Hale O Lono
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Swell, 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Hale O Lono is a remote, exposed reef break on Molokai’s southern coast, producing quite reliable surf—particularly during the summer months when swells wrap around the island’s western point. The wave setup is reef-based with rocky/ocean-bottom hazards, and it can hold and shape powerfully when the right swell arrives. Surf is described as both lefts and rights on an exposed reef, with good overall wave quality. Working swell direction is reported as west, northwest, and southwest, and a typical working swell-height window is about 1.0 to 3.0 meters. Rides are often medium in length, with decent wall time across reef sections. Wind is trade-wind dominated, with northeasterly trades commonly offshore for the break—helping groom the swell. Spot-level wind reliability is described as medium, with lighter gusts; best months for wind/waves are reported as May through August. Safety is a major consideration: sharp rocks/coral, shark activity, and strong currents near the harbor mouth are all noted. There are no lifeguards and no on-site rescue availability, and facilities are limited or absent at the point—so visitors should come fully self-sufficient and be mindful of harbor/boat operations.
- Exposed reef break with reliable summer surf
- Trade winds can be offshore and groom the swell
- Both left and right wave options
- Reliable surf; especially consistent in summer.
- Offshore/off-angles with trade winds can groom the swell.
- Good wave options with both lefts and rights.
- Exposed reef break with sharp rocks/coral and no lifeguards.
- Remote access via rough dirt road and limited parking.
- Strong currents near the harbor mouth and harbor/boat traffic.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, ENE
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade winds (northeasterly trade winds common in the area); often offshore or side-offshore for the reef break.
- Reliability
- medium
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August
- Shadow Zones
- High terrain to the north can create some shadows
- Thermal Window
- Trade-wind dominant with typical stronger afternoon period in the region, but spot-level thermal timing is not quantified.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Swell
- Beach
- Sand — Beach composition is reported as sand, though reef/bottom is rocky with coral heads.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium
- Launch
- Medium — Beach launch or harbor entrance
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate
Through the year
Often crowded with local riders despite the remote location
Winter months see occasional heavy rain and stormy conditions
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed reef break with both left and right options. Reliability improves in warmer months as swells wrap around Molokai’s western point.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, NW, SW
- Swell Height
- 1–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Northeast trade winds are offshore, helping groom the swell.
- Bigger Swell
- Can handle significant size but becomes very heavy and challenging.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Exposed reef break; reliable and can be powerful.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Decent wall time across reef sections.
- Ride Length Details
- Rides can offer decent wall time across the reef sections.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Hale O Lono in the full forecast view.
Hale O Lono wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 5–13 ktsGusts 22 kts
- Direction
- NE56°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2413 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.8–1.4 m12s period
- Temperature
- 23–28 °C
Over the next 7 days, Hale O Lono is forecast for daytime winds of 5–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 22 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.8–1.4 m with a period of about 12s. 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
- coral
- strong currents
- coral heads
- sharp rocks
- boat traffic from the harbor
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No on-site rescue services; assistance must be coordinated via Coast Guard or local emergency services.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in Kaunakakai; emergency services via 911. No on-site rescue availability.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate
Rules of the spot
Standard Hawaiian surf etiquette applies; respect the local environment and harbor operations.
- remote access constraints
- harbor traffic priority
- Access is via a long dirt road; a high-clearance vehicle is highly recommended.
- Bring all necessary supplies as there are no facilities at the harbor.
- Be mindful of the harbor operations and local community significance tied to canoe racing.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Maunaloa
- Nearest Town
- Maunaloa
- Parking
- Limited unpaved parking near the harbor area.
- Public Transport
- No public transportation serves this remote area; a rental car is essential for access.
- Access
- Take Highway 460 towards Maunaloa, then at the sharp curve at the pineapple exhibit turn right onto a rough dirt road past Mokio Street. Continue south until reaching a branched road and take the left to find the beach park.
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Limited options in Maunaloa or Kaunakakai; vacation rentals and condominiums are typically about 10–15 miles away.
- Food & Drink
- No food or drink at the spot; shops are in Maunaloa.
- Equipment Rental:
- No equipment rental available on-site.
- Gear Storage
- No dedicated gear storage facilities; visitors must be self-sufficient.
- Gear Repair
- No professional gear repair shops; bring spare parts and a repair kit.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
One of the largest white sand beaches in Hawaii, offering vast space and dramatic views.
Historic starting point for the Molokai Hoe outrigger canoe race.
Challenging open-ocean crossings for experienced paddlers and wind sports enthusiasts.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Hale O Lono?
The best overall months at Hale O Lono are May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are May, June, July, August.
Which wind directions work at Hale O Lono?
Hale O Lono works with NE, ENE winds.
What skill level is Hale O Lono suitable for?
Hale O Lono suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced.