Honokohau Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Hey folks, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s shaping up at Honokohau over the next couple of weeks.

Right out of the gate, we’ve got a bit of a wait. The first few days are a write-off—Sunday the 6th through Monday the 7th see solid 8ft to 8ft easterly swell, but it’s getting hammered by a strong 22-25 mph cross-off wind, churning up a messy, marginal surf. The water’s sitting at a normal 80°F for this time of year, so nothing wild there.

Things start to look up on Tuesday, September 8th. That’s our first real standout. The swell drops to a clean 7ft from the east-northeast, with a moderate 11-second period, and the wind switches to a light offshore breeze—SSE at 12 mph in the morning, backing off to just 6 mph by afternoon. That’s clean, lined-up surf at this reef and point break. The energy’s moderate (combined energy of 1042 in the morning, dropping to 829). It’s a solid intermediate-level wave, not too big, but with real shape. Crowds are often a factor here, so expect company.

Wednesday the 9th through to Saturday the 12th is a mixed bag. Swell drops to 5ft-6ft, but the wind stays cross or cross-off from the east-northeast at 12-19 mph, killing the quality. The period shortens to 7-8 seconds on Thursday, so the waves are weak and choppy. Energy drops quickly (from 554 down to 271). It’s not worth paddling out for.

Then from Sunday the 13th all the way through to Saturday the 19th of September, it’s a long, flat spell. Swell barely pushes 4ft, mostly around 2ft-3ft, with short 7-8 second periods. The wind stays cross or cross-onshore, and the energy is weak (under 200). Just a dead stretch for the surf. There’s a gap of nearly a week with no real options.

But hold on—Sunday the 20th of September brings a flicker of hope. Swell bumps up to 5ft from the east, with a clean 8-second period, and the wind goes light and cross-off from the east-southeast at just 3-9 mph. The energy is moderate (432 in the morning, 502 by afternoon). It’s not huge, but it’s clean and rideable. That’s the best on offer in the second week.

The real standout, though, is Monday the 21st of September. The swell is 4ft from the east, with a 9-second period, and the wind goes glassy in the afternoon—just 3 mph variable. That’s clean, smooth, low-tide-friendly surf at Honokohau. Energy’s moderate (418). It’s not a bomb, but for a mellow, fun session, that’s your window.

Overall, the first week is a washout, but that Tuesday the 8th and the Monday the 21st are the calls. Crowds are likely at Honokohau, so get in early.

Rusty.

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