Jockos Point (Pūpūkea)
- Shortboard
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- Spot Type
- 10–25 kts
- Wind Range
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Jockos Point (Pūpūkea) is an exposed, left-hand reef point break on Oʻahu’s North Shore, known for long rides and fast, peeling sections when the swell and wind line up. The break is on a sharp coral/reef bottom and typically requires paddling out past the rocks to reach the productive area. Trade winds from the east through north-east directions are described as offshore for surfing here, helping groom the wave faces. Spot-level wind notes emphasize that these offshore trades tend to be steady, and the spot is generally associated with winter performance—surf is often most consistent in January. Safety is a major consideration. Multiple sources emphasize the inside area known as the 'Boneyard' as extremely shallow and sharp; it is important to avoid riding too far in, especially as tides drop. Strong rip currents can occur, particularly when swell size is larger, and reef impacts during wipeouts can be severe. Local lineup expectations are also highlighted: North Shore surfing etiquette and respecting the local lineup are required. Lifeguard coverage is described as seasonal and rescue availability as limited for this specific spot, so plan accordingly and be conservative in bigger, more powerful conditions.
- Long left-hand reef point break with fast sections
- Offshore trade-wind grooming (E–NE directions)
- Winter/January seasonality
- Clean offshore grooming in trade-wind conditions.
- High-performance left reef point break with long, fast sections.
- Works most reliably in winter, particularly January.
- Extremely sharp, shallow inside section known as the 'Boneyard' (avoid riding too far in, especially on lower tides).
- Reef hazards and submerged rocks/boulders increase wipeout risk.
- Strong currents are common, particularly on larger swells.
- Rescue availability is described as limited.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NNE, NE, ENE, E, ESE
- Offshore directions
- NNE, NE, ENE
- Wind Range
- 10–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade winds (NE–ENE) are stated to provide clean, offshore conditions for the left reef.
- Reliability
- High during trade wind periods.
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Described as steady during trade-wind periods.
- Best Months
- January, February, March
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Rocks
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Spot guide notes small surf tendencies at times; other spot-level notes describe bigger surf and increasing power with swell.
- Launch
- Medium — Typically via a paddle out from nearby rocky/sandy access near Chun’s Reef or via a narrow keyhole in the reef when conditions allow.
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult — Spot notes range from moderate to difficult, with a technical paddle out over/around rocks and reef access considerations.
Through the year
Peak crowds occur in winter, especially when conditions are optimal for the lefts.
November through March
By sport
What to expect for each.
A left-hand reef point break that produces a long ride over sharp coral and sand (with a technical, shallow inside area known as the 'Boneyard'). It is exposed and typically best with the right swell and clean offshore trade winds.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- NW, WNW
- Swell Height
- 2–4 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Best described as a rising mid-tide to help avoid the shallow reef during wipeouts.
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- East to North-East trade winds are offshore, grooming wave faces and keeping them clean.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds significant size and becomes increasingly powerful and challenging as the swell approaches double-overhead; heavy wipeouts are possible.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Wave quality described as excellent when conditions line up.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Characterized as fast, high-performance, and increasingly powerful as swell grows.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Fast — Rides described as fast, with the break peeling.
- Ride Length
- Long — Long left point break; when sections connect, rides can be very long.
- Typical Ride Length
- 150 m
- Ride Length Details
- One description notes long left rides, and another adds that rides can exceed 150 meters when the inside sections connect.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Jockos Point (Pūpūkea) in the full forecast view.
Jockos Point (Pūpūkea) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–10 ktsGusts 22 kts
- Direction
- ENE59°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2410 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.2–2.1 m9s period
- Temperature
- 21–28 °C
Over the next 7 days, Jockos Point (Pūpūkea) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–10 kts, peaking around 10 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 22 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 1.2–2.1 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
- Submerged boulders
- Very shallow reef shelf / Boneyard inside section
- Strong rip currents
- Sharks
- Sea urchins
- Heavy wipeouts
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguard presence is indicated.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is described as limited for this spot.
- Emergency Info
- Call 911 in an emergency. Nearest major facilities are in Haleiwa, with lifeguards stationed at nearby Chun's Reef and Laniakea.
- Localism / Vibe
- Heavy — Described as heavy/locals-focused in the spot-specific notes, with etiquette emphasized.
Rules of the spot
Strict adherence to North Shore surfing etiquette is required. Respect the local lineup and wait your turn.
- Beware of the inside area known as the 'Boneyard'—it is extremely shallow and sharp; avoid riding too far in on lower tides.
- Paddle out past the rocks to reach the break.
- When it works, look for the long left at the end of the rocks.
- Best surfed on a rising mid-tide to reduce the risk of hitting the reef during a wipeout.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Haleiwa
- Nearest Town
- Pūpūkea
- Parking
- Limited parallel parking is available along the highway; can be crowded during peak winter swells.
- Access
- Visible from Kamehameha Highway; described as the second spot after Haleiwa when driving toward Waimea Bay, located just before Chun’s Reef. Access is via roadside paths leading to the rocky shoreline; conditions may require a paddle out from nearby sandy stretch at Chun’s Reef or a narrow keyhole in the reef when conditions allow.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Vacation rentals are common in the Pūpūkea and Haleiwa areas.
- Food & Drink
- Food trucks and cafes are located a short drive away in Haleiwa or near Shark's Cove.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surf equipment/board rentals are available via surf shops in Haleiwa.
- Gear Repair
- Professional surfboard repair services are available in Haleiwa.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The North Shore is known for its globally significant surf scene in winter and a strong year-round presence of water sports supported by trade winds.
One of the most famous surfing breaks in the world.
Botanical garden and cultural site featuring a famous waterfall for swimming.
Historic fishing village and surf culture hub.
The largest ancient Hawaiian temple site on Oʻahu, overlooking Waimea Bay.
Deep-sea shark encounters departing from Haleʻiwa Harbor.
World-famous big-wave surfing competitions and spectator events.
Iconic North Shore garlic shrimp served from a graffiti-covered truck.
Family-friendly beach parks with calm waters and playgrounds.
Turtle watching and snorkeling at calm reef areas.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Jockos Point (Pūpūkea)?
The best overall months at Jockos Point (Pūpūkea) are November, December, January, February. The best wind months are January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Jockos Point (Pūpūkea)?
Jockos Point (Pūpūkea) works with NNE, NE, ENE, E, ESE winds. Offshore directions are NNE, NE, ENE.
What skill level is Jockos Point (Pūpūkea) suitable for?
Jockos Point (Pūpūkea) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced.