Kawaihae Breakwater Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get straight into it. The next 16 days aren’t looking like a vintage run for the area, but we do have a few windows of clean, small surf to get the log out.

The first rideable swell kicks off on Tuesday, 14 July, at Kawaihae Breakwater (Big Island). It’s not a groundswell, but the west swell is welcome. Tuesday morning brings a small 2 ft from the west, with a period of 19 seconds. That’s long-period energy, which will really suit this reef setup. The wind is light cross-off from the NNE at 6 mph, so faces will be clean. The water is sitting at 80°, which is about normal for this time of year. The combined energy is moderate (298). The standout is actually Tuesday afternoon, when the wind drops to glassy, the swell bumps up to 2 ft, and the period holds at 16 seconds. It’s not big, but it will be clean, lined up, and fun for a mid-length or a longboard. It’s the best on offer across the whole period.

Wednesday, 15 July, keeps that good run going. Morning and afternoon are both glassy with 3 ft west swell, period still long at 15–16 seconds. The water is glassy calm by afternoon – no wind at all. This is as good as small surf gets. Thursday, 16 July, follows the same script: clean, glassy mornings, 3 ft west swell, light offshore winds holding through the afternoon. Very consistent quality for these three days.

Friday, 17 July, drops off a little. The swell eases to 2–2 ft, and while the wind is still offshore from the NE, it’s a bit stronger at 6 mph. The energy drops to 228, still moderate but noticeably weaker. Saturday, 18 July, is a mixed bag – the morning is glassy again with 2 ft, but the energy is down to 100. It’s surfable but ordinary.

From Sunday, 19 July, onward, it’s a slow fade. The swell drops to 1 ft or less, period shortens, and the energy is weak (55 and below). By the 20th and 21st, it’s barely a ripple. The rest of the month through to 29 July stays flat or with tiny 0.7 ft swell from the SSW. The energy is all under 100, mostly under 50. A few glassy moments here and there, but nothing worth paddling out for. The only flicker of life is on Thursday, 23 July, when a very long-period 21-second SSW swell shows up, but it’s only 0.7 ft – more of a pulse than a wave. The energy is just 69. It’s a tease.

So, to sum it up: grab your Tuesday 14 July afternoon through Thursday 16 July. That’s your window. After that, you’re looking at a long gap of flatness. It’s not unusual for this area to go quiet, but forecasts can change. For now, get on it early.

Rusty.

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