Hanalei Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G'day, I'm Rusty, and I've got the lowdown on the surf for the next couple of weeks at Hanalei Bay. This is a classic reef and point break that works best when the swell rolls in from the north, so we're looking at a period where the conditions are a bit of a mixed bag.

Right now, through the start of August, the swell is coming from the east-northeast, not the direction this spot really loves. The water temperature is about average for this time of year, so you won't need any extra rubber. Sunday the 2nd is a write-off, with a 7ft swell from the ENE and a moderate cross-off breeze that won't give you the clean lines you're after. The energy is moderate (938), but the score is low.

Monday morning the 3rd is the first real standout. We've got a clean 6ft swell from the ENE, with a gentle cross-off breeze from the east. The energy is moderate (879), and the forecast says expect very good surf. This is the closest we'll get to a decent session in the first week. The swell period is only 8 seconds, so it's short-period wind swell, but it'll be clean and fun. After that, the swell drops off quickly, and from Tuesday afternoon the 4th through to the 12th of August, it's a long stretch of poor to marginal conditions. The swell stays small, between 2ft and 5ft, and the energy drops into the weak to moderate range. The wind stays cross-off, but the swell is just too weak and inconsistent to get excited about.

Now, for the second week, things get interesting. Around the 12th of August, the swell direction swings to the west-northwest, which is more in the optimum direction for this break. This is a long-range, promising outlook. On Thursday morning the 13th of August, we see a 2ft west-northwest groundswell with a very long 16-second period. The energy is moderate (568), and the forecast says expect very good surf. This is a groundswell with a long period, so expect well-shaped, powerful waves, but the sets will be less frequent. With the swell size being small, it might be a bit tricky to get the best out of it, but it's the best looking swell in the whole forecast. The wind is light and cross-off, so it should be clean. Friday the 14th of August also has a similar swell, with a 3ft west-northwest swell and 16-second period, and moderate energy (713). This is a standout for the more experienced surfer who knows how to read a long-period swell on a point break. The crowds are often at Hanalei Bay, so be prepared for company.

In summary, the best bet is Monday morning the 3rd of August for a clean, fun session, and then keep an eye on the 13th and 14th of August for the long-period groundswell that could be a gem. The rest of the period is a bit of a waiting game.

Rusty.

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