Hakalau Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s cookin’ at Hakalau. It’s a river mouth setup, exposed to the ENE, and it’s fairly consistent, but don’t get your hopes up too high just yet. The first few days are a write-off, so we’re looking at a bit of a wait for anything decent.

Right now, starting Tuesday the 1st of September, it’s pretty grim. We’ve got onshore winds and rain showers kicking up a messy 6 ft NE windswell with a short, weak 8-second period. The combined energy is a weak 499. The water’s warm at 81°, which is about average for this time of year, but that’s about the only nice thing going for it. The whole first half of the week is just poor surf conditions with cross-onshore winds.

Wednesday the 2nd and Thursday the 3rd are similar stories, with the swell getting a bit bigger but staying choppy and messy. The wind is cross-onshore, keeping the surface blown out. We’re looking at 6 ft to 6 ft of windswell, but the quality just isn’t there. The energy picks up a bit to moderate levels on Wednesday afternoon (1079), but the wind is still a problem.

Now, Friday the 4th things start to get interesting. We see a pulse of groundswell coming in from the E. The swell is a solid 7 ft with a 14-second period, which is a long-period groundswell. The energy jumps to a strong 1736. The wind lays down to a light breeze, going offshore in the afternoon. This is where you want to be paying attention. The water is still warm, and that long period means the waves will have some real punch and shape, though it might be a bit straight for the river mouth. Still, it’s the first real glimmer of hope.

Saturday the 5th and Sunday the 6th are the standouts. Saturday morning is clean with light offshore winds from the E, and a 7 ft swell from the ENE with a 13-second period. The energy is a strong 1320. By Saturday afternoon, it bumps up to 7 ft with a 14-second period and energy hitting 1800. The wind is light and offshore from the NE. This is the best on offer. The waves will be clean, powerful, and have some size. Keep in mind, at over 7 ft, this is starting to get a bit too big for beginners. The long period will also mean longer waits between sets, but it’ll make paddling out easier. It’s not crowded often, but on a day like this, expect some company.

Sunday the 6th stays solid, with 8 ft to 8 ft swell and a 12-second period, and light offshore winds. The energy is still strong (1540-1611). Monday the 7th keeps the same vibe, with 8 ft swell and offshore winds, though the wind shifts a touch cross-onshore in the afternoon. The energy is still around 1472. This stretch from Friday afternoon through Monday is the window.

Then, Tuesday the 8th of September, it all drops off a cliff. The energy plummets, the swell goes to mush, and the wind turns cross-onshore again. The rest of the second week is a sad story of small, weak, or messy surf. There are a few moments around the 16th of September where a 4 ft to 4 ft swell with a 13-second period shows up, but the energy is low and the wind is mostly cross-onshore. It’s a long dry spell.

So, to wrap it up: sit tight through the first half of the week. Your best bet is Friday afternoon, the 4th, through Monday the 7th. Saturday the 5th is the real gem. After that, it’s back to waiting.

Rusty.

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