Graters
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Graters is a low-profile, exposed reef break on Oahu’s North Shore near the Marconi area. It’s described as working only once in a while, with conditions and swell angles strongly influencing whether it offers rideable waves. The bottom is reef/coral with rocky hazards, and the spot is especially unforgiving at low tide because the reef can be very shallow for paddling back out. Sources specifically call out rocks/sharp shallow reef and sea urchins, so caution around the shoreline is essential. Currents can also become a factor during larger winter swells. For surfing, the wave is generally described as inconsistent: it can be lefts and rights when the swell is correctly angled, but it can also close out on bigger sets. Wind sensitivity is noted as a key variable for wave quality—cleaner surf tends to require favorable winds rather than just stronger wind alone. Winter conditions are the headline: January is highlighted as the best month, and the wider seasonal pattern points to winter (roughly November through March) for surf-focused trips. While rescue is not specifically reported for the spot itself, nearby medical facilities are in Kahuku, so plan accordingly if you are venturing out.
- Exposed reef break near Marconi that works mainly in winter
- Potential for both left and right waves with the right swell angle
- Reef/coral bottom with hazardous rocks and shallow sections
- Winter is the best time for surfing swell here
- Reef break can produce both left and right waves when conditions are correct
- Typically less crowded than some of the main North Shore hubs nearby
- Works only infrequently and is condition-dependent
- Exposed reef with sharp hazards (rocks/shallow reef) and potential sea urchins
- Can close out on larger winter sets
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, SE, SW
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Northeast trade winds in the Marconi, North Shore area.
- Reliability
- Low for surfing (cleanup varies; often prefers light offshore or calm).
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- November, December, January, February
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Mixed — Reef with rocky shoreline; includes narrow sandy patches.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium
- Launch
- Small — Rocky shoreline with narrow sandy patches; launch difficulty increases at low tide.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Rocky entry with narrow sandy patches; shallow reef makes it tricky.
Through the year
Generally less crowded than main North Shore breaks; busier on weekends or when neighboring spots are too large.
Rainy season typically runs from November through March.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed reef break that works infrequently and primarily in winter; can offer both left and right waves when conditions line up.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- NW, WNW, N
- Swell Height
- 1.5–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Some sources prefer low tide; overall tide can still work, but shallow reef hazards are worse at low tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open, wind-exposed reef break with limited shelter.
- Wind Effect
- Highly sensitive to wind; requires specific wind conditions to stay clean (offshore South or Southeast winds help).
- Bigger Swell
- On swells above about 3 meters it can become heavy and difficult to manage, often closing out.
- Wave Quality
- Poor — Known for inconsistent performance.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Manageable rides when swell angles are correct; can close out on larger sets.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical rides are often described as manageable but can shorten quickly if sets close out.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Graters in the full forecast view.
Graters wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 6–15 ktsGusts 31 kts
- Direction
- ENE68°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 2815 kts
- Windy days
- 3/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.3–2.1 m9s period
- Temperature
- 23–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, Graters is forecast for daytime winds of 6–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 31 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 1.3–2.1 m with a period of about 9s. 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
- Rocks
- Shallow reef
- Sharp shallow reef and rocks near the shoreline
- Sharp rocks
- Strong currents possible during large winter swells
- Sea urchins
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No
- Emergency Info
- The nearest medical facilities are in Kahuku.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect local surfers in the lineup.
- The reef is very shallow at low tide; use caution when paddling back in.
- Parking is limited and often on dirt pull-offs.
- Be prepared for strong currents during larger winter swell sets.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Honolulu
- Nearest Town
- Kahuku
- Parking
- Limited informal parking on the side of the road or dirt tracks.
- Public Transport
- TheBus Route 60 serves the North Shore; transporting large sports equipment can be restricted depending on occupancy and driver discretion
- Access
- Accessible via Kamehameha Highway; look for dirt access paths near the Marconi wireless station area.
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Turtle Bay Resort is the closest major accommodation; additional options extend toward Haleiwa and Kahuku.
- Food & Drink
- Various food trucks and local eateries are located nearby in Kahuku.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental shops are available in nearby Turtle Bay or Haleiwa.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
World-famous surf break on the North Shore.
Theme park and living museum showcasing cultures of six Pacific island nations.
Botanical gardens and a waterfall where visitors can hike and swim.
Casual dining overlooking the golf course, popular for seafood and steaks.
Agritourism with farm tours and fresh fruit treats.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Graters?
The best overall months at Graters are January. The best wind months are November, December, January, February.
Which wind directions work at Graters?
Graters works with S, SE, SW winds.
What skill level is Graters suitable for?
Graters suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.