Punihos Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what Punihos has in store for us over the next couple of weeks.

The next few days are a bit of a write-off, but we’ve got some real gems hiding further out, especially for those who can handle the size. The first surf worth paddling out for doesn’t hit until Friday the 18th, so you’re looking at a couple of days of flat or blown-out nothing before things kick off.

Friday morning on the 18th is where it gets interesting. We’ve got a solid 10ft swell out of the WSW with an 11-second period, and the wind is a gentle 9 mph offshore from the SE. That means clean, lined-up waves at Punihos. The combined energy is pumping at 4133 (moderate to strong), so there’s plenty of push. Keep in mind, this is a reef and point break, so with that longer-period groundswell, it should wrap in nicely and offer some proper shape. 10ft is a serious step up – only for experienced surfers. If you’re a beginner, give this one a miss.

Saturday the 19th is a no-go. The swell jumps to 13ft from the WSW, but the wind cranks up and gets messy – cross-onshore and lumpy all day. You don’t want to be out there.

Sunday the 20th is even bigger with 20-21ft swells, but again, strong cross-shore winds (28 mph) make it a washing machine. Not for paddling.

Now, Monday morning the 21st – we’ve got a drop in size to 12ft WSW with a very long 16-second period. But the wind is moderate cross-shore, so it’s a bit lumpy. Combined energy is 6587 (strong). If you’re keen, you might find a wave, but the wind isn’t doing us any favours.

Tuesday the 22nd is mostly marginal. The morning has a 7ft swell with onshore wind, and the afternoon gets a bit more cross-shore but still messy.

Let’s jump to the standout period. Thursday the 24th is an absolute ripper for the experienced crew. The morning is crystal clear with light offshore/cross-off wind from the S at just 3 mph. We have a 8ft WSW swell with a 16-second period – a classic groundswell. The combined energy is 3250 (moderate). This is a proper clean session at Punihos. It’s a “best on offer” call for this forecast. Remember this is a reef setup, so that long period will draw some beautiful lines. It’s big enough to keep the crowds down, but it’s a spot that can get busy, so keep an eye out.

Friday the 25th is also excellent. The morning is clean with a gentle 9 mph SSE offshore wind and a 7ft WSW swell. The afternoon stays clean with a cross-off breeze and 5ft swell. Both sessions are solid, clean options.

Saturday the 26th starts off glassy in the morning with a 3 mph SW breeze and a 4ft SW swell (13-second period). Combined energy is 521 (weak to moderate). It’s a much smaller, more mellow wave, perfect for a longboard. The glassy conditions are a massive plus.

Sunday the 27th morning is also glassy, with a 4ft WSW swell and no wind. Good fun on the smaller side.

The rest of the window into early October looks either marginal, windy, or too small for anything special. The water temperature is about average for this time of year, so nothing to worry about on that front.

So, to sum it up: the real highlight is Thursday morning the 24th of September for the experienced surfers – big, clean, and powerful. Friday the 25th and Saturday the 26th morning are also great, cleaner options for those who want something a bit smaller. Get on it.

Rusty.

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