Surf Forecasts:
Hakalau surf forecast from 20 Aug 2026:
- Most powerful swell: Sunday 23 Aug, 11AM (local time) - 8ft (2.4m), 10s period, ESE swell with 1,064 kJ wave energy.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Hakalau this week:
The most powerful waves expected at Hakalau in the next 16 days are 2.4m 10s and forecast to arrive on Sunday (Aug 23) at 11AM. Winds are predicted to be onshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.2m 12s period and expected on Saturday (Aug 22) at 8PM.
| Wave Type | Time (HST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | - | - |
| Best Surf | - | - |
| Most Powerful | 11AM (Sun 23rd Aug) | 8ft (2.4m) 10s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Hakalau over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s cut to the chase. Hakalau is the only show in town, and while it’s a fairly consistent river mouth, this forecast is mostly about patience. The water temp is about 81°, which is pretty standard for the season. We’ve got a lot of so-so conditions before things finally line up.
The next few days are a wash. Through the 21st, we’ve got small, weak swell around 3ft with a short period and onshore winds. It’s going to be lumpy, bumpy, and just plain average. Hold off.
We get a bump in size on the 23rd, with waves around 8ft, but the wind is still on it. It’s bigger but messy. The energy is moderate, around 1064, but the quality is just not there. For the next few days, we hover in the 5-6ft range, but the wind stays cross-onshore and we’re dealing with chop.
Now, the end of the month is where the magic happens. On the 27th, we see the period jump to 16 seconds, a sign of a proper groundswell. It’s small, but it’s the start of something.
From the 28th through the 31st, that long-period energy turns into some real swell. We’re talking 4-5ft on the 28th with a 15-second period, building to 6-8ft on the 29th and 30th. The energy readings are strong, hitting 1235 and 1595. The winds are finally playing nice, too, turning light and offshore in the mornings, which will make for some clean, hollow waves at the rivermouth. This is your window. The 29th and 30th are the standouts. Big, long-period ENE groundswell, light offshore wind, and plenty of push. This spot will be crowded because it’s good, but the waves will be worth it. Not a day for learners, though, with that size and power.
The 1st of September has some size, but the wind swings more cross-shore, making it a bit more difficult, even if the energy is still strong. Then the swell drops off pretty sharp into the 2nd and 3rd. We’re back to small, short-period stuff by the 4th.
So, mark your calendar for those last days of August. That’s the ticket. The rest of the time, maybe just keep the board in the car and watch the horizon.
Rusty, out.
Short Range ForecastLight rain (total 5mm), mostly falling on Sat afternoon. Warm (max 27°C on Thu morning, min 25°C on Sat night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryHeavy rain (total 62mm), heaviest during Sun night. Warm (max 26°C on Sun morning, min 25°C on Sun morning). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Thursday 20 | Friday 21 | Saturday 22 | Sunday 23 | Monday 24 | Tuesday 25 | Wednesday 26 | |||||||||||||||
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) | NNE 7 | NNE 7 | SE 9 | NE 7 | ESE 8 | ESE 8 | E 8 | ESE 8 | E 9 | ESE 10 | ESE 10 | E 9 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 7 | ENE 7 | ENE 7 |
Wave Graph  | |||||||||||||||||||||
 kJ | 86 | 83 | 49 | 55 | 131 | 206 | 392 | 333 | 775 | 1064 | 939 | 661 | 512 | 493 | 477 | 372 | 323 | 233 | 134 | 118 | 139 |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | on | cross-on | cross | cross-on | cross-on | cross | cross-on | on | cross-on | on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | on | cross-on | on | cross-on |
High Tide | 10:31AM0.72m | 11:55AM0.77m | 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 | |||||||||
Low Tide | 2:34AM0.27m | 4:18AM0.26m | 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 | ||||||||||
 |  |  | | | | |  |  | | | | |  | | | | | | | | |
 | 6:01 | — | — | 6:01 | — | — | 6:01 | — | — | 6:01 | — | — | 6:03 | — | — | 6:03 | — | — | 6:03 | — | — |
 | — | 6:45 | — | — | 6:44 | — | — | 6:44 | — | — | 6:43 | — | — | 6:42 | — | — | 6:40 | — | — | 6:39 | — |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 4 | 2 | 8 | 21 | 8 | 5 | 8 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 1 | — | 4 |
Temp °C | 27 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 25 |
Feels °C | 31 | 30 | 30 | 28 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 27 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NNE 7 | NNE 7 | NE 7 | NE 7 | ESE 8 | ESE 8 | E 8 | ESE 8 | E 9 | ESE 10 | ESE 10 | E 9 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 7 | ENE 7 | ENE 7 |
| kJ | 86 | 83 | 46 | 55 | 131 | 206 | 392 | 333 | 775 | 1064 | 939 | 661 | 512 | 493 | 477 | 372 | 323 | 233 | 134 | 118 | 139 |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | E 7 | E 7 | E 8 | SE 9 | NE 6 | NE 6 | SSE 15 | SSE 15 | SSE 14 | S 13 | SSE 13 | SSE 13 | SSE 12 | SSE 12 | SSE 12 | SSE 12 | S 12 | SE 9 | ESE 9 | ESE 9 | ESE 9 |
| kJ | 51 | 35 | 48 | 27 | 34 | 60 | 21 | 21 | 40 | 14 | 35 | 34 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 14 | 32 | 54 | 44 |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SE 9 | SE 9 | SE 9 | ESE 8 | NNE 7 | S 14 | S 12 | S 12 | W 12 | NW 13 | NW 12 | NW 11 | NW 12 | NW 12 | NW 11 | NW 11 | NW 10 | S 12 | S 20 | S 19 | S 18 |
| kJ | 21 | 50 | 49 | 23 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 11 | 3 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 31 | 66 | 57 |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | ESE 6 | — | — | — | NE 7 | NE 7 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| kJ | — | — | — | 36 | — | — | — | 63 | 65 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 76 | 16 | 16 | 20 | 20 | 14 | 74 | 74 | 74 | 76 | 74 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 158 | 96 | 95 | 158 | 20 | 20 |
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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