Surf Forecasts:
Hakalau surf forecast from 18 Jul 2026:
- Best quality surf: Monday 20 Jul, 2AM (local time) - 4ft (1.2m), 8s period, E swell with glassy winds.
- Most powerful swell: Saturday 18 Jul, 11AM (local time) - 6.5ft (2.0m), 8s period, E swell with 533 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Monday 20 Jul, 2AM (local time) - 4ft (1.2m), 8s 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 Monday (Jul 20) at 2AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.2m and 8s period with a secondary swell of 0.6m and 8s. The wind is predicted to be glassy as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Hakalau in the next 16 days are 2.0m 8s and forecast to arrive on Saturday (Jul 18) at 11AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-onshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.3m 13s period and expected on Wednesday (Jul 22) at 2PM.
| Wave Type | Time (HST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 2AM (Mon 20th Jul) | 4ft (1.2m) 8s |
| Best Surf | 2AM (Mon 20th Jul) | 4ft (1.2m) 8s |
| Most Powerful | 11AM (Sat 18th Jul) | 6.5ft (2.0m) 8s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Hakalau over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, Rusty here, looking at the next 16 days at Hakalau. I’m not gonna sugarcoat it – this forecast is a test of patience.
For the first week, from Friday, July 17th through Thursday, July 23rd, it’s a total bust. Onshore winds are blowing, making it choppy, and the swell is small and weak. We’re talking waves mostly 3 ft to 5 ft, with short periods and low energy (between 170 and 400). The water temp is 80°, which is normal for the season, so at least the water feels good.
The tide starts to turn on Friday the 24th and Saturday the 25th of July. The swell picks up a bit, hitting 5 ft to 6 ft, and the energy climbs to 830 (moderate). But the wind is still onshore, so it’s only “marginal” at best.
Now, the real stuff. Sunday, July 26th is where it gets interesting. We’ve got a 6 ft to 7 ft swell coming from the East, with a very long period of 16 to 17 seconds. That’s heavy groundswell, and the energy jumps to over 2500 (strong energy). The wind is cross-on, so it’s not glassy, but the power is undeniable.
Monday, July 27th is the biggest day. Swell hits 8 ft, period is still a long 16 seconds, and the energy is over 3400 (very strong). This is big, powerful water. 8 ft is expert territory, no question. The wind is light cross-on, which is manageable, but you better be on your game.
The absolute best window for a cleaner, powerful session looks like Tuesday, July 28th. The swell is still a solid 7 ft, with a 14-second period, and the energy is over 2000. The wind is light cross-on, making it the cleanest all-rounder of the big days. After that, from Wednesday the 29th of July to Friday the 31st, the swell drops back to 5 ft, then 4 ft, and the period shortens. The winds stay light, so it’s clean but smaller.
The very end of the forecast, Saturday, August 1st, shows a little bump in energy (741) but only 4 ft of swell and onshore wind, so it’s back to marginal.
So, the bottom line: The first week is a no-go. The second week is where the magic is, specifically from Sunday, July 26th to Tuesday, July 28th. That’s the big, powerful groundswell. But with that long period and a river mouth break, expect it to be a bit more critical and straight. It’s a spot for experienced surfers when it’s that size. The crowd factor is “sometimes,” so you won’t be alone, but it won’t be a circus.
This is Rusty, out.
Short Range ForecastLight rain (total 4mm), mostly falling on Fri afternoon. Warm (max 26°C on Fri afternoon, min 24°C on Fri night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryLight rain (total 3mm), mostly falling on Tue night. Warm (max 26°C on Tue morning, min 24°C on Mon night). Wind will be generally light. | |||||||||||||||||||
Fri 17 | Saturday 18 | Sunday 19 | Monday 20 | Tuesday 21 | Wednesday 22 | Thursday 23 | ||||||||||||||
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) | ESE 6 | ESE 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 7 | E 7 | E 7 | E 7 | E 7 | E 7 | E 7 | E 13 | E 12 | E 11 | E 7 | E 7 |
Wave Graph  | ||||||||||||||||||||
 kJ | 123 | 395 | 533 | 493 | 305 | 258 | 212 | 167 | 107 | 88 | 82 | 74 | 94 | 94 | 77 | 448 | 383 | 426 | 212 | 176 |
Wind (km/h) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | on | on | on | on | glassy | on | on | glassy | cross-on | on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | on | cross-on |
High Tide | 5:30PM0.96m | 5:52AM0.62m | 5:58PM0.87m | 6:55AM0.63m | 6:23PM0.77m | 8:11AM0.65m | 6:42PM0.68m | 9:44AM0.68m | 6:51PM0.60m | 11:15AM0.74m | 12:18PM0.79m | |||||||||
Low Tide | 00:14AM0.23m | 11:23AM0.27m | 00:47AM0.22m | 12:12PM0.39m | 1:22AM0.22m | 1:16PM0.49m | 2:01AM0.22m | 3:17PM0.56m | 2:48AM0.23m | 3:47AM0.22m | 4:51AM0.21m | |||||||||
 |  |  | |  | | |  |  | | | | | | | | | | | | |
 | — | — | 5:50 | — | — | 5:50 | — | — | 5:50 | — | — | 5:52 | — | — | 5:52 | — | — | 5:52 | — | — |
 | 7:01 | — | — | 7:01 | — | — | 7:01 | — | — | 7:00 | — | — | 7:00 | — | — | 7:00 | — | — | 7:00 | — |
mm | 2 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | 1 | — | — | — | — | 3 |
Temp °C | 26 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
Feels °C | 27 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 28 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NNE 7 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 7 | E 7 | E 7 | E 7 | E 7 | E 7 | E 7 | E 13 | E 12 | E 11 | E 7 | E 7 |
| kJ | 30 | 308 | 533 | 493 | 305 | 258 | 212 | 167 | 107 | 88 | 82 | 74 | 94 | 94 | 77 | 448 | 383 | 426 | 212 | 176 |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | N 8 | NNE 7 | W 13 | S 16 | NNE 7 | NNE 6 | NNE 8 | NNE 8 | NNE 7 | NNE 7 | NNE 7 | NE 7 | NE 7 | NE 7 | NE 7 | NNE 7 | NNE 7 | NE 7 | ENE 11 | ENE 11 |
| kJ | 29 | 37 | 4 | 5 | 35 | 31 | 49 | 50 | 62 | 36 | 46 | 50 | 56 | 54 | 42 | 31 | 31 | 11 | 93 | 65 |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSE 9 | N 8 | S 16 | W 13 | S 15 | S 19 | S 18 | S 16 | S 16 | NE 7 | SSE 15 | E 11 | E 11 | E 11 | E 10 | S 13 | S 13 | SE 14 | SE 14 | SE 13 |
| kJ | 8 | 33 | 5 | 3 | 18 | 27 | 55 | 48 | 80 | 34 | 71 | 61 | 90 | 85 | 76 | 30 | 28 | 33 | 52 | 28 |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | ESE 6 | ESE 8 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | E 6 | — | — |
| kJ | 123 | 395 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 128 | — | — |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 74 | 74 | 74 | 74 | 95 | 158 | 14 | 0 | 122 | 20 | 0 | 156 | 96 | 14 | 158 | 158 | 14 | 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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