Kahalu'u Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s look at what’s happening at Kahalu'u over the next couple of weeks. This is a reef break on the Big Island, and it’s a beginner-friendly spot that’s very consistent. The water is sitting at 81°, which is about a degree warmer than normal for this time of year – that’s nice.

Right now, things are off to a quiet start. There’s small surf around 3 ft from the west, but the wind is onshore and the energy is just moderate (506). It looks better on Wednesday afternoon when the wind goes cross-off and the conditions clean up nicely. That afternoon has good surf conditions, so if you’re around, get in the water then. Thursday through Sunday is looking pretty average. We’ve got small swells up to 2 ft, but the wind is mostly cross-onshore or onshore, keeping the surface choppy. The energy levels stay moderate (401–429 range), but it’s nothing special. Saturday morning is a dud with poor surf – don’t bother.

Monday the 20th afternoon might be the first real shout. The swell edges up to 3 ft from the south, with cross-off wind and clean conditions. That’s a window to paddle out for some fun, easy waves. Tuesday looks so-so again, but then something interesting shows up.

Wednesday the 22nd gets a big pulse of long-period energy from the SSW. The swell is only 2 ft, but the period jumps to 24 seconds, pushing the combined energy way up to 720 – that’s strong energy considering the height. These are very lanky, clean groundswell lines, perfect for this reef setup. The wind is cross-onshore though, so the surface won’t be perfect, but that deep-water energy will wrap in nicely.

Then Thursday the 23rd afternoon is my pick of the entire forecast. You’ll get 3 ft from the SSW at a 20-second period, but here’s the kicker: glassy wind. The energy is pumping at 701, and the conditions are described as very good surf. That’s going to be clean, lined-up, and fun for a beginner spot.

Friday the 24th afternoon is another strong one. Same 3 ft SSW swell, 18-second period, with cross-off wind and very good conditions. The energy is high (721). That’s two afternoons in a row worth marking on your calendar.

The following week sees the swell holding around 3 ft to 3 ft, mostly from the SSW, with moderate energy (672–738 range), but the wind stays mostly cross-onshore or cross-shore. Nothing terrible, but not as clean as those two standout afternoons. By the 29th and 30th, the surf fades. Energy drops below 100, and it’s poor conditions. That run of a few days without good surf is a normal way for the window to end.

So, if you’re after the best: Make plans for Thursday the 23rd afternoon or Friday the 24th afternoon. Glassy or cross-off wind, solid energy, and clean lines at Kahalu'u. Crowds can show up here sometimes, so expect company, but the waves will be worth it.

Rusty.

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