Irmas Leftpoint
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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
- 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
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
Can be crowded with locals when a good south swell is running.
November to March (winter rainy season).
By sport
What to expect for each.
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.
- 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.
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.
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
- Sharp coral reef
- Exposed rocks
- Currents
- Rip tides depending on swell size
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.
- Avoid entering at lower tides due to shallow reef hazards.
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
World-famous surf beach and coastal views.
A paved hiking trail offering panoramic views of the windward coast and seasonal whale watching.
Historic Lein Street and Chinatown.
A world-famous volcanic crater and marine life conservation district significant to Hawaiian history.
Marine mammal park and bird sanctuary offering interactive programs and educational exhibits.
Local seafood and casual dining.
Popular waterfront brewery and restaurant serving local craft beers and pizzas.
Family-friendly marine/lifestyle activities at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve.
A scenic park for watching expert bodyboarders and flying kites; water is for experts only.
From riders who've been here
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.