Waikiki Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right, folks, ol’ Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the menu for the next couple of weeks. No, don’t get too excited just yet, we’ve got a real slow start.

First up, the water is sitting at a balmy 81°, which is pretty much spot on for this time of year, so that’s one thing we don’t have to worry about.

So, the pattern is, we’re in for a long, flat spell. For the first few days, right through the weekend and into next week, we’re talking about knee-high dribble from the south-west, with a super long period of 18 seconds, but the combined energy is weak, around 275. That’s groundswell, but it’s just got no grunt. The wind is a fresh offshore from the ENE, which is clean, but there’s just nothing to ride. Conditions are marginal, and honestly, it’s a waste of a good offshore wind. This flat patch runs right through until Tuesday the 11th, with the odd bump that’s still not worth paddling out for.

Now, we do get a little pulse from the south on Wednesday the 12th. The swell bumps up to about 3 ft, period 18 seconds, and the energy jumps into the moderate range (757). Still, the wind is a fresh 22 mph offshore, so it’s clean but the wave comment says it’s marginal. The size is still pretty small, so it’s not going to blow anyone’s mind, but it’s the best of a pretty average bunch so far.

The standout window, and I mean the real standout, is looking at Saturday the 15th of August. This is the one we’ve been waiting for, but it’s a long way off, so treat it as promising. The models are showing a big pulse of energy from the east. The swell is predicted to be a massive 33 ft, with a period of 14 seconds. The combined energy reading is a staggering 40341, which is extremely strong. But here’s the catch for Waikiki: that’s too big. The data says it’s predicted to be too big for this break. The wind is a moderate 12 mph cross-off, so it’s clean, but for paddle surfing, it’s a no-go. This is more of a “watch from the beach” or a “time to get the jet ski” kind of day. For an expert crew, it might be something, but for the average surfer, it’s dangerous. The swell direction is east, which matches the optimum direction for the spot, but the size overrides everything.

Following that, Sunday the 16th still has a solid 12 ft from the SSE, but the period drops to 10 seconds, and energy is 2639. That’s still big, and the wind is blowing offshore at 22 mph, making it fresh and clean. Again, at 12 ft and a short period, it’s a tough, powerful wave that’s only for experts. The afternoon on the 16th is a touch smaller at 8 ft, but still a beast.

After that big weekend, things settle down again. From Monday the 17th onwards, we’re back to small, clean, but insignificant surf, with the swell dropping back to under 3 ft and the energy fading. The last week of the outlook is another flat spell with tiny waves and weak energy, finishing up with a small bump on Sunday the 23rd with about 2 ft and a moderate offshore wind, but it’s nothing to write home about.

So, to be honest with you, if you’re a standard surfer, the best bet is the Wednesday the 12th for a few small, clean ones. For the brave and the expert, keep an eye on Saturday the 15th and Sunday the 16th, but don’t say Rusty didn’t warn you about the size. The rest of the time, it’s a long, flat run.

Rusty.

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