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“No one calls this Waiaha Rivermouth...it's called either Honls or Honos.
This is a historic site for bodyboarding: Tom Morey paddled out here in July 1971 on the first prototype Boogieboard to test his new concept which was loosely based on ancient paipo belly boards.
Taking off too deep on the right can be a gamble to get past the reef. I once saw a guy get pile driven headfirst onto dry exposed reef after an ill-advised takeoff that was too close to the point of the reef. He lived but I honestly don't know if he faced long term effects from it. The right closes out when it's too big. The left is short but hollow. I grew up surfing here and still have the scars.”
Kanaka from UNITED STATES - 05 Apr 2022
Waiaha Rivermouth / Honls Ratings
Overall: 5.0. Based on 4 votes and 1 review. Vote
Quality on a good day: 4.5(1 star: Even when the swell and winds are optimum, the waves are poor quality, 5 stars: If conditions are right, the waves will be World Class). |
Consistency of Surf: 3.0(1: Waiaha Rivermouth / Honls is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 3.0(1: Waiaha Rivermouth / Honls is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Big Island. 5: the best break in Big Island). |
Difficulty Level: 4.0(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 3.3(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Waiaha Rivermouth / Honls can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 2.5(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Waiaha Rivermouth / Honls, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 1.0(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Waiaha Rivermouth / Honls are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 5.0(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 3.0(1: Often too crowded. 5: Waiaha Rivermouth / Honls is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 5.0(1: Getting to Waiaha Rivermouth / Honls requires an overland expedition or chartering a boat. 3: A 30 minute walk from the nearest parking. 5: Park a vehicle right by the break). |
Scenery: 5.0(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 2.7(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 4.5(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Waiaha Rivermouth / Honls for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 1.0(1: Camping at Waiaha Rivermouth / Honls is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 5.0(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Waiaha Rivermouth / Honls is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 4.0(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 5.0(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Waiaha Rivermouth / Honls, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 5.0(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Waiaha Rivermouth / Honls where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
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