Hakalau Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here, let’s have a look at what’s comin’ down the pipe for Hakalau.

Alright folks, I’m not gonna sugarcoat it – the next few weeks are a real mixed bag, and mostly a tough go. We’ve got a long, dry spell of poor conditions before anything even starts to look interesting. The first real chance for a wave that’s worth paddlin’ out for doesn't show up until Thursday, August 27th, and even then, it’s more about potential than perfection.

So let’s start with the here and now. From Thursday afternoon, August 13th, right through until the end of the third week of August, it’s a grim stretch. The water temperature’s sittin’ at a balmy 81°, which is about average for this time of year, but don’t let that fool ya. The wind is a constant problem, mostly cross-onshore or straight onshore, chopping everything to bits. The swell energy is all over the place, with a peak of 5012 (moderate to strong) on the 14th, but it’s backed by a raw, rainy wind that just ruins it. We see some solid 12 ft to 15 ft surf from the east mid-month, but it's coming in with tropical storms and heavy rain – that's not fun for anyone. It’s all "poor surf conditions" on the board. For about 13 days straight, you’re better off finding something else to do.

Now, there’s one flicker of light right at the tail end of the forecast. On Thursday, August 27th, we start to see a shift. The swell period jumps up to a very long 18 seconds, with a combined energy of 1567 (moderate). This is a proper groundswell from the east. It’s still a "marginal" call on the tide, and we’ve got a gentle cross-onshore breeze, which is okay but not perfect.

The standout, if there is one, comes Friday, August 28th. The swell holds at a long 16 seconds, and the height builds to a clean 8 ft from the east, with a whoppin’ 3134 wave energy (strong). Now, 8 ft is a solid step-up for most of you – that’s expert territory. But it’s the first day that feels like a real ocean swell is pushin’ in. The wind is still that pesky gentle cross-onshore, which will keep it a bit bumpy, but the power from the east will be undeniable. At Hakalau, a river mouth break, that kind of long-period east swell can set up some proper lines if the tide plays ball. It’s the only day in the whole 16-day window where I’d say, “Alright, maybe.”

Bottom line: The first two weeks are a washout. Hold out for the end of August, especially that Friday the 28th, for a chance at something memorable. It’s more of a promise than a guarantee this far out, but it’s the best we got.

- Rusty

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