Surf Forecasts:
Polihale surf forecast from 24 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Monday 24 Aug, 5AM (local time) - 2.5ft (0.7m), 11s period, NW swell with cross-offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Sunday 30 Aug, 11PM (local time) - 4.5ft (1.4m), 7s period, NE swell with 194 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Monday 24 Aug, 5AM (local time) - 2.5ft (0.7m), 11s period with NW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Polihale this week:
The surf forecast for Polihale over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Monday (Aug 24) at 5AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 0.7m and 11s period. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Polihale in the next 16 days are 1.4m 7s and forecast to arrive on Sunday (Aug 30) at 11PM. Winds are predicted to be cross-offshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 1.4m 7s period and expected on Monday (Aug 24) at 5AM.
| Wave Type | Time (HST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 5AM (Mon 24th Aug) | 2.5ft (0.7m) 11s |
| Best Surf | 5AM (Mon 24th Aug) | 2.5ft (0.7m) 11s |
| Most Powerful | 11PM (Sun 30th Aug) | 4.5ft (1.4m) 7s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Polihale over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, surfers, Rusty here with a look at what’s cookin’ for Polihale over the next couple of weeks.
Right off the bat, I gotta be straight with you – the start of this stretch is a real bummer. From Monday the 24th of August all the way through to the end of the month, it’s gonna be flat or tiny, with weak, short-period junk. We’re talkin’ days of poor surf, just nothin’ worth paddlin’ out for. The combined energy is barely a whisper, sittin' around 65 or less, which is weak. It’s a dry spell that’ll test your patience.
There’s a little flicker of hope on Monday the 31st of August. The afternoon shows some small, messy chest-high swell from the NE pushing in, about 4 ft, but it’s only 7 seconds of period. The combined energy climbs to 189 (moderate), but it’s still just “surfable” – nothin’ to write home about. That carries into Tuesday, September 1st. The afternoon really starts to wake up with a solid 4 ft NE swell, still a short 8-second period, but the energy jumps to 244 (moderate). Winds are light and cross-offshore, so it’ll be clean. Still, not a standout, just a sign that the ocean is rememberin’ how to work.
Then we hit another flat patch from Tuesday night through Friday, September 4th.
Now, here’s where we get a real standout. If you’ve been waitin’, this is your window. On Monday the 7th of September, the surf finally delivers. The morning is nearly dead, but by afternoon, things get *good*. We’re talkin’ a head-high to a couple feet overhead (7 ft) NE swell rollin’ in with a solid 11-second period, which is a proper groundswell. The combined energy jumps to a whopping 952, which is strong. The wind goes glassy, dead calm, which means the face of those waves will be smooth as silk. This is expert territory at that size – 7 ft is more than 5 ft, so it’s not for beginners. Look for Chocks, that’s Polihale in this region. The swell direction from NE is a good match for the break. Crowds are a possibility here.
And it doesn’t stop there. Tuesday the 8th of September keeps that fire goin’ with another 7 ft NE swell, still a 10-second period, and again glassy conditions. Energy is 827 (strong). Another top-shelf day for the experienced crew. The water temp is about average for the time of year, so you’ll be fine in a spring suit.
So, to wrap it up: you’re lookin’ at a long flat spell, then some small, clean dribble, and then a proper two-day window of quality, powerful surf for experts at the start of September. Get on it if you can.
Rusty, signing off.
