Rock Point/Pohakuloa Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get straight into it. The swell is running, but the wind is a total bastard for the better part of the next two weeks, so we’ve gotta be real about what’s on offer.

The only spot in the game is Rock Point/Pohakuloa (reef and point). It’s inconsistent, and it’s often crowded, so you’ll be sharing the takeoff zone. Water temp is sitting at 27°, which is about what you’d expect for this time of year—nothing wild there.

Right now, starting Monday the 3rd of August, it’s a write-off. Cross-shore breezes from the ENE at 12 mph are chopping everything up. The swell is 5 ft from the ENE with a short, weak 8-second period, and the combined energy is only 431 (moderate). It’s “poor surf conditions” across the board. That theme sticks for days.

Tuesday the 4th looks a touch better on paper—swell bumps up to 5 ft from the ENE, period stretches to 11 seconds, and energy jumps to 717 (moderate). But the wind is still cross-shore, and the call is “marginal.” It’s not clean. You could paddle out and find a couple of longer lines, but the chop will be there.

Wednesday the 5th through the 10th of August is a rough patch. Swell sticks around 4 ft to 7 ft, all ENE, but the wind stays stiff cross-shore (15 to 22 mph), and the water goes lumpy. The combined energy fluctuates between 189 and 487, but the “poor surf conditions” tag never lets up. This is a dead zone for paddle surfing.

From the 11th of August onward, the swell size climbs steadily. By Sunday the 16th, we’re looking at 8 ft from the ENE at 8 seconds, with energy hitting 829 (strong). Problem is, the wind is a fresh cross-shore at 22 mph, creating a lumpy cross-chop. It’s still “poor surf conditions.”

Then we hit the 17th of August. Monday morning sees 10 ft from the ENE, period 8 seconds, and energy blasts through the roof to 1026 (very strong). Still cross-shore wind at 22 mph. The afternoon gets a special note: “wind and tide favorable, but the swell is predicted to be too big for this break.” The score jumps to 11 out of 10, meaning the conditions align, but 10 ft is heavy. That’s for experts only. The wind backs off to 19 mph cross-shore, but the lump is still there.

Tuesday the 18th of August is the last chance. Swell drops to 8 ft from the ENE, period 9 seconds, energy still strong at 846. Wind eases to a gentle 9 mph cross-shore, and the water gets a little less messy. The call is “marginal,” but it’s the best of a messy run. The afternoon bumps the score slightly.

The standout: If you’re an expert, the afternoon of Monday the 17th of August is the only window where the tide and wind align with serious size. 10 ft from the ENE is a beast, and even though the wind is cross-shore, that energy (1026) is genuine. But it’s too big for anyone else. For the everyday surfer, Tuesday the 18th of August afternoon is your best bet—8 ft, slightly longer period, lighter wind. It’s still marginal, but it’s the least ugly wave in the forecast.

Overall, this is a tough run. The break is inconsistent, and the wind never really goes clean offshore. For the first week and a half, the setup looks more interesting for a kite surfer than a paddle surfer, with those strong cross-shore winds and a lumpy ocean. Keep your eyes on the 17th and 18th, but don’t get your hopes up.

Rusty.

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