Surf Forecasts:
Unreals surf forecast from 9 Aug 2026:
- Most powerful swell: Sunday 16 Aug, 5AM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 13s period, E swell with 2,843 kJ wave energy.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Unreals this week:
The most powerful waves expected at Unreals in the next 16 days are 3.0m 13s and forecast to arrive on Sunday (Aug 16) at 5AM. Winds are predicted to be onshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 1.2m 16s period and expected on Thursday (Aug 13) at 2AM.
| Wave Type | Time (HST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | - | - |
| Best Surf | - | - |
| Most Powerful | 5AM (Sun 16th Aug) | 10ft (3.0m) 13s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Unreals over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, let’s get into it. Rusty here.
Right off the bat, I gotta be straight with you: the next week and a half is a write-off at Unreals. We’re looking at a long, frustrating stretch of poor conditions. From Sunday the 9th all the way through to Saturday the 16th, it’s just a constant battle with cross-onshore and onshore winds, mostly from the east and east-northeast, blowing at 12 to 15 mph. The swell is hanging around 4 ft to 5 ft, but with short, weak periods of 6 to 8 seconds and combined wave energy that’s moderate at best – you’re looking at values like 241, 305, and even down to 151. The water temp is sitting at 80°, which is pretty normal for this time of year, so no surprises there. But honestly, the surf quality is just poor – choppy, messy, and not worth paddling out for.
There’s a glimmer of hope if you’re an experienced surfer, but you’ll have to wait. On Sunday the 17th, things shift. The wind swings around to a south-southwesterly at 9 mph in the morning, going cross-offshore. That’s a game-changer. The swell picks up to a solid 8 ft from the east-northeast, with a long period of 10 seconds. The combined wave energy jumps right up to 1832 – that’s strong energy. The report calls it excellent surf for experienced surfers, and I’d back that. The waves will have real punch, and with that clean, cross-off wind, it’s going to be smooth. Just be aware that at 8 ft, this is only for the crew who know what they’re doing. The afternoon takes a step back with a fresh 19 mph southerly, so get your session in early.
After that, from Monday the 18th through to Monday the 24th, we slide back into poor form. The swell drops to around 4 ft to 8 ft, but the period shortens back to 7 or 8 seconds, and the winds are back on the cross-onshore or cross-shore, keeping things choppy and unappealing. The combined energy stays in the moderate to strong range – 309 up to 743 – but without the right wind, it’s just messy.
So, the standout here is clear: Sunday the 17th morning at Unreals. That’s your window. Everything else is a skunk.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastLight rain (total 4mm), mostly falling on Sun night. Warm (max 26°C on Sun morning, min 24°C on Tue night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Warm (max 26°C on Wed afternoon, min 25°C on Wed morning). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Sunday 9 | Monday 10 | Tuesday 11 | Wednesday 12 | Thursday 13 | Friday 14 | Saturday 15 | |||||||||||||||
AM | PM | 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) | E 7 | E 7 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 7 | E 7 | E 7 | E 7 | E 7 | E 6 | E 6 | ENE 7 | E 7 | E 8 | ENE 8 | E 8 | E 12 | E 11 | E 13 |
Wave Graph  | |||||||||||||||||||||
 kJ | 220 | 209 | 217 | 256 | 241 | 203 | 183 | 156 | 177 | 158 | 131 | 161 | 166 | 175 | 243 | 329 | 373 | 439 | 1187 | 1300 | 2652 |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | on | cross-on | cross-on | on | on | cross-on | cross-on | on | on | on | on | on |
High Tide | 1:40PM0.82m | 00:28AM0.35m | 2:19PM0.85m | 1:29AM0.39m | 2:54PM0.85m | 2:21AM0.43m | 3:26PM0.83m | 3:09AM0.47m | 3:55PM0.78m | 3:57AM0.51m | 4:21PM0.72m | 4:45AM0.53m | 4:42PM0.65m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 9:00PM0.28m | 6:37AM0.02m | 9:19PM0.25m | 7:29AM0.01m | 9:42PM0.23m | 8:15AM0.03m | 10:06PM0.21m | 8:59AM0.07m | 10:30PM0.18m | 9:42AM0.14m | 10:54PM0.17m | 10:24AM0.21m | 11:18PM0.15m | ||||||||
 |  |  |  | |  | | |  | | | | | | | | | |  | | | |
 | 6:11 | — | — | 6:11 | — | — | 6:13 | — | — | 6:13 | — | — | 6:13 | — | — | 6:13 | — | — | 6:13 | — | — |
 | — | 7:12 | — | — | 7:12 | — | — | 7:10 | — | — | 7:09 | — | — | 7:08 | — | — | 7:08 | — | — | 7:07 | — |
mm | — | — | 1 | 2 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2 |
Temp °C | 26 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 25 |
Feels °C | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 26 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 24 | 26 | 25 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 24 | 24 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 17 | SSW 17 | S 16 | S 16 | S 15 | S 15 | S 15 | S 14 | S 14 | S 18 | S 18 | S 16 | S 16 | S 16 | S 15 | S 15 | S 14 | S 14 | E 12 | S 13 | E 13 |
| kJ | 97 | 100 | 129 | 129 | 113 | 168 | 110 | 148 | 181 | 416 | 620 | 755 | 728 | 683 | 524 | 422 | 411 | 324 | 1187 | 215 | 2652 |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 13 | NNW 10 | NNW 9 | NNW 9 | NNW 8 | SSE 9 | SSE 9 | SSE 9 | S 20 | S 13 | S 13 | SE 8 | SSE 9 | SE 9 | W 12 | NNW 8 | NNW 10 | E 13 | S 13 | NNW 8 | S 13 |
| kJ | 58 | 34 | 29 | 26 | 22 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 268 | 168 | 163 | 17 | 8 | 13 | 11 | 6 | 18 | 87 | 284 | 12 | 212 |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NE 9 | SSE 10 | SE 10 | SE 10 | SE 10 | NNW 8 | NNW 8 | S 21 | SSE 9 | SE 9 | SE 9 | W 12 | NNW 8 | NNW 7 | NNW 7 | W 12 | W 11 | NNW 9 | NNW 8 | WNW 13 | S 18 |
| kJ | 21 | 18 | 24 | 23 | 24 | 12 | 11 | 80 | 30 | 20 | 20 | 25 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 11 | 22 | 15 | 13 | 34 | 98 |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | E 7 | E 7 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 7 | E 7 | E 7 | E 7 | E 7 | E 6 | E 6 | ENE 7 | E 7 | E 8 | ENE 8 | E 8 | — | E 11 | — |
| kJ | 220 | 209 | 217 | 256 | 241 | 203 | 183 | 156 | 177 | 158 | 131 | 161 | 166 | 175 | 243 | 329 | 373 | 439 | — | 1300 | — |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 44 | 35 | 22 | 44 | 35 | 16 | 28 | 44 | 35 | 44 | 44 | 22 | 35 | 44 | 35 | 44 | 35 | 35 | 44 | 44 | 35 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Kaua'i | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in United States | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Unreals Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Unreals provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Unreals can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Unreals 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 (Unreals) 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 Unreals 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 Unreals, camping, hotels and condos and appartments in Kaua'i, consider staying in Lihue - Kauai which is 19 km (12 miles) away. Alternatively, find information about places to stay and car hire in Nawiliwili which is 21 km (13 miles) away
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