Hālawa (Molokai)
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Intermediate to Expert
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
The spot is set up around two sandy crescent-shaped beaches at the head of the bay, with reef and river-mouth influences. A rocky outcrop separates double coves, and the bottom includes reef features and submerged rocks. Water clarity can drop when the river is running, and after heavy rain, debris and shallow reef areas can affect conditions.
- Exposed reef/rivermouth break with year-round surf
- Best month for cleaner conditions cited as January
- Remote, wild setting with very limited crowds
- Exposed reef/rivermouth break with reliable surf year-round
- Best month for cleaner surf cited as January
- Generally uncrowded due to remoteness
- Remote and culturally sensitive area with limited services
- Hazards include rocks and sharks
- River runoff can make water murky, especially around the river mouth
- Prevailing trade winds can make conditions messy/inconsistent
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, E
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Northeast trade winds dominate; summer trades are most consistent.
- Reliability
- 61% blown / 23% clean / 16% small (best clean window cited as January). Summer months described as high reliability with consistent trade winds.
- Gust Factor
- Heavy gusts — Sources describe gustier conditions, with stronger wind behavior at times.
- Best Months
- January
- Shadow Zones
- Deep valley walls can create wind shadows and turbulence near shore.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beaches with reef-influenced water close by.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Sources describe wave size as small; another source describes medium waves depending on conditions.
- Launch
- Medium — Two crescent-shaped sandy beaches at the head of the bay serve as the main entry/launch areas.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Launch/entry difficulty described as moderate; remote access over rough/narrow roads.
Through the year
Generally low crowds year-round; very few people due to remoteness, with some local popularity on weekends.
November–March
By sport
What to expect for each.
An exposed reef/rivermouth bay with reef and river-mouth breaks. Remote, wild environment; works year-round but is best described as particularly reliable in January for cleaner surf.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- N, NW, NE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid tide is cited as optimal.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed coast; limited shelter from swell/wind at this launch.
- Wind Effect
- Trade winds are generally onshore, so early mornings tend to be best for cleaner conditions; windy periods can make conditions messy/inconsistent.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become heavy and disorganized with large winter swells.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Wave quality described as average; conditions can become disorganized on large winter swells.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Wave power described as moderate; can become heavy/disorganized on large swells.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling profile is commonly expected.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling waves are described with medium peel speed.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Ride length described as medium; sections may connect on better days, particularly at the river mouth.
- Ride Length Details
- Can provide sections that connect on better days, especially near the river mouth.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Hālawa (Molokai) in the full forecast view.
Hālawa (Molokai) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 6–13 ktsGusts 22 kts
- Direction
- ENE60°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 2813 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.5–2.4 m9s period
- Temperature
- 24–26 °C
Over the next 7 days, Hālawa (Molokai) is forecast for daytime winds of 6–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 22 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 1.5–2.4 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
- sharks
- strong rip currents
- remote location
- river runoff
- submerged rocks, reef heads, and debris after heavy rain
- murky water from river silt
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards present.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Remote coast with no dedicated lifeguard services or rescue bases; self-sufficiency is required.
- Emergency Info
- Very remote with limited cell service; nearest medical facilities are in Kaunakakai (over an hour away). Emergency number: 911.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Moderate localism; remote with limited visitor traffic.
Rules of the spot
Stay on public beach areas and respect posted signs due to cultural significance and private ownership.
- Respect private property boundaries
- Cultural sensitivity required
- Visitors should stay on public beach areas and respect posted signs
- Conditions are often murky because of the river flowing into the bay; shark sightings are a concern.
- The valley walls can cause wind shadows and near-shore turbulence.
- Remote location with limited services—bring all necessary supplies.
- North side more protected than the south (noted for local choosing-protection).
- Long, winding drive—plan supplies before you arrive.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Kaunakakai
- Nearest Town
- Molokai
- Parking
- Gravel parking area near the end of the rough road; parking is described as free with no parking fees, picnicking fees, or surf-watching fees.
- Access
- Take Highway 450 to its east end, cross the bridge, follow the rough road section to the gravel parking area at Halawa Beach Park.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Limited vacation rentals near the coast; most lodging is in Kaunakakai.
- Food & Drink
- No food or drink available at the spot; bring your own water and food.
- Equipment Rental:
- No equipment rental available locally.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of the entire bay and the lush valley floor from the edge of the highway.
Guided tours through the valley that provide insight into ancient Hawaiian agricultural practices and sacred sites.
A hike leading deep into the valley to a tiered waterfall with a swimming pool at the base, accessible via guided tour.
A quiet park area suitable for picnicking and exploring the shoreline; swimming depends on swell conditions.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Hālawa (Molokai)?
The best overall months at Hālawa (Molokai) are January, February, November, December, May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are January.
Which wind directions work at Hālawa (Molokai)?
Hālawa (Molokai) works with NE, E winds.
What skill level is Hālawa (Molokai) suitable for?
Hālawa (Molokai) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Expert.