Hakalau Surf Forecast and Surf Report

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.

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