Shortboard, Advanced riders
Best for
Expert
Skill Level
Swell, Ocean
Spot Type
Moderate
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Irmas Leftpoint is an exposed left-hand reef break in East Honolulu, known for producing reasonably consistent surf year-round. The wave takes shape on a reef ledge, and the break is oriented as a left, working best at mid tide. Because it’s a shallow, rocky reef location, safety risk is a core part of the spot. Sharp reef and exposed rocks are the primary hazards, and conditions can become especially risky at lower tides. Currents/rip tendencies are also noted depending on swell size, so this is not a spot to treat casually even when waves look manageable from shore. For surfing, the spot is primarily associated with advanced-level performance. Summer is described as the best time for consistent south-swell-driven lefts, which can form short, peeling rides with moderate wave power. Trade winds are generally handled well (side-offshore to offshore at times), which can help maintain usable wave shape during the more reliable windy season. During larger south swells, the wave can close out or become very heavy. Crowd and lineup dynamics can also shift with swell quality—sometimes crowded with locals when a good south swell is running—so respecting the local lineup is emphasized. Overall, the combination of reef hazards, exposure, and localized nature makes Irmas Leftpoint best suited for experienced surfers who can manage the shallow ledge and short, intense waves.

  • Exposed reef left that can work year-round
  • Mid tide is the key tide window
  • Localized and competitive lineup when a good south swell is running
Great for
Surfing shortboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Left-hand reef break with generally consistent year-round surf
  • Mid tide is reported as the best window for safer access and wave performance
  • Advanced surfers can find short, peeling lefts when the right swell is running
Heads up
  • Reef/rock hazards with increased risk at lower tides
  • Exposed, shallow reef ledge can produce dangerous conditions
  • Local lineup can be competitive when south swells run
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
N, NE
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Prevailing North-East trade winds (northeasterly trades) with a hybrid thermal + trade pattern on the East Honolulu coast.
Reliability
High during trade wind season.
Gust Factor
Steady
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September
Thermal Window
Other · Midday · Months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec · Dir: N, NE, ENE · Strongest and most consistent wind typically between noon and mid-afternoon.

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell, Ocean
Beach
Rocks — Rugged rocky reef terrain; reef break.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Medium
Launch
Small — Rocky entry or paddle out from the nearby sandy shoreline.
Launch Difficulty
Difficult — Access involves traversing rocky terrain and managing a shallow reef.

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
Jun–Oct: Boardshorts/bikini (no wetsuit or very light rash-guard type coverage)Nov–Apr: Rash guard or 1–2mm shorty in warmer periods2mm shorty/top for winter mornings
Crowds by Season

Can be crowded with locals when a good south swell is running.

Storm/Rain Season

November to March (winter rainy season).

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

An exposed left-hand reef break producing left waves that work year-round, with the most consistent summer periods when south-swell energy helps form peeling lefts.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Left
Optimal Swell
S, SSW, SE
Swell Height
1–2 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Mid tide is consistently reported as best to reduce the risk of hitting the shallow reef.
Shelter
Exposed — Exposed reef break on an open-ocean coastline.
Wind Effect
Handles trade winds reasonably well as they are side-offshore to offshore.
Bigger Swell
On larger south swells it can close out or become very heavy.
Wave Quality
Average — Often described as reasonably consistent, but wave quality can vary with swell size and conditions.
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Short — Short, intense rides off a reef ledge.
Ride Length Details
Typically a short, intense ride off a reef ledge.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Irmas Leftpoint in the full forecast view.

Irmas Leftpoint wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
7–14 ktsGusts 27 kts
Direction
NE52°
Strongest day
Wed, Oct 2814 kts
Windy days
3/712 kts or more
Waves
1.3–2.4 m9s period
Temperature
24–26 °C

Over the next 7 days, Irmas Leftpoint is forecast for daytime winds of 7–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 27 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 1.3–2.4 m with a period of about 9s. 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
  • Sharp coral reef
  • Exposed rocks
  • Currents
  • Rip tides depending on swell size
Ability Level: Expert
Recommended Safety Gear
Leash

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No lifeguards reported specifically for this launch.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue is described as limited for the broader area, with major beach coverage at large parks.
Emergency Info
Dial 911 for emergencies.
Localism / Vibe
Moderate — Localism is reported as mild to moderate; expect a competitive, localized lineup.

Rules of the spot

Use caution for shallow reef and exposed rocks; conditions are highly localized and can become dangerous at lower tides.

Restrictions
  • Avoid entering at lower tides due to shallow reef hazards.
Local Tips
  • The spot is highly localized—respect the local lineup.
  • Best surfed at mid-tide to avoid hitting the shallow reef.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Honolulu
Nearest Town
East Honolulu
Nearest Airport
Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
Parking
Limited roadside pull-offs or parking at the nearby Sandy Beach Park.
Access
Located along Kalanianaʻole Highway, east of Sandy Beach Park. Access involves traversing rocky terrain and typically includes a rocky entry or a paddle out from the nearby sandy shoreline.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Accommodation
Nearby town — Vacation rentals in Hawaii Kai or hotels in Waikiki.
Food & Drink
Limited options nearby; most facilities are located in the Hawaii Kai shopping centers.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Sand Beach

World-famous surf beach and coastal views.

Makapu'u Point Lighthouse TrailWithin 2 miles

A paved hiking trail offering panoramic views of the windward coast and seasonal whale watching.

Lein Street

Historic Lein Street and Chinatown.

Hanauma Bay Nature PreserveWithin 3 miles

A world-famous volcanic crater and marine life conservation district significant to Hawaiian history.

Sea Life Park HawaiiWithin 1 mile

Marine mammal park and bird sanctuary offering interactive programs and educational exhibits.

Sandy Beach area eateries

Local seafood and casual dining.

Kona Brewing Co. Hawaii KaiWithin 4 miles

Popular waterfront brewery and restaurant serving local craft beers and pizzas.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Family-friendly marine/lifestyle activities at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve.

Sandy Beach ParkWithin the region

A scenic park for watching expert bodyboarders and flying kites; water is for experts only.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Irmas Leftpoint?

The best overall months at Irmas Leftpoint are May, June, July, August, September.

Which wind directions work at Irmas Leftpoint?

Irmas Leftpoint works with N, NE winds.

What skill level is Irmas Leftpoint suitable for?

Irmas Leftpoint suits these riding levels: Surfing: Expert.