Surf Forecasts:
Hakalau surf forecast from 22 Aug 2026:
- Most powerful swell: Sunday 23 Aug, 11AM (local time) - 8ft (2.5m), 9s period, ESE swell with 1,019 kJ wave energy.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Hakalau this week:
The most powerful waves expected at Hakalau in the next 16 days are 2.5m 9s and forecast to arrive on Sunday (Aug 23) at 11AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-onshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.4m 19s period and expected on Wednesday (Aug 26) at 8PM.
| Wave Type | Time (HST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | - | - |
| Best Surf | - | - |
| Most Powerful | 11AM (Sun 23rd Aug) | 8ft (2.5m) 9s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Hakalau over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, let’s take a look at what’s on the table for the next couple of weeks.
Honestly, straight up, this run is a tough one for any of us wanting to get wet. We’re looking at a long dry spell with nearly two weeks of pretty ugly conditions before things finally show a flicker of life. There’s a big gap with no real recommendations right from the start.
Saturday the 22nd kicks things off with a bit of swell – around 5 ft to 6 ft from the ESE – but the wind is on it in the worst way. East winds at 12 mph make it choppy, and there’s even a risk of thunderstorms. The water is a warm 81°, which is about average for this time of year, but that’s the only good thing. The wave energy is only moderate at best (465).
Sunday the 23rd sees a bump in size, with the swell hitting 8 ft from the ESE on the morning, but again the wind is cross-onshore at 6 mph and there’s light rain. The energy jumps up (1902), but that’s not helping the quality. It’s only marginal at best.
From Monday the 24th all the way through to the end of August, it’s a slog. The swell drops and stays small, 4 ft to 5 ft, with short periods around 6 to 8 seconds. The wind is mostly cross-on or onshore, keeping things choppy and messy. It’s pretty much all poor surf conditions day after day. Don't bother paddling out.
Finally, on Monday the 31st of August, we get a little hope. The swell pushes back up to 6 ft in the morning, and the period stretches to 10 seconds – that’s a more proper groundswell. The wind turns light and onshore from the NE at 6 mph, and the combined energy rises to 1001, which is solid. Still, the forecast is only calling it marginal, and it’s still cross-on.
The real standout, and the only one worth circling on the calendar, is Wednesday the 2nd of September. Right at Hakalau (Big Island), we’re looking at a glassy afternoon with the wind going dead calm. Swell is 6 ft from the ENE with an 8-second period, and the energy is moderate at 376. That’s the one window where you can expect good surf conditions. The swell direction is a solid match for the break’s optimum. It’s a river mouth, so it can be a little inconsistent, but when it’s glassy like that, it’s worth the trip. Expect some company though – crowds are possible here.
After that, the wind comes back strong on the 3rd and 4th, and by the 5th and 6th of September, we’ve got fresh to gale-force winds, heavy rain, and blown-out junk. That’s a hard pass.
So, in short: if you’re desperate, wait for the 2nd of September afternoon – that’s your best shot. Everything else is either flat, choppy, or just not worth the effort.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastHeavy rain (total 32mm), heaviest during Sun afternoon. Warm (max 27°C on Sat morning, min 23°C on Sun morning). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryLight rain (total 9mm), mostly falling on Thu night. Warm (max 26°C on Tue morning, min 24°C on Thu night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Saturday 22 | Sunday 23 | Monday 24 | Tuesday 25 | Wednesday 26 | Thursday 27 | Friday 28 | |||||||||||||||
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) | ESE 9 | ESE 9 | E 10 | ESE 9 | E 9 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 7 | ENE 7 | E 7 | E 7 | E 8 | E 7 | E 7 | E 7 | E 7 | ESE 8 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
363 | 554 | 872 | 1019 | 726 | 566 | 500 | 439 | 418 | 363 | 307 | 215 | 215 | 233 | 206 | 159 | 147 | 139 | 131 | 113 | 66 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | on | on | on | on | on | cross-on | on | on | on | on | cross-on |
High Tide | 12:41PM0.82m | 11:36PM0.43m | 1:15PM0.88m | 00:32AM0.48m | 1:44PM0.92m | 1:11AM0.53m | 2:10PM0.96m | 1:46AM0.59m | 2:34PM0.97m | 2:21AM0.65m | 2:57PM0.97m | 2:56AM0.70m | 3:20PM0.95m | 3:32AM0.75m | |||||||
Low Tide | 8:21PM0.39m | 5:31AM0.21m | 8:20PM0.36m | 6:22AM0.17m | 8:30PM0.32m | 7:02AM0.13m | 8:46PM0.29m | 7:39AM0.11m | 9:03PM0.25m | 8:13AM0.11m | 9:22PM0.21m | 8:48AM0.13m | 9:42PM0.18m | ||||||||
6:01 | — | — | 6:01 | — | — | 6:03 | — | — | 6:03 | — | — | 6:03 | — | — | 6:03 | — | — | 6:03 | — | — | |
— | 6:44 | — | — | 6:43 | — | — | 6:42 | — | — | 6:40 | — | — | 6:39 | — | — | 6:39 | — | — | 6:38 | — | |
mm | 1 | — | 3 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 2 | — | — | — | — | 3 | — | — | 4 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
Temp °C | 27 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
Feels °C | 29 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 27 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 26 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | ESE 9 | ESE 9 | E 10 | E 9 | E 9 | E 8 | SSE 12 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 7 | ENE 7 | E 7 | E 7 | E 8 | E 7 | E 7 | E 7 | E 7 | NNE 6 |
363 | 554 | 872 | 848 | 726 | 566 | 29 | 439 | 418 | 363 | 307 | 215 | 156 | 233 | 206 | 159 | 147 | 139 | 131 | 113 | 47 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NE 6 | NE 7 | SSE 14 | SSE 13 | SSE 13 | SSE 13 | NW 12 | SSE 12 | SSE 12 | SSE 12 | S 12 | ESE 9 | ESE 9 | S 20 | S 19 | S 18 | S 16 | S 16 | E 16 | E 15 | ENE 6 |
81 | 67 | 40 | 35 | 34 | 34 | 6 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 8 | 32 | 67 | 62 | 96 | 46 | 78 | 78 | 72 | 44 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSE 15 | SSE 15 | W 10 | NW 13 | NW 12 | NW 11 | S 14 | NW 11 | NW 10 | NW 10 | NW 9 | S 12 | S 21 | ESE 9 | ESE 9 | N 9 | N 8 | N 8 | N 7 | N 7 | ESE 8 |
21 | 21 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 35 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 15 | 66 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | ESE 9 | — | — | E 8 | — | — | — | ENE 8 | — | ENE 7 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
— | — | — | 1019 | — | — | 500 | — | — | — | 191 | — | 215 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 20 | 20 | 74 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 20 | 158 | 158 | 95 | 158 | 95 | 158 | 158 | 158 | 16 | 20 | 20 | 95 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Big Island | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in United States | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Hakalau Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Hakalau provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Hakalau can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Hakalau 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 (Hakalau) 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 Hakalau 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.
Hakalau is 21 km (13 miles) from Hilo. If you plan a vacation in Big Island, look for hotels and other accommodation in Hilo. Hilo has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.











