Wailua/Horners Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s take a look at the surf ahead for the next couple of weeks. I’ve got my eye on one spot, and I’m not gonna lie, it’s a bit of a tough read.

We’re looking at a long stretch of pretty ordinary conditions. The water temp is sitting at 80°, which is pretty much bang on average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

The only break on the radar is Wailua/Horners. It’s a reef set-up, exposed to the swell, and it’s inconsistent, so you’ve got to be patient. The swell direction it really wants is from the north, but we’re not seeing that for a while.

Starting from Saturday, 22 August, right through to the end of the month, it’s all poor surf conditions. Winds are blowing onshore from the ENE, with speeds around 9 to 16 mph. The swell is small, mostly around 3 ft to 6 ft, coming from the east, with a short period of just 7 seconds. The combined energy is moderate, ranging from 140 to 471, but with that wind and short period, it’s just not going to shape up. It’s a write-off.

We roll into the first week of September, and there’s a flicker of hope. On Tuesday, 1 September, the swell picks up to 8 ft from the ENE with a period of 9 seconds – that’s a bit more energy in the water (788). But the wind is still onshore at 12 mph, and the forecast still says poor surf. On Thursday, 3 September, we get a slight improvement. The wind drops to a light breeze, 6 mph, and the surf is 7 ft to 7 ft from the ENE. The combined energy is strong (585), and the conditions are only flagged as *marginal* rather than outright poor. This is the closest we get to a go. It’s still not perfect, but it’s the only time the window cracks open. The swell is still a bit short-period at 8 seconds, but that light wind could make it rideable. The swell direction is ENE, not the optimum north, but it’s our best bet.

After that, Friday the 4th through Sunday the 6th of September, we’re back to poor surf. The wind picks up again, with a strong breeze of 28 mph on the last day, making it messy and lumpy.

So, to be straight with you: there’s no standout session in this 16-day window. The only real chance to get wet is on Thursday, 3 September, when the wind goes light and the swell is a solid 7 ft. But even then, it’s a marginal call. For the rest of the time, with the onshore winds and short period swell, it’s more of a kite-surfing setup than a pure paddle session. The crowds might be around, but honestly, I don’t think many will be keen.

Hang in there, though. Forecasts can change.

Rusty.

Read more