Kewalos Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s on the menu at Kewalos.

Right off the bat, I gotta be straight with you – the first few days are looking pretty grim. We’ve got a constant cross-offshore ENE breeze blowing at 15 to 22 mph, and the swell is either tiny or messy. Thursday morning the 6th kicks off with a weak 1 ft SSW swell, period a long 14 seconds, but combined energy is only 165 – that’s weak. It’s clean-looking, but there’s just no push. That pattern holds through Friday, with the same ankle-snappers. Not worth paddling out.

Saturday the 8th shows a bit more size – 5 ft to 6 ft from the ENE – but the period is a short 7 seconds. Combined energy jumps to 456 and 542, which is moderate, but that short-period stuff is just going to be bumpy and disorganised, especially with that 19-22 mph wind. Still a pass for me. Sunday the 9th and Monday the 10th are more of the same: 5 ft to 6 ft, short period, and a moderate breeze. The water temp is sitting at 81°, which is about average for the time of year, but that won’t matter much when you’re wrestling with that wind.

The first real glimmer of hope shows up late on Tuesday the 11th. We get a 3 ft SSW swell with a much longer 14-second period, and combined energy hits 547. That’s still on the low side of moderate, but the longer period means there’s some shape in the water. Wednesday the 12th is where it starts to get interesting. A 3 ft S swell with an 18-second period – that’s proper groundswell – and combined energy climbs to 867 (moderate). Wind is still blowing 19-22 mph from the ENE, so it’s cross-off and not glassy, but the waves should have some push. This is a point break, so that long period won’t make it close out straight like a beach break. It could be fun for the advanced crew.

Now, the standout window comes in the second week. Starting Thursday the 14th of August, things ramp up quickly. Friday the 14th afternoon shows 8 ft from the ENE at 8 seconds, combined energy 1112 – that’s strong. By Saturday the 15th, it’s 8 ft with 8 seconds, energy 1201, and still that strong ENE breeze at 25 mph. Sunday the 16th peaks with 10 ft from the ENE at 9 seconds, energy hitting 1553 – very strong wave energy. This is expert territory for sure; anything over 8 ft at a reef break like Kewalos is not for the faint of heart. The wind is a constant 25 mph cross-off, which will keep the surface clean, but that’s a lot of wind with a lot of swell. It’s powerful, raw, and only for experienced surfers who know the reef.

That big ENE pulse hangs around through Monday the 17th and Tuesday the 18th, with 8 ft sets and energy still over 1200. The wind does back off a touch on Tuesday afternoon to 19 mph, which is a slight improvement. After that, the swell starts to fade Wednesday the 19th, dropping to 5 ft from the E with a better 10-second period, but energy falls to 449. By Thursday the 20th and Friday the 21st, we’re back to small, weak SW/SSW swells under 2 ft.

So, the pick of the lot? That’s easy. Sunday the 16th of August is the big one – 10 ft of ENE swell, period 9 seconds, and very strong energy (1553). It’s a proper groundswell for the reef, and the wind is cross-off, so it’ll be clean. But this is an advanced spot on a big day – don’t even think about it if you’re not solid. The other standout is Wednesday the 12th of August – smaller at 3 ft, but that 18-second S groundswell will have beautiful long lines and shape for those who can handle the wind. That’s the more accessible session for the skilled regular.

Crowds at Kewalos are likely (“often”), so expect company on those better days. It’s a reef break, so keep your wits about you.

Rusty.

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