Cliffs (Honolulu)
- Wave, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Ocean, Swell
- Spot Type
- Busy
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Cliffs (below the Diamond Head Road lookouts on Oahu’s South Shore) is an exposed, high-energy beach-and-reef setup with scattered reefs and channels that can form both left- and right-hand waves. The spot is generally described as reefy and rock/reef hazard-heavy at the entries and surrounding areas, with sharp coral/rocks and sea urchins reported as key hazards. Surf is typically best when south swells arrive with north winds. Summer (May through September, with “summer” repeatedly cited as the best season) is when conditions are most consistent, supported by reliable trade-wind patterns. Sources also describe North winds as producing cleaner faces, while trade winds can make the water messier depending on the exact conditions and peaks. For surfing, conditions are described as good to moderate with peeling characteristics, including long peeling rights and shorter, punchier lefts depending on the peak. Ride lengths are reported in the range of roughly 50–150 meters, and working swell height is commonly given around 1–2 meters (with another guide citing 0.6–1.8 m). Tides are not consistent across guides: one set of notes points to mid tide, while another indicates all tides can work. The spot is widely characterized as very crowded, particularly in summer and on weekends. Sport-level notes indicate advanced-level demands for wave-riding wind sports because launches/entries and the reef zone are unforgiving. Standard safety/etiquette guidance is emphasized, along with local tips to carefully check entry/exit lines and to use reef booties if you’re not accustomed to walking on sharp coral.
- Exposed Diamond Head–side reef/peak system with both left and right options
- Most consistent window in summer (May to September)
- North winds tend to improve face cleanliness; south swells provide the setup
- Consistent summer conditions with south swells meeting north winds
- Multiple peaks with left and right options; can produce long peeling rides on the right setup
- Good water quality and warm temperatures for year-round activity
- Sharp reef/sea urchins and submerged rocks create a high consequence environment
- Very crowded conditions can increase collision risk when surf is up
- Some sources note currents that can pull toward the west, especially with larger swells/high winds
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NNE
- Offshore directions
- N, NNE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — North to north-northeast trade winds; trades are most consistent in summer.
- Reliability
- High during summer due to consistent trade winds.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gustiness reported.
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–10 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean, Swell
- Beach
- Sand — Sand present, but reef/rock bottom dominates with sharp coral near entry points.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — One guide notes small surf; another indicates medium wave size in the spot’s general description.
- Launch
- Small — Rocky entry points with narrow sandy patches; steep paved path access from cliffside parking lots.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Launch difficulty reported as moderate; rocky entry points and narrow sandy patches make it more demanding.
Through the year
Very crowded year-round; especially busy in summer when conditions are optimum.
December to February can bring more rain and variable Kona winds.
By sport
What to expect for each.
World-class wave riding location; not suitable for beginners due to sharp reef, narrow launch, and trade winds that push riders toward the rocks.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–10 m²
Known for excellent side-shore wave riding conditions and strong performance on South Shore swells.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–5.7 m²
Foil-friendly once past the shallow inner reef, but the rocky cliffside walk-down and rocky entry make it challenging with foil gear.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Limited foil friendliness due to shallow inner reef and challenging entry.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–5 m²
Exposed beach-and-reef setup with scattered reefs/channels, producing both left and right waves; best when south swells meet north winds.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- S, SSE, SSW
- Swell Height
- 1–1.8 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid, All tides — Sources differ: one notes mid tide, while another indicates all tides.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Exposed overall, but cliffs can provide some shelter from North winds for cleaner faces.
- Wind Effect
- Cleanest with North winds (offshore for this spot); ENE trade winds can be side-onshore but are generally manageable; trades can make conditions messy.
- Bigger Swell
- Can hold significant size but starts to close out or get very messy during massive South swells.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Wave quality reported as good; one guide notes beach-and-reef variability with scattered peaks.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate wave power.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Peeling/mixed conditions depending on the peak.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Long peeling rights and shorter, punchy lefts depending on the specific peak.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Long rides on rights; shorter, punchier lefts depending on the peak.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Long peeling rights and shorter, punchy lefts depending on the specific peak; typical ride length reported as 50–150 m.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Cliffs (Honolulu) in the full forecast view.
Cliffs (Honolulu) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 7–13 ktsGusts 28 kts
- Direction
- NE51°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 2813 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.8–1.4 m11s period
- Temperature
- 23–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, Cliffs (Honolulu) is forecast for daytime winds of 7–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 28 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.8–1.4 m with a period of about 11s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Sharp coral reef
- Sea urchins (wana)
- Submerged rocks near entry points
- Strong currents that can pull toward the west (especially during larger swells and high winds)
- Crowds
- Rocks
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards specifically reported for this spot.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Regional baseline indicates rescue coverage by Honolulu Ocean Safety lifeguards, but spot-level rescue was reported as none.
- Emergency Info
- Call 911 for emergency services; nearest major medical facilities are in Honolulu.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Localism described as mild.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies. Designated areas for different sports are loosely followed; kiters usually stay downwind of the main surf peaks.
- No kitesurfing or windsurfing within 200 feet of the shoreline except when launching or landing.
- Watch the entry and exit points of other surfers to avoid the shallowest reef sections.
- Wear reef booties if you are not used to walking on sharp coral.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Honolulu
- Nearest Town
- Honolulu
- Nearest Airport
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
- Parking
- Limited parking at the Diamond Head lookouts; fills quickly during peak surf and sunset. Parking near Diamond Head Road lookouts is available (specific lot details not provided).
- Public Transport
- Bus (TheBus) plus Waikiki Trolley; ride-share also available
- Access
- Accessible via Diamond Head Road; steep paths lead down from the lookout parking areas to the beach.
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Extensive accommodation options in nearby Waikiki (from budget hostels to luxury resorts).
- Food & Drink
- No facilities on-site; food trucks and cafes are located a short drive away in Monsarrat Avenue or Waikiki.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental available at numerous shops in Waikiki.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A highly developed, tourism-dense coastline around Diamond Head where the most reliable season for consistent south swells and trade winds is typically late spring through early fall.
Iconic volcanic tuff cone with a popular hiking trail and panoramic coastline views.
Outdoor shopping and entertainment district with local boutiques and live performances.
Bronze monument honoring the “Father of Modern Surfing” and Olympic swimmer.
Diamond Head State Monument hike.
Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay
Ocean excursions for snorkeling and sunset viewing departing directly from the sand
Beachfront dining institution known for its Hula Pie and surf-inspired atmosphere.
Diverse international cuisine with beachfront bars.
Calming waves at Queens' Cascade.
The second oldest public aquarium in the United States, near Kapiolani Park.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Cliffs (Honolulu)?
The best overall months at Cliffs (Honolulu) are May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Cliffs (Honolulu)?
Cliffs (Honolulu) works with N, NNE winds. Offshore directions are N, NNE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Cliffs (Honolulu)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Cliffs (Honolulu): Kitesurfing: 7–10 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–5.7 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–5 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Cliffs (Honolulu) suitable for?
Cliffs (Honolulu) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate.