Kapoho Bay (Pohoiki)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean
- Spot Type
- 10–20 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Kapoho Bay (Pohoiki) is an exposed surf spot with limited reliability: it does not work very often and has no strong seasonal pattern. The area is described as having major hazards typical of an exposed Puna coast section, including rocks, sea urchins, and sharks, along with strong currents. Following the 2018 Kilauea eruption, the coastline at Pohoiki was significantly transformed. Surf conditions are influenced by the post-eruption seabed, where shifting sand and lava-rock proximity can make the surf zone unpredictable even when swell and weather line up. When it does work, the spot is generally best understood as exposed and not sheltered. Wind can add chop under trade-wind conditions, so cleaner faces may require lighter or more favorable wind moments. Reported conditions suggest an average level of surf quality overall, with medium ride lengths and a risk of worsening conditions on heavier shorebreak. For safety planning, treat the water as high-risk: strong currents are commonly noted, and visitors are advised to check with local lifeguards about current conditions. Be especially cautious with navigation and access information—old parking/shoreline directions near Wai'opae Road are reported to be invalid due to the 2018 lava flow coverage, and access details should be verified for current travel plans.
- Exposed reef/volcanic-hazard surf conditions that rarely come together
- Post-2018 coastline transformation influencing the wave zone near Pohoiki
- Warmer-than-average water temperatures year-round
- Critical safety concerns: strong currents, sharks, and lava-rock/urchin hazards
- Warm water year-round (about 24–27°C reported)
- Potential for surf when the right swell arrives, with generally medium ride lengths when it works
- A naturally scenic, post-eruption coastline area with nearby volcanic/geothermal features
- Exposed conditions that rarely produce surfable weather
- Strong currents and shark sightings reported
- Rocks/lava-rock hazards and sea urchins
- Bottom can shift after the 2018 eruption, making wave conditions unpredictable
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, SW
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade winds reported for the Pohoiki coast.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- January, February
- Shadow Zones
- High cliffs and inland terrain can create shadows during light offshore winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Reef — Beach composition and bottom have been described differently across sources; historical Kapoho Bay is associated with reef, while post-2018 Pohoiki surfing is associated with transformed black sand surroundings.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium
- Launch
- Medium — Beach access from the new black sand beach at Isaac Hale Beach Park.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate
Through the year
Can be crowded on weekends with local families and surfers; quieter on weekdays.
The Puna district is exceptionally rainy year-round, with peak rainfall often in winter. Rainy/storm season commonly noted as November–March.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed reef break that does not work very often with no particular seasonal pattern. After the 2018 Kilauea eruption, the coastline at Pohoiki was significantly transformed; the surfing zone can be influenced by lava-rock hazards and changing bottom conditions.
- Optimal Swell
- NE, E, SE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed coastal section; not protected from incoming swell or wind.
- Wind Effect
- Trades can make the surface choppy; requires light or offshore winds for cleaner faces.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become dangerous with heavy shorebreak and strong, difficult-to-control currents.
- Wave Quality
- Average
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Mixed
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Decent sections are possible but conditions can be unpredictable near lava rock and shifting bottom.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical ride length reported around 50–100 meters; waves may be unpredictable due to shifting sand bottom and proximity to lava rock.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Kapoho Bay (Pohoiki) in the full forecast view.
Kapoho Bay (Pohoiki) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–12 ktsGusts 19 kts
- Direction
- N2°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 2812 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.6–1.9 m10s period
- Temperature
- 23–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, Kapoho Bay (Pohoiki) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 19 kts. The prevailing direction is N. Waves run 1.6–1.9 m with a period of about 10s. 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
- Sharks
- Sea urchins
- Strong currents
- Sharp lava rocks
- Shifting sandbars
- Submerged lava rocks
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited
- Emergency Info
- Call 911. Nearest major medical facilities are in Hilo (about 45–60 minutes away).
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate
Rules of the spot
General Hawaii ocean safety rules apply; respect local surfers and the sensitive ecological environment.
- Strong currents and shark sightings are common at this exposed section of the Puna coast.
- Check with local lifeguards about current conditions as the beach and bottom are still settling after the eruption.
- Old parking and shoreline directions near Wai'opae Road are invalid due to the June 5, 2018 lava flow coverage.
- The new thermal ponds at Pohoiki can have high bacteria levels; check for health advisories.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Hilo
- Nearest Town
- Pahoa
- Parking
- Parking is available at Isaac Hale Beach Park. Old parking and shoreline directions near Wai'opae Road are invalid due to the June 5, 2018 lava flow coverage; current parking access not specified in sources.
- Access
- Accessible via Highway 137, though road access has been limited or redirected by lava flows in recent years.
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Vacation rentals in the Puna district or hotels in Hilo.
- Food & Drink
- Limited options on-site; food and supplies are available in Pahoa.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Pohoiki area is defined by volcanic landscape and geothermal features, offering a raw, educational coastline experience. Tourism centers on black sand and lava-reshaped coastlines rather than developed beach-resort amenities.
New black sand beach formed by the 2018 lava.
Newly formed black sand beach and coastal park created by the 2018 volcanic eruption.
2018 Kilauea lava flow site that reshaped the coastline and created black sand beach.
Historic town known for wooden boardwalks and a bohemian, off-the-grid atmosphere.
Thermal springs at Ahalanui Park (near Pohoiki).
Viewing massive new lava fields and geological changes from the 2018 Kilauea Lower East Rift Zone eruption.
Popular local eatery in Pahoa serving Hawaiian-influenced cuisine.
Black sand beach sunbathing and swimming (experienced only).
Geothermally heated pools along the coastline; many were altered by recent lava flows.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Kapoho Bay (Pohoiki)?
The best overall months at Kapoho Bay (Pohoiki) are December, January, February. The best wind months are January, February.
Which wind directions work at Kapoho Bay (Pohoiki)?
Kapoho Bay (Pohoiki) works with W, SW winds.
What skill level is Kapoho Bay (Pohoiki) suitable for?
Kapoho Bay (Pohoiki) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.