Honokohau Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s switch to feet and miles. This is Rusty, and I’m breaking down the forecast for Honokohau.

The water temp is 81°, which is about average for this time of year.

The first week and a half is a total bust. From Monday the 24th of August through to Monday the 7th of September, it’s the same story: ENE trades blowing 15 to 22 mph, cross-shore, with the ocean looking like a washing machine. The swell is running between 4 ft and 8 ft, mostly from the east, but the wind is ruining it. The wave comment calls it “poor surf conditions” almost every day, and I’m not arguing. The combined swell energy is moderate, from 210 to 771, but with that chop, it’s just not surfable. The period is short, 6 to 8 seconds, so it’s all windswell slop.

Then, on Thursday the 3rd of September, things start to look a little better. The swell period jumps to 14 seconds – that’s real groundswell. The height drops to 3 ft, but the energy is still healthy at 727. The morning has a cross-off wind, which cleans things up, and the comment is “marginal” but it’s the best we’ve seen. The swell is from the east, and for Honokohau’s reef and point, that’s a good direction. The afternoon is a bit more cross-shore, but the morning is the one to chase.

But the standout, the day you circle on the calendar, is Tuesday the 8th of September. Honokohau goes glassy. Wind is just 3 mph from the NE, with a “glass” state. The swell is 8 ft from the east, with an 8-second period. That’s a big wave, edging into expert territory, but for the crew who know the reef, it’s going to be pumping. The combined energy is 767 – solid. The comment says “expect very good surf conditions,” and with that flat wind, it’s going to be clean. The afternoon is cross-off and 7 ft, still good, but the morning session is the best bet. Crowds are “often” here, so expect company.

The rest of the forecast is a wait, but that Tuesday morning is the one. It’s a long way out, so don’t lock it in, but it’s got promise.

Rusty.

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