With Love From Hanalei

Blog 9: A Local’s Guide to

Surf Conditions in Hanalei Bay

Written by

Evan Kaahea

We know quite a bit about surfing at Hawaiian Surfing Adventures, but no one knows it more than our instructors who are in the water living it out day after day. They especially know Hanalei Bay and all the unique factors that make it a once in a lifetime surfing experience. So it only makes sense that a blog about the conditions and character of Hanalei Surfing be written by none other than our own Evan Kaahea.

Evan’s surf journey started when his dad pushed him into his first wave at age 4, and he’s been hooked ever since. Today, as an instructor at Hawaiian Surfing Adventures, he loves seeing the excitement in people’s eyes when they catch their first wave, his love for surfing has led him to write this blog as well as two others in our blog library. Feel free to check those out when you’ve finished this one! Enjoy!

Hanalei Bay is one of those special places where the waves, wind, and scenery all come together to create an amazing surfing experience.

- Evan Kaahea

The best swells for Hanalei come from the northwest. You’ll still get waves from a northeast swell, but they don’t wrap into the bay quite the same. That northwest direction lines up better with the bay’s curve, sending in more powerful, organized waves.

During the winter time typically November through February is when you’ll see those big northwest swells hit. If you’re here during that time and the swell is pumping with light south or southeast winds, you’re in for a treat. That wind direction creates offshore conditions, which means clean, well-shaped waves. Plus, offshore winds blow up the face of the wave, helping it stay open longer sometimes even holding the barrel open just enough for a clean ride. 

Mornings are usually best to go out surfing winds tend to be light and the conditions are often glassy

Once the trade winds pick up in the afternoon, things can get choppier, especially if it’s a north wind. That’s straight onshore for Hanalei, and it can blow out the waves pretty quickly. You won’t see many people out when the wind's blowing straight in like that. However, sometimes the morning is too calm locals call that “morning sickness.” It means the waves can be a little slow before the wind picks up just enough to shape them.

A dream forecast for a surfer in Hanalei would be a big northwest swell with south to southeast easterly winds at the medium tide- this normally happens in the winter months. The forecast is pretty different each day based on the winds. There are different websites and apps to track the wind, and you can also read buoy reports to see the size of the swell. In the shop our favorite is Surf News Network : )

How Surfing in Hanalei Changes with the Seasons

As winter approaches, the ocean on the North Shore comes alive. Big storms coming from the north send powerful swells down our way creating bigger waves.

This is prime time for experienced surfers

to chase the bigger swell.

For beginners, there are also mellow areas during the winter where they can learn how to surf. In contrast, summer in Hanalei brings a whole different vibe. The waves mellow out, the water warms up, and the surf becomes more playful and approachable for beginners.

It’s the perfect season for beginners, kids, or anyone just getting comfortable in the ocean. No matter the time of year, Hanalei will always have a wave for you regardless of your skill level. Whether you're just starting out or you've been chasing swells for years, we can always find a spot that suits your level and helps your surfing journey progress.

No matter the season, Hanalei Bay offers something special every time you paddle out, from powerful winter swells to playful summer rollers. It’s a place where surfers of all levels can connect with the ocean and have fun.

A special mahalo to Evan Kaahea for sharing his local knowledge and firsthand insight!

Whether it’s your very first wave or you’re looking to level up your skills, our experienced instructors are here to guide you every step of the way. Book your next lesson with us by visiting the surf lessons page or click book a lesson at the top of your screen!