Kawaihae Breakwater Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s chew through what this stretch is giving us.

Truth be told, it’s a lean run. Starting Thursday, July 30, we’re looking at a whole lot of flatness or ankle-biters. From that day all the way through until Saturday morning, August 8, there’s basically nothing worth waxing up for. The combined swell energy sits under 100 (weak) for almost every session, and most of them show zero energy at all. That’s a solid 9 or 10 day drought.

The only spot in the mix is Kawaihae Breakwater, a reef that’s usually fairly consistent, but this stretch is testing that reputation. Water temp is about average for this time of year, nothing out of the ordinary.

The best bit of the whole 16-day window lands on Monday, August 10. That morning a 0.8m west swell starts to show, with combined energy hitting 215 (moderate). Then by Monday afternoon it gets better: still 0.8m out of the west, 12-second period, and the energy climbs to 271 (moderate). The wind goes dead calm—glassy. That afternoon is the clear standout. The swell direction is west, which is exactly what this break likes to see. It’s not big, but after a long flat spell, it’s the best you’re gonna get. Crowds are possible, so expect some company.

From Tuesday the 11th through Friday the 14th, surf stays small but rideable. Swells between 0.4m and 0.6m, west direction, with glassy or light offshore winds. Combined energy stays in the 120–140 range (moderate). Conditions are clean, and mornings look the best. Nothing special, but enough to scratch the itch.

The second week doesn’t offer any standouts. By Friday the 14th, that little pulse fades—0.5m west swell, light offshore, but energy drops to 70 (weak). It’s a quiet end.

No swell ever tops 1.5m, so it’s all fine for beginners. Those longer periods of 14–18 seconds early on just make the tiny waves even more drawn out and weak. On the better days, 12–13 seconds is fine for the reef.

Not a kite surfing situation at all.

So, hang in there through the flat spell, and the best shot is Monday afternoon, August 10. After that, the following mornings have small but clean waves if you want a session.

Rusty.

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