In Betweens

WingfoilingSurfing
Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

In Betweens is an exposed reef break on Oahu’s south shore near East Honolulu, known for pretty consistent surf and a right-hand setup. It tends to work best in summer when south to south-southeast swells arrive and the wind angle provides offshore or cleaner conditions. Wind is generally dominated by northeast trade winds, which are commonly offshore for the spot when coming from the north. Cleaner sessions are most likely when north winds align, while stronger northeast trades can add chop. Light offshore winds are more common earlier in the day before the trades build. The reef bottom and shallow inside sections are key safety considerations. Expect rocks/shallow reef impacts, sharp coral, and sea urchins, especially on lower tides when the wave can close out over the shallower portion. Crowds can be significant during summer swells, so navigating positioning and etiquette matters. For surfers, the spot is most consistently described as intermediate-oriented: the wave can be punchy and steep, with shorter rides that often close out quickly as they hit the inside reef. Mid-tide is typically preferred to reduce the chance of hitting the reef, and local conditions suggest watching the inside section carefully.

  • Pretty consistent exposed reef surf
  • Summer optimum: south-southeast swells + north offshore winds
  • Right-hand reef break between nearby prominent peaks
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardSurfing bodyboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Pretty consistent surf at an exposed reef break.
  • Summer provides optimum conditions, especially with south-southeast swells and north offshore winds.
  • Warm water and close access to amenities around Honolulu.
Heads up
  • Reef hazards (rocks/shallow reef) with sharp coral and submerged features.
  • Crowded conditions during summer swells.
  • Moderate localism can affect how comfortable visitors feel.
Was this description helpful?
Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
N
Offshore directions
N
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Northeast trade winds, often offshore for the spot; trades strengthen toward midday.
Reliability
high
Gust Factor
Light gusts — Light gusts reported; wind is generally reliable.
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September
Shadow Zones
Buildings near the shore can create small turbulence zones.

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell
Beach
Reef — Reef environment; also described as mixed coastal composition.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Medium — Reef waves with medium overall wave size reported.
Launch
Small — Paddle out from the beach or near the harbor channel.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate — Launch difficulty reported as moderate.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
24–28 °C
Water Temperature
20–32 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 1mm–2mm shorty (optional for winter mornings)
Crowds by Season

Peak crowds during summer months and weekends; can get quite busy in the water.

Storm/Rain Season

Winter months (November to March) see more frequent rain and occasional Kona storms.

By sport

What to expect for each.

WingfoilingSkill Level

Possible but challenging due to shallow reef and high surfer density; best reserved for very high tides and experienced riders.

Foil Friendly
Limited — Limited due to shallow reef conditions.
Min Depth
1.5 meters
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed reef break on Oahu’s south shore near East Honolulu. Pretty consistent surf, forming a right-hand reef break with punchy, steeper sections.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
SSE
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Mid-tide favored to avoid the shallow reef.
Shelter
Exposed — Open/exposed reef setup with limited protection from swell/wind.
Wind Effect
Clean with north offshore winds; northeast trades can chop the water.
Bigger Swell
Can become heavy and sectiony with larger south swells.
Wave Quality
Average — Average overall wave quality; more consistent when summer conditions line up.
Wave Power
Moderate — Punchy reef waves, with moderate overall power.
Wave Shape
Peeling — Peeling right-hand reef break.
Peel Speed
Medium — Fast, steep sections; often medium peel speed.
Ride Length
Short — Shorter rides; can close out as it hits the shallower inside reef.
Typical Ride Length
40–70 m
Ride Length Details
Fast, steep sections that often close out as they hit the shallower inside reef.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for In Betweens in the full forecast view.

In Betweens wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
6–13 ktsGusts 27 kts
Direction
NE51°
Strongest day
Wed, Oct 2813 kts
Windy days
2/712 kts or more
Waves
0.9–1.4 m11s period
Temperature
23–27 °C

Over the next 7 days, In Betweens is forecast for daytime winds of 6–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 27 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.9–1.4 m with a period of about 11s. 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
  • localism
  • shallow reef
  • sea urchins (wana)
  • sharp coral
  • crowded conditions
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashWetsuitBoots

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Lifeguard presence reported as seasonal.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue availability is reported as limited for the spot.
Emergency Info
Emergency services available in Honolulu; nearest hospitals are within about 15 minutes. Call 911.
Localism / Vibe
Moderate — Localism reported as a hazard; expect moderate local preference.

Rules of the spot

Standard surfing etiquette applies; yield to those closer to the peak. Avoid designated swimming areas nearby.

Restrictions
  • Extremely crowded during summer swells.
  • Designated swimming areas nearby must be avoided.
Local Tips
  • Best surfed at mid-tide to reduce the chance of hitting the reef.
  • Watch the shallow 'inside' section which can be tricky on lower tides.
  • Respect local surfers at this heavily frequented spot.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
East Honolulu
Nearest Town
Honolulu
Nearest Airport
Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
Parking
Public parking available at Ala Moana Beach Park; paid parking at nearby hotels and garages.
Public Transport
Bus (TheBus) plus Waikiki Trolley; ride-share also available
Access
Accessible via beach access from the East Honolulu area; also reported beach access from Ala Moana Beach Park or the Hilton Hawaiian Village beach access.
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Parking
Restaurant
Bar
Accommodation
Nearby town — Extensive hotel and vacation rental options in Waikiki and along Ala Moana Boulevard.
Food & Drink
Numerous restaurants, cafes, and ABC stores within walking distance.
Equipment Rental:
Surfboard rentals available at various shops in Waikiki and near Ala Moana.
Gear Repair
Multiple surf shops in the Honolulu/Waikiki area offer repair services.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at In Betweens?

The best overall months at In Betweens are June, July, August, September, May. The best wind months are May, June, July, August, September.

Which wind directions work at In Betweens?

In Betweens works with N winds. Offshore directions are N.

What equipment sizes are recommended at In Betweens?

Recommended equipment sizes at In Betweens: Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–20 kts.

What skill level is In Betweens suitable for?

In Betweens suits these riding levels: Wingfoiling: Expert · Surfing: Intermediate.