Hanalei Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Hey, Rusty here. Alright, let's be straight – the next week or so is pretty flat for Hanalei Bay. A lot of small, weak swell with short periods, cleaned up by cross-off winds but not really doing much. Water temp is about 80°F, which is normal for this time of year.

From now through about the 26th, there's barely anything worth paddling out for. Swell heights under 5 feet, periods around 7-8 seconds, combined energy mostly weak to moderate (200-600). There's a little bump on Sunday the 19th morning – 5ft from ENE, 8 seconds, energy 524 – but still marginal. You'll be waiting a long time between waves.

Then things start to change. On Sunday the 26th, a long-period groundswell shows up – 17 seconds from the east, about 4ft, energy jumps to 1185 (strong). But it's still labelled marginal, and the wind goes cross-shore in the afternoon, so not ideal.

Here's the real standout – Monday the 27th morning. Hanalei Bay (reef and point, for advanced surfers, consistent) gets a clean 5ft east swell, 16-second period – that's a proper groundswell. Combined energy is 1645 (strong) and the wind is east at 9 mph, cross-offshore, so the surface will be glassy. Swell direction is east, not the perfect north, but at a point break like Hanalei, that long period will wrap around nicely. Crowds are often, so expect company. The size is solid for experienced surfers, not too big. This is the session to target.

Tuesday the 28th morning also looks strong – 7ft east swell, 15 seconds, energy 1965 (very strong), but the wind is cross-shore, so there'll be a bit of chop. Still good for experts, but not as clean as Monday. Wednesday the 29th drops to 6ft with 13 seconds and cross-off wind, clean but less energy.

Later in the forecast, the 30th and 31st see the swell easing but still rideable, with periods around 11-12 seconds. Less certainty on those days, but worth keeping an eye on.

Bottom line: the first week is a dud. The real action starts Monday 27th July. If you can only get one session, make it that morning.

Rusty

Read more