(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“Kawaihae Breakwall or LSD's only breaks on a swell coming from less than 310 degrees due to the shadow effect of Maui on more Northern swells. In addition, the swell must be fairly strong to make this deepwater longboard wave break at all. Due to these limitations, Breakwall has a pretty limited number of good surfing days per year, and only in the winter. When the waves are breaking at overhead or better it is an outstanding longboard wave that produces frequent 100 yard rides. A great spot for the keikis as the wave reforms on the inside at about knee to waist high.”
Justin Brown from UNITED STATES - 26 Nov 2012
Kawaihae Breakwater Ratings
Overall: 3.0. Based on 2 votes and 1 review. Vote
Quality on a good day: 3.5(1 star: Even when the swell and winds are optimum, the waves are poor quality, 5 stars: If conditions are right, the waves will be World Class). |
Consistency of Surf: 2.5(1: Kawaihae Breakwater is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 3.0(1: Kawaihae Breakwater is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Big Island. 5: the best break in Big Island). |
Difficulty Level: 3.0(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 3.0(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Kawaihae Breakwater can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 3.0(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Kawaihae Breakwater, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 1.0(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Kawaihae Breakwater are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 5.0(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 2.5(1: Often too crowded. 5: Kawaihae Breakwater is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 5.0(1: Getting to Kawaihae Breakwater requires an overland expedition or chartering a boat. 3: A 30 minute walk from the nearest parking. 5: Park a vehicle right by the break). |
Scenery: 5.0(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 5.0(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 3.0(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Kawaihae Breakwater for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 1.0(1: Camping at Kawaihae Breakwater is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 3.0(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Kawaihae Breakwater is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 1.0(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 3.0(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Kawaihae Breakwater, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 2.0(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Kawaihae Breakwater where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
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