have the size or energy to make it a classic.
Looking further ahead into the second week, there's some potential brewing. Tuesday the 1st of September is looking promising. We've got a 2ft SSW swell with a long 18-19 second period, and the combined energy is back up to a solid 346. Offshore winds from the NNE will keep the faces clean. It’s a week and a half out, so take it with a pinch of salt, but the signals are good.
Thursday the 4th of September is another one to watch. The wind goes glassy, and the swell direction shifts to the west at 3-3ft, with a solid 16-second period. The combined energy is strong (604). This is a long-range call, but it has the potential to be the best day of the whole forecast if it holds. Glassy conditions and a solid groundswell from a new direction is what dreams are made of.
So, the plan is: wait for the 27th for a fun session, then keep an eye on the 1st and 4th of September for the real deal.
Rusty out.
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Warm (max 29°C on Sat afternoon, min 26°C on Thu morning). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryLight rain (total 6mm), mostly falling on Mon afternoon. Warm (max 28°C on Sun morning, min 25°C on Tue night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Thursday 20 | Friday 21 | Saturday 22 | Sunday 23 | Monday 24 | Tuesday 25 | Wednesday 26 | |||||||||||||||
AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | |
Swell Height Map | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wave Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 18 | SSW 17 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SSW 15 | SW 15 | SSW 15 | SSW 15 | SSW 16 | SW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SSW 16 | SSW 16 | S 18 | S 18 | SSW 17 | S 18 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
207 | 202 | 278 | 219 | 119 | 261 | 152 | 116 | 152 | 144 | 137 | 100 | 163 | 139 | 127 | 146 | 140 | 165 | 163 | 307 | 301 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-on | cross-off | off | cross-off | cross-off | off | cross-off | cross-off | off | cross-off | cross-off | off | cross-off | off | off | cross-off | cross-off | off | off | cross-off | off |
High Tide | 12:36PM0.42m | 1:29PM0.46m | 2:01PM0.50m | 11:48PM0.23m | 2:28PM0.53m | 1:03AM0.27m | 2:51PM0.56m | 1:46AM0.30m | 3:14PM0.58m | 2:23AM0.34m | 3:36PM0.59m | 2:59AM0.38m | |||||||||
Low Tide | 3:14AM0.08m | 5:09AM0.07m | 9:42PM0.17m | 6:20AM0.05m | 9:13PM0.16m | 7:07AM0.02m | 9:16PM0.15m | 7:45AM0.01m | 9:28PM0.13m | 8:19AM-0.01m | 9:45PM0.11m | ||||||||||
6:05 | — | — | 6:05 | — | — | 6:07 | — | — | 6:07 | — | — | 6:07 | — | — | 6:07 | — | — | 6:07 | — | — | |
— | 6:51 | — | — | 6:50 | — | — | 6:50 | — | — | 6:49 | — | — | 6:47 | — | — | 6:46 | — | — | 6:45 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 3 | 1 | — | 2 | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 27 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 26 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 26 |
Feels °C | 30 | 30 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 30 | 30 | 28 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 30 | 28 | 27 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 28 | 27 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | E 8 | E 7 | SW 16 | SW 16 | E 5 | SW 16 | SSW 15 | SW 15 | SSW 15 | SSW 15 | SSW 16 | SW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SSW 12 | SSW 16 | SSW 15 | SSW 14 | SSW 17 | S 18 |
54 | 40 | 278 | 219 | 35 | 261 | 152 | 116 | 152 | 144 | 137 | 100 | 163 | 139 | 127 | 85 | 140 | 121 | 163 | 307 | 301 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 18 | SSW 17 | E 7 | W 11 | SW 16 | S 13 | S 12 | WNW 10 | WNW 10 | SSW 16 | SW 14 | SSW 15 | SSE 12 | SSW 18 | SSW 17 | SSW 16 | SSW 12 | S 18 | S 18 | S 19 | SSW 13 |
207 | 202 | 37 | 36 | 119 | 84 | 47 | 36 | 37 | 51 | 54 | 71 | 49 | 61 | 92 | 146 | 82 | 165 | 163 | 273 | 135 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 11 | S 11 | W 10 | E 8 | W 11 | WNW 10 | WNW 10 | S 12 | S 12 | S 11 | S 11 | SSE 13 | SSW 18 | SSE 12 | SSE 12 | SSE 12 | SSW 19 | SSW 12 | SSW 11 | SSW 11 | SSW 16 |
21 | 21 | 32 | 21 | 55 | 33 | 33 | 46 | 44 | 23 | 22 | 56 | 32 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 74 | 55 | 43 | 42 | 85 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | NE 7 | ENE 7 | E 5 | E 6 | E 5 | E 6 | E 6 | E 6 | E 6 | E 6 | E 6 | E 6 | E 6 | E 6 | E 6 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 6 | E 5 |
— | 69 | 70 | 22 | 64 | 104 | 125 | 236 | 237 | 263 | 301 | 197 | 185 | 187 | 211 | 272 | 289 | 207 | 163 | 171 | 108 | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Maui | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in United States | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Big Beach Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Big Beach provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Big Beach can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Big Beach surf forecast is unique since it includes wave energy (power) that defines the real feel of the surf rather than just the height or the period. If you surf the same spot (Big Beach) regularly then make a mental note of the wave energy from the surf forecast table each time you go. Very soon you may start to choose your surf days based on the wave energy alone combined with our forecast of favourable offshore wind conditions. Our star ratings will help here and of course you will also find the usual wave height and period predictions on our surf forecasts as well as a full break down of the swell components under our advanced users option (to reveal that, click the little Einstein character under the tide times).
Further information to help with frequently asked questions about our surf forecast for Big Beach may be found under the help tab on the top menu and also by moving your mouse over the question marks on the surf forecast table itself. Please always bear in mind that the forecast is for near-shore open water and local factors at each surf break influence the actual breaking wave height, such as the beach / reef profile, water depths offshore and shelter.
Are you planning a vacation in Maui? If you are looking for accommodation near Big Beach, camping, hotels and condos and appartments in Maui, consider staying in Kihei which is 17 km (11 miles) away. Other places in and around Maui where you can find information about places to rent, and car hire include Wailuku which is 28 km (17 miles) away, Kahului, Lanai - Lanai and Kaunakakai - Molokai.











