Hale O Lono

Surfing
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Surfing shortboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Reliable surf; especially consistent in summer.
  • Offshore/off-angles with trade winds can groom the swell.
  • Good wave options with both lefts and rights.
Heads up
  • 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.
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
23–28 °C
Water Temperature
20–30 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: rash guard / 1mm topDec–Mar: 2mm shorty
Crowds by Season

Often crowded with local riders despite the remote location

Storm/Rain Season

Winter months see occasional heavy rain and stormy conditions

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed reef break with both left and right options. Reliability improves in warmer months as swells wrap around Molokai’s western point.

Reef break
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.
Forecast

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.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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
Ability Level: Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitLeashBoots

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.

Restrictions
  • remote access constraints
  • harbor traffic priority
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Pápohaku Beach Park10 miles

One of the largest white sand beaches in Hawaii, offering vast space and dramatic views.

Molokai Hoe Start Point0 miles

Historic starting point for the Molokai Hoe outrigger canoe race.

Channel Crossings0 miles

Challenging open-ocean crossings for experienced paddlers and wind sports enthusiasts.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.