Jockos Point (Pūpūkea)

Surfing
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Surfing shortboard
What's great
  • Clean offshore grooming in trade-wind conditions.
  • High-performance left reef point break with long, fast sections.
  • Works most reliably in winter, particularly January.
Heads up
  • 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.
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
24–28 °C
Water Temperature
22–30 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Oct–Mar: 3/4 mm full suit (or 2 mm shorty / neoprene top if sensitive)Jun, Jul, Aug: boardshorts / rashguard (no wetsuit)Apr, May, Sep: 2/3 mm shorty or rashguard
Crowds by Season

Peak crowds occur in winter, especially when conditions are optimal for the lefts.

Storm/Rain Season

November through March

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

Point breakReef break
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.
Forecast

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.

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
  • Submerged boulders
  • Very shallow reef shelf / Boneyard inside section
  • Strong rip currents
  • Sharks
  • Sea urchins
  • Heavy wipeouts
Ability Level: Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashWetsuit

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.

Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

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.

Best time to visit: May through September for strongest trade-wind consistency and drier conditions; November to February for surf spectating.
Pipeline (Banzai Pipeline)

One of the most famous surfing breaks in the world.

Waimea Valley1 mile

Botanical garden and cultural site featuring a famous waterfall for swimming.

Haleʻiwa Town

Historic fishing village and surf culture hub.

Puʻu o Mahuka Heiau State Monument

The largest ancient Hawaiian temple site on Oʻahu, overlooking Waimea Bay.

Shark Cage Diving4 miles

Deep-sea shark encounters departing from Haleʻiwa Harbor.

Billabong Pipe Masters

World-famous big-wave surfing competitions and spectator events.

Giovanni's Shrimp Truck

Iconic North Shore garlic shrimp served from a graffiti-covered truck.

Waimea Bay Beach Park

Family-friendly beach parks with calm waters and playgrounds.

Laniakea Beach (Turtle Beach)

Turtle watching and snorkeling at calm reef areas.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.