Kammies (Pūpūkea)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Kammies (Pūpūkea) is an exposed reef break on Oahu’s North Shore known for very consistent waves, with the strongest surf arriving during the winter season. Multiple descriptions emphasize that January is a standout month for conditions. The break is primarily associated with south wind setups and northwest (or westerly/northwesterly) swell, and it features a peeling, moderately powered wave shape. Reports describe a right-hand wave as the most common reference point, with rides typically medium in length. Because it’s a reef launch, the main safety concerns are sharp rocks/reef and rip currents (including a specific current noted as pulling you toward the point). Localism is also mentioned, so respecting the lineup and local surfers is important. Overall, it’s framed as an intermediate-oriented spot: workable for improving surfers, but the combination of exposure, shallow reef, and stronger winter energy makes it best approached with caution and appropriate protective equipment.
- Very consistent winter waves
- Exposed reef break with good quality when right swell/wind align
- Rarely crowded
- Very consistent waves in winter
- Good wave quality when conditions align
- Rarely crowded
- Works well with south winds and northwest swell
- Exposed reef break with rocky hazards
- Rip currents present
- Localism risk reported
- Limited rescue availability
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S
- Offshore directions
- S
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade-wind influence reported for the North Shore; also described as south winds being best for the spot.
- Reliability
- fairly consistent
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Steady gust character reported.
- Best Months
- January
- Shadow Zones
- Shadowed by land during strong southerly winds; trade winds can be cross-shore and bumpy (reported regionally).
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — One source describes reef/surf over reef; another describes sand composition at the access area.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Medium wave size reported; other notes cite commonly surfed ranges around 3–5 ft.
- Launch
- Small — Narrow sandy beach area in front of residential properties; access described via public paths between private homes.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate
Through the year
Often busiest in winter during large swells; relatively quiet during flat summer months.
November to March is wetter; wet season often coincides with larger swell events.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed reef break on Oahu’s North Shore with very consistent waves in winter, working primarily during the winter season.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- W, WNW, NW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- South winds best; when conditions are right, south-southeast winds can groom the face. Wind can otherwise be cross-offshore/trade-driven and bumpy.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well; on very large North swells it can close out or become extremely turbulent, though it is reported to hold well up to double overhead.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Rides described as medium; one account notes about 50–100 meters depending on swell angle (typical around 75 meters).
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Kammies (Pūpūkea) in the full forecast view.
Kammies (Pūpūkea) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 6–13 ktsGusts 26 kts
- Direction
- ENE66°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 2813 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.2–2.1 m9s period
- Temperature
- 23–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, Kammies (Pūpūkea) is forecast for daytime winds of 6–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 26 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
- Rip currents
- Localism
- Sharp volcanic reef
- Submerged rocks
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital options noted include Waiola Hospital (Kahuku) or Queen's Medical Center (Honolulu). For emergencies, dial 911.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate
Rules of the spot
Respect local surfers and lineups; standard surfing etiquette.
- Watch for rocks when entering the water.
- Be aware of localism in the area.
- Rip currents can pull you offshore; the 'Kammies' current can pull you toward the point.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Waiale‘e
- Nearest Town
- Pupukea
- Parking
- Public parking available near the Pupukea beach park area; limited street parking along Kamehameha Highway.
- Access
- Located in the Pupukea area on Oahu's North Shore; accessed via public beach access paths between private homes off Kamehameha Highway. Public parking available near the Pupukea beach park area.
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Vacation rentals along the North Shore; small hotels and hostels in nearby Haleʻiwa.
- Food & Drink
- Food trucks and small grocery stores are within walking distance or a short drive toward Pupukea.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surf equipment rental available via surf shops in Haleiwa and near Sunset Beach.
- Gear Storage
- Gear storage described as limited.
- Gear Repair
- Gear repair available at surf shops in Haleʻiwa.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Kammies (Pūpūkea)?
The best overall months at Kammies (Pūpūkea) are January, February, March, October. The best wind months are January.
Which wind directions work at Kammies (Pūpūkea)?
Kammies (Pūpūkea) works with S winds. Offshore directions are S.
What skill level is Kammies (Pūpūkea) suitable for?
Kammies (Pūpūkea) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.