Surf Forecasts:
Hawai River surf forecast from 16 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Monday 24 Aug, 6AM (local time) - 5.5ft (1.7m), 7s period, NW swell with glassy winds.
- Most powerful swell: Monday 24 Aug, 6AM (local time) - 5.5ft (1.7m), 7s period, NW swell with 255 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Monday 24 Aug, 12AM (local time) - 5ft (1.5m), 7s period with NW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Hawai River this week:
The surf forecast for Hawai River over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Monday (Aug 24) at 12AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.5m and 7s period with a secondary swell of 0.1m and 12s. The wind is predicted to be glassy as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Hawai River in the next 16 days are 1.7m 7s and forecast to arrive on Monday (Aug 24) at 6AM. Winds are predicted to be glassy at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.8m 4s period and expected on Wednesday (Aug 19) at 12AM.
| Wave Type | Time (NZST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 12AM (Mon 24th Aug) | 5ft (1.5m) 7s |
| Best Surf | 6AM (Mon 24th Aug) | 5.5ft (1.7m) 7s |
| Most Powerful | 6AM (Mon 24th Aug) | 5.5ft (1.7m) 7s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Hawai River over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s coming down the pipe for this stretch.
Right off the bat, it's a tough start. We've got a long, flat spell ahead. From now through the 22nd of August, there’s basically nothing worth paddling out for. The swell is tiny to non-existent, with combined wave energy barely registering in single digits or low double digits. You’re looking at a solid week-plus of flat to ankle-biters. It’s a real bummer, but that’s how it goes sometimes. It’s not going to stay this poor forever, though, and the forecasts can always shift in our favor.
Things start to stir around Sunday the 23rd as a fresh NW swell pushes in, but it comes with a strong onshore wind. Combined energy shoots up to 233 – moderate – but the wind will have it chopped and lumpy. Not a day for a party wave, but it’s a sign of life.
The first proper glimmer of hope comes on Monday the 24th. The swell is still a modest 4.3ft from the NW with a 7-second period, but the wind goes glassy in the morning. The water temp is about average for the time of year at 58.5°. The combined energy sits at 158 (moderate). It’s surfable, but nothing to call home about. That NW direction isn’t the best for this spot – we need something more northerly.
The real standout, and I mean the one to circle on your calendar, is Sunday the 30th of August. This is the big one. Swell jumps to a solid 9.8ft from the NW with an 8-second period. The combined wave energy explodes to over 1100 (strong to very strong wave energy). This is serious groundswell. Now, at that size – over 8.2ft – this is strictly for the experienced crew. Beginners, stay on the beach. The wind is glassy in the morning and light, offshore in the afternoon. Hawai River will be absolutely pumping if the direction locks in, offering some serious, powerful waves. This is the best on offer by a long shot, but it’s still a week and a half away, so keep an eye on it as we get closer.
Short Range ForecastSome drizzle, heaviest during Tue night. Very mild (max 13°C on Tue afternoon, min 5°C on Mon night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Very mild (max 14°C on Thu afternoon, min 7°C on Wed night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||
Monday 17 | Tuesday 18 | Wednesday 19 | Thursday 20 | Friday 21 | Saturday 22 | ||||||||||||||
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) | NE 8 | ENE 9 | ENE 10 | N 10 | N 11 | N 10 | N 10 | WSW 4 | SSW 3 | SSW 3 | E 6 | WNW 2 | WNW 3 | WNW 3 | WNW 3 | WNW 4 | NW 5 | WNW 5 | WNW 5 |
Wave Graph  | |||||||||||||||||||
 kJ | 10 | 7 | 9 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 20 | 25 | 35 | 78 |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | off | off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross | cross-off | glassy | cross-on | cross-on | cross | cross-on | cross-on |
High Tide | 9:27PM1.90m | 9:53AM1.77m | 10:13PM1.83m | 10:41AM1.73m | 10:58PM1.74m | 11:29AM1.66m | 11:44PM1.65m | 12:17PM1.60m | 00:31AM1.56m | 1:07PM1.54m | 1:20AM1.49m | 1:59PM1.50m | 2:13AM1.45m | ||||||
Low Tide | 3:47AM0.07m | 4:04PM0.15m | 4:32AM0.12m | 4:51PM0.23m | 5:17AM0.19m | 5:37PM0.32m | 6:02AM0.27m | 6:24PM0.40m | 6:48AM0.34m | 7:14PM0.48m | 7:37AM0.40m | 8:06PM0.53m | |||||||
 |  |  |  | | |  |  | |  | | | | | | | | | | |
 | — | 6:52 | — | — | 6:50 | — | — | 6:50 | — | — | 6:48 | — | — | 6:47 | — | — | 6:46 | — | — |
 | — | — | 5:35 | — | — | 5:36 | — | — | 5:37 | — | — | 5:37 | — | — | 5:37 | — | — | 5:38 | — |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 11 | 10 | 10 | 6 | 11 | 13 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 13 | 14 | 9 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 |
Feels °C | 6 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 6 | 10 | 11 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 9 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NE 8 | ENE 9 | ENE 10 | E 8 | E 8 | W 3 | N 10 | — | — | — | — | — | WNW 3 | — | — | — | NW 5 | N 15 | N 14 |
| kJ | 10 | 7 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | — | — | — | 25 | 4 | 4 |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | N 6 | N 6 | — | N 10 | E 10 | N 10 | — | — | — | — | E 6 | — | — | — | — | — | N 15 | N 11 | N 11 |
| kJ | 3 | 1 | — | 2 | 2 | 2 | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | 5 | 2 | 2 |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | N 11 | N 11 | — | E 10 | N 11 | E 8 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| kJ | 2 | 2 | — | 2 | 2 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSE 4 | S 3 | S 3 | SSW 3 | SW 3 | SW 3 | SW 4 | WSW 4 | SSW 3 | SSW 3 | SSW 2 | WNW 2 | — | WNW 3 | WNW 3 | WNW 4 | SSW 3 | WNW 5 | WNW 5 |
| kJ | 10 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 16 | 10 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | 1 | 1 | 20 | 1 | 35 | 78 |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 48 | 48 | 40 | 40 | 73 | 251 | 77 | 184 | 182 | 48 | 48 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 76 |
Best forecast wave conditions in East Cape | |||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in New Zealand | |||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Hawai River Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Hawai River provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Hawai River can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Hawai River 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 (Hawai River) 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 Hawai River 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.
Hawai River is 48 km (30 miles) from Whakatane. If you plan a holiday in East Cape, look for hotels and other accommodation in Whakatane. Whakatane has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.
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