Short Range ForecastLight rain (total 2mm), mostly falling on Mon afternoon. Warm (max 29°C on Mon afternoon, min 25°C on Tue night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Warm (max 28°C on Sat afternoon, min 24°C on Wed night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||
Monday 24 | Tuesday 25 | Wednesday 26 | Thursday 27 | Friday 28 | Saturday 29 | ||||||||||||||
Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | |
Swell Height Map | |||||||||||||||||||
Wave Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NW 11 | WNW 10 | NW 9 | NW 9 | NW 9 | NW 9 | NW 9 | NW 9 | NW 10 | NW 9 | NW 9 | NW 9 | NW 9 | N 7 | NNE 6 | NW 9 | S 13 | ENE 7 | ENE 7 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||
121 | 65 | 42 | 43 | 42 | 22 | 22 | 30 | 34 | 30 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 23 | 13 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross | cross-off | glassy | cross | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off |
High Tide | 00:48AM0.24m | 2:10PM0.64m | 1:30AM0.27m | 2:37PM0.65m | 2:08AM0.30m | 3:02PM0.65m | 2:47AM0.34m | 3:26PM0.63m | 3:27AM0.39m | 3:48PM0.59m | 4:09AM0.43m | 4:09PM0.55m | 4:54AM0.47m | ||||||
Low Tide | 9:26PM0.20m | 6:20AM0.09m | 9:31PM0.19m | 7:04AM0.07m | 9:41PM0.18m | 7:45AM0.07m | 9:54PM0.17m | 8:24AM0.09m | 10:08PM0.16m | 9:05AM0.12m | 10:23PM0.14m | 9:48AM0.16m | 10:41PM0.12m | ||||||
— | 6:18 | — | — | 6:18 | — | — | 6:20 | — | — | 6:20 | — | — | 6:20 | — | — | 6:20 | — | — | |
7:02 | — | 7:01 | — | — | 7:01 | — | — | 7:00 | — | — | 7:00 | — | — | 6:59 | — | — | 6:58 | — | |
mm | — | — | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 27 | 28 | 29 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 26 |
Feels °C | 28 | 30 | 32 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 30 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 26 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NW 11 | WNW 10 | SSW 13 | SSW 12 | S 16 | S 16 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 13 | S 19 | S 16 | S 17 | S 15 | S 15 | S 14 | S 14 | S 13 | S 13 | ENE 7 |
121 | 65 | 102 | 89 | 131 | 127 | 165 | 163 | 139 | 336 | 347 | 346 | 362 | 267 | 188 | 178 | 168 | 162 | 162 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | NW 9 | NW 9 | SSW 12 | SSW 12 | SSW 18 | S 18 | S 18 | SSW 13 | S 12 | S 12 | NNE 7 | N 7 | NNE 6 | E 14 | E 12 | E 13 | S 12 |
118 | 107 | 42 | 43 | 58 | 86 | 110 | 167 | 225 | 96 | 72 | 73 | 17 | 23 | 13 | 35 | 27 | 56 | 105 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSE 13 | SSE 13 | SSE 12 | SSW 16 | NW 9 | NW 9 | NW 9 | NW 9 | NW 10 | NW 9 | NW 9 | NW 9 | NW 9 | SSW 11 | SSW 10 | NW 9 | SSW 18 | SW 17 | E 13 |
34 | 32 | 29 | 91 | 42 | 22 | 22 | 30 | 34 | 30 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 40 | 21 | 12 | 62 | 75 | 89 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | ENE 6 | ENE 7 | ENE 7 | ENE 7 | ENE 7 | ENE 7 | E 8 | E 7 | E 7 | ENE 7 | ENE 7 | ENE 7 | ENE 7 | E 6 | ENE 7 | ENE 7 | ENE 7 | ENE 7 | — |
156 | 173 | 154 | 128 | 143 | 176 | 138 | 146 | 124 | 102 | 75 | 79 | 58 | 86 | 93 | 121 | 128 | 162 | — | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 0 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Kaua'i | |||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in United States | |||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Polihale Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Polihale provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Polihale can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Polihale surf forecast is unique since it includes wave energy (power) that defines the real feel of the surf rather than just the height or the period. If you surf the same spot (Polihale) regularly then make a mental note of the wave energy from the surf forecast table each time you go. Very soon you may start to choose your surf days based on the wave energy alone combined with our forecast of favourable offshore wind conditions. Our star ratings will help here and of course you will also find the usual wave height and period predictions on our surf forecasts as well as a full break down of the swell components under our advanced users option (to reveal that, click the little Einstein character under the tide times).
Further information to help with frequently asked questions about our surf forecast for Polihale may be found under the help tab on the top menu and also by moving your mouse over the question marks on the surf forecast table itself. Please always bear in mind that the forecast is for near-shore open water and local factors at each surf break influence the actual breaking wave height, such as the beach / reef profile, water depths offshore and shelter.
Are you planning a vacation in Kaua'i? If you are looking for accommodation near Polihale, camping, hotels and condos and appartments in Kaua'i, consider staying in Nawiliwili which is 43 km (27 miles) away. Alternatively, find information about places to stay and car hire in Lihue - Kauai which is 45 km (28 miles) away










