In Betweens
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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.
- Reef hazards (rocks/shallow reef) with sharp coral and submerged features.
- Crowded conditions during summer swells.
- Moderate localism can affect how comfortable visitors feel.
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
Peak crowds during summer months and weekends; can get quite busy in the water.
Winter months (November to March) see more frequent rain and occasional Kona storms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
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
Exposed reef break on Oahu’s south shore near East Honolulu. Pretty consistent surf, forming a right-hand reef break with punchy, steeper sections.
- 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.
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.
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
- localism
- shallow reef
- sea urchins (wana)
- sharp coral
- crowded conditions
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.
- Extremely crowded during summer swells.
- Designated swimming areas nearby must be avoided.
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
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.