Kaiser Bay (Hachijojima)
- Advanced riders, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Skill Level
- Swell
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Kaiser Bay (Hachijojima) is a reef break on Hachijojima Island known for powerful, often hollow waves over sharp volcanic rock. Conditions are typically best when southeast/south swells arrive, and the waves work hardest on low to mid tide. The break is reported as clean and technical, with a left-hand wave direction noted for the spot. Wind plays a major role in ride quality. Westerly winds are described as best/offshore for keeping the face clean, while more southerly wind can create very choppy conditions. A spot-level note also highlights northern or western winds as producing the cleanest surf. Safety is a primary concern: the volcanic shoreline is dominated by sharp lava rocks and sea urchins, and strong currents are commonly reported, particularly when the swell is larger. At very low tide, the tidal nature of the reef can make the situation significantly more dangerous. Booties are strongly recommended, and surfers should plan carefully for self-sufficiency. Crowds are generally minimal—surfers report it is unlikely to be too crowded even when the surf is up. The overall season is late summer into autumn, with August identified as the best month in spot-level wind/swell notes, and rainy/storm (typhoon) season also peaking from August through October.
- Reef break with powerful, often hollow waves
- Best with southeast/south swells and offshore westerly winds
- Typically uncrowded for the conditions
- Crystal-clear waters reported regionally as “Hachijo Blue”
- Exceptionally clear, natural setting with reef waves that can be very high quality.
- Best conditions described for southeast/south swells with offshore wind (westerly).
- Reported as unlikely to be crowded even when surf is up.
- Sharp volcanic rocks and sea urchins make entry/exit hazardous.
- Strong currents are often present, especially on larger swells.
- No rescue and no lifeguards reported.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W
- Offshore directions
- W
- Wind Range
- 10–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Wind described as frontal in winter/spring at the regional level.
- Reliability
- 58% (monthly blown pct)
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Reported as moderate gusts at the spot level.
- Best Months
- August
- Shadow Zones
- High cliffs can create wind shadows near the shore.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Rocks — Rocks/reef shore with volcanic lava rocks.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Big — Described as big/powerful for a reef break; can hold significant size but becomes more dangerous with heavy currents.
- Launch
- Medium — Reported as difficult entry across sharp lava rocks and boulders.
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult — Spot-level launch reported as difficult; one source rates it as moderate.
Through the year
Generally quiet; more visitors during public holidays and peak typhoon swells.
Typhoon season peaks from August to October; rainy season typically peaks in June (regional).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Rocky reef break on Hachijojima Island producing left-hand waves, with powerful reef waves over sharp volcanic rock.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- SE, S
- Swell Height
- 1–3.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low, Mid — Reported best on low to mid tide; one source also notes mid tide as optimal.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed reef break with volcanic shoreline; winds strongly affect choppiness.
- Wind Effect
- Cleanest with northern or western winds; becomes very choppy with southern winds.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds significant size but becomes very dangerous with heavy currents.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Clean and technical; described as uncrowded when conditions are right.
- Wave Power
- Powerful
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Reported as hollow; spot also described as producing clean, technical waves.
- Peel Speed
- Fast
- Ride Length
- Medium — Can produce multiple sections.
- Typical Ride Length
- 100–200 m
- Ride Length Details
- Can produce long, walling waves providing multiple sections.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Kaiser Bay (Hachijojima) in the full forecast view.
Kaiser Bay (Hachijojima) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 11–31 ktsGusts 43 kts
- Direction
- SW219°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 2831 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.6–2.7 m7s period
- Temperature
- 20–26 °C
Over the next 7 days, Kaiser Bay (Hachijojima) is forecast for daytime winds of 11–31 kts, peaking around 31 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 43 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 1.6–2.7 m with a period of about 7s. 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 lava rocks
- Sea urchins
- Strong currents
- Isolated location
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Spot-level rescue availability reported as no; regional coverage notes Coast Guard availability.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in the main town of Hachijomachi; emergency services: 119; Coast Guard: 118.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Moderate localism reported for the island break.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the local island community.
- Clean with offshore wind.
- Booties are highly recommended due to the sharp reef and urchins.
- The spot is tidal and can be dangerous at very low tide.
- Best tide position is low to mid tide.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Tokyo
- Nearest Town
- Hachijojima
- Nearest Airport
- Hachijojima Airport (HAC)
- Parking
- Limited roadside parking is available near the access points.
- Public Transport
- Local island bus system and rental cars/scooters.
- Access
- Accessible via boat or a flight from Tokyo to Hachijojima airport, followed by a rental car drive to the south coast.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Japanese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various options including guesthouses, ryokans/minshuku guesthouses, and small hotels in the main town area.
- Food & Drink
- No facilities at the beach; bring water and supplies from town.
- Equipment Rental:
- Very limited surfing rentals available in town; better to bring your own gear.
- Gear Storage
- Generally not available as a public service; usually managed through individual accommodation providers.
- Gear Repair
- Basic surfboard repair may be found locally, but no specialized kite/wing foil repair shops are reported.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A volcanic island destination with dramatic landscapes and clear “Hachijo Blue” waters; hiking and outdoor coastal scenery are key visitor draws.
The highest peak in the Izu Islands, offering hiking trails and panoramic ocean views.
Artifacts related to the island’s history as a penal colony and its unique Kihachijo silk weaving.
World-class diving in the “Hachijo Blue” waters with frequent sea turtle sightings.
Local eateries serving the island’s specialty: marinated sushi with spicy mustard.
Public hot spring baths with views overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Kaiser Bay (Hachijojima)?
The best overall months at Kaiser Bay (Hachijojima) are August, September, October. The best wind months are August.
Which wind directions work at Kaiser Bay (Hachijojima)?
Kaiser Bay (Hachijojima) works with W winds. Offshore directions are W.
What skill level is Kaiser Bay (Hachijojima) suitable for?
Kaiser Bay (Hachijojima) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.