Surf Forecasts:
Hakalau surf forecast from 28 Jul 2026:
- Best quality surf: Tuesday 28 Jul, 2AM (local time) - 8ft (2.5m), 13s period, E swell with cross-offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Tuesday 28 Jul, 8AM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 13s period, ENE swell with 2,676 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Tuesday 28 Jul, 2AM (local time) - 8ft (2.5m), 13s period with E swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Hakalau this week:
The surf forecast for Hakalau over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Tuesday (Jul 28) at 2AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 2.5m and 13s period with a secondary swell of 1.2m and 10s. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Hakalau in the next 16 days are 3.0m 13s and forecast to arrive on Tuesday (Jul 28) at 8AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-shore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.5m 14s period and expected on Tuesday (Jul 28) at 8AM.
| Wave Type | Time (HST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 2AM (Tue 28th Jul) | 8ft (2.5m) 13s |
| Best Surf | 2AM (Tue 28th Jul) | 8ft (2.5m) 13s |
| Most Powerful | 8AM (Tue 28th Jul) | 10ft (3.0m) 13s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Hakalau over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, Rusty here again, giving you the forecast in the old-school numbers.
For Hakalau, the first real shot is on Tuesday, the 28th of July. We're looking at a solid 10 ft groundswell from the ENE, with a long period of 12 seconds. The energy is pumping, with a combined swell energy reading of 2644. The water is about average for the time of year. The wind is a cross-shore from the north at 12 mph, so it'll be a little bumpy, but still rideable. The afternoon improves a little with a lighter NNW breeze at 9 mph, and the swell holds at 10 ft. This is your best window. Hakalau is a river mouth, so it can be a bit inconsistent, but when it's on, it's a fun wave. You might have some company, as crowds are possible.
Then, from Wednesday, the 29th of July, we hit a rough patch. For about 10 days, the surf is poor. The wind turns onshore, and the swell gets choppy and weak. The swell height stays between 3 ft and 7 ft, but the period drops to 8 seconds or less, and the wind is a mess. The combined energy drops to the 200-900 range, which is just weak. For a setup like this, it's more of a kiteboarding zone than a paddle spot.
Heading into the second week, around the 8th and 9th of August, there's a small pulse. On the morning of Saturday, August 8th, we have a 7 ft swell from the ENE, period of 9 seconds, with a combined energy of 706. The wind is a light cross-onshore at 9 mph, so it's still a little choppy, but it's the best of a bad lot. It's not a standout, but it's something.
So, to sum it up: your best day is Tuesday, the 28th of July. That 10 ft, 12-second swell is the real deal. Everything else is a long wait or a tough call. Keep your eyes open, because the forecast can shift, but for now, that Tuesday is the one to circle.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastLight rain (total 2mm), mostly falling on Mon night. Warm (max 27°C on Mon night, min 25°C on Tue night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryLight rain (total 8mm), mostly falling on Fri night. Warm (max 26°C on Thu night, min 24°C on Fri night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||
Tuesday 28 | Wednesday 29 | Thursday 30 | Friday 31 | Saturday 1 | Sunday 2 | ||||||||||||||
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) | E 13 | ENE 12 | ENE 11 | ENE 10 | ENE 9 | ENE 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | ENE 8 | ENE 8 | ENE 8 | ENE 8 | ENE 8 | ENE 8 | ENE 8 |
Wave Graph  | |||||||||||||||||||
 kJ | 2254 | 2364 | 1899 | 482 | 258 | 376 | 316 | 266 | 337 | 364 | 368 | 418 | 547 | 575 | 554 | 554 | 554 | 457 | 412 |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-off | cross | cross | glassy | cross-on | cross-on | cross | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | on | cross | cross-on | on | on | on | on | cross-on |
High Tide | 1:54AM0.53m | 3:10PM1.00m | 2:30AM0.56m | 3:36PM1.00m | 3:06AM0.59m | 4:01PM0.99m | 3:44AM0.62m | 4:25PM0.97m | 4:25AM0.64m | 4:48PM0.92m | 5:09AM0.67m | 5:11PM0.86m | |||||||
Low Tide | 9:27PM0.34m | 7:54AM0.07m | 9:49PM0.31m | 8:28AM0.06m | 10:11PM0.29m | 9:01AM0.08m | 10:34PM0.27m | 9:34AM0.12m | 10:58PM0.24m | 10:09AM0.18m | 11:22PM0.22m | 10:46AM0.26m | 11:50PM0.20m | ||||||
 |  |  |  | | | | | | | | |  |  | | | | | | |
 | — | 5:54 | — | — | 5:54 | — | — | 5:54 | — | — | 5:54 | — | — | 5:56 | — | — | 5:56 | — | — |
 | 6:59 | — | 6:59 | — | — | 6:58 | — | — | 6:58 | — | — | 6:57 | — | — | 6:57 | — | — | 6:55 | — |
mm | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | — | — | 1 |
Temp °C | 27 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
Feels °C | 30 | 29 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 26 | 27 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | E 13 | ENE 12 | ENE 11 | ENE 10 | ENE 9 | ENE 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 16 | E 8 | E 8 | ENE 8 | ENE 8 | E 14 | ENE 8 | ENE 8 | ENE 8 | ENE 8 |
| kJ | 2254 | 2364 | 1899 | 482 | 258 | 376 | 316 | 266 | 337 | 305 | 368 | 418 | 437 | 575 | 329 | 554 | 554 | 457 | 412 |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NNE 10 | S 14 | N 10 | NNE 9 | N 8 | S 13 | NNW 7 | E 17 | E 17 | N 10 | E 15 | E 15 | E 14 | E 14 | SSE 9 | E 14 | E 14 | E 14 | E 13 |
| kJ | 269 | 94 | 70 | 254 | 121 | 3 | 4 | 53 | 137 | 16 | 367 | 339 | 325 | 239 | 8 | 333 | 264 | 257 | 225 |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SE 10 | SE 10 | S 15 | SE 9 | SE 9 | S 16 | S 13 | N 10 | N 10 | SE 13 | N 9 | N 9 | N 8 | N 8 | N 8 | SE 8 | N 10 | N 9 | N 8 |
| kJ | 24 | 4 | 19 | 21 | 12 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 8 | 7 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 5 | 5 | 11 | 16 | 15 | 12 |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | NNE 10 | NNE 10 | — | ESE 2 | — | — | — | — | E 8 | — | — | ENE 8 | — | ENE 8 | — | — | — | — |
| kJ | — | 276 | 245 | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | 364 | — | — | 547 | — | 554 | — | — | — | — |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 0 | 156 | 72 | 0 | 20 | 20 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 158 | 95 | 2 | 20 | 95 | 20 | 20 | 95 | 2 |
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.
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