Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Swell
Spot Type
Moderate
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Keaau is an exposed beach-and-reef surfing area on Oʻahu’s leeward side, known for producing consistent left-hand waves. Sources describe it as able to work at any time of the year, with November called out as the standout month for better conditions. The break is associated with northwest groundswells in winter, which tend to be the main swell direction. Wind can help or hurt: offshore trade winds from the east northeast are described as providing cleaner, more groomed conditions for surfing. Safety is a primary concern at Keaau. Multiple sources flag rocks/sharp reef and strong currents/rip-current potential, along with a moderate but sometimes deceptively strong shore break. Caution is especially important around low tide when reef shallows can make the entry and takeoff zone more dangerous. Despite the hazards, the spot is generally best suited to intermediate surfers. Facilities and access are centered on developed day-use areas, with restrictions against using trails and dirt roads. Rescue coverage is described as not present at the spot level, and the coast is noted as remote in places, so riders should be prepared for limited immediate response.

  • Consistent left-hand waves on an exposed beach/reef break.
  • Northwest winter groundswells are the key swell driver.
  • Offshore trade winds from the east-northeast can groom waves.
  • Notable rock/reef hazards and potential strong currents.
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardAdvanced ridersBeginners
What's great
  • Exposed beach and reef break with consistent left-hand waves.
  • Winter northwest groundswells are a key driver; can work year-round.
  • Offshore trade winds from the northeast can groom waves for cleaner surf.
Heads up
  • Rock and reef hazards; water entry can be rocky.
  • Strong currents/rip currents and a deceptively strong shore break can occur.
  • Can be crowded at times, especially with local demand.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NE, E
Offshore directions
E, ENE, NE
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Offshore trade winds from the east northeast are described for clean conditions.
Reliability
moderate
Gust Factor
Light gusts
Best Months
November, December, January, February
Shadow Zones
Wind shadows can occur near the base of the cliffs.

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell
Beach
Sand
Beach Size
Big
Waves
Medium — Also described as producing waves year-round.
Launch
Medium — Long sandy beach with a notable shorebreak; water entry can be rocky.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate — Water entry is often rocky.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
24–29 °C
Water Temperature
21–32 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan, Feb, Dec: 1mm-2mm neoprene topMar–Nov: Boardshorts to 1mm neoprene top (when needed)
Crowds by Season

Can be crowded on weekends; generally quieter than North Shore spots.

Storm/Rain Season

Rainy season typically runs from November to March.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed beach and reef break with consistent left-hand waves; works particularly well with northwest winter swells. Conditions are best when offshore trade winds are in place.

Beach breakReef break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
NW, W
Swell Height
1–3 m
Optimal Tide
All tides
Shelter
Exposed — Exposed beach and reef break.
Wind Effect
Offshore trade winds from the northeast groom waves and provide clean conditions.
Bigger Swell
Can become very heavy and close out on the reef ledge during massive swells.
Wave Quality
Good — Also described as average in wind/swell summaries.
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Peeling — Also described as a mixed shape.
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Short — Waves are generally short but punchy; also described as around 50 meters.
Typical Ride Length
50 m
Ride Length Details
Left-hand waves are described; rides are generally short but punchy over a reef shelf or sandbars.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Keaau in the full forecast view.

Keaau wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
3–11 ktsGusts 22 kts
Direction
NE50°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2411 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
1.1–2.0 m10s period
Temperature
22–29 °C

Over the next 7 days, Keaau is forecast for daytime winds of 3–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 22 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 1.1–2.0 m with a period of about 10s. 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 reef
  • strong currents
  • rip currents can occur during high surf
  • shore break
  • sharks
  • sharp coral
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
Helmet

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Group context indicates rescue may be limited in remote areas; this spot-level source also states rescue availability is no.
Emergency Info
Call 911 for emergencies. Nearest medical facilities are in Waianae.
Localism / Vibe
Moderate — Noted as sometimes crowded and with a local surfing community.

Rules of the spot

General Hawaii water safety and surf etiquette apply.

Restrictions
  • Restricted to developed day use areas of park excluding trails and dirt roads.
Local Tips
  • Watch out for rocks.
  • Be cautious of the shallow reef during low tide.
  • The shorebreak can be deceptively strong.
  • Respect the local surfing community.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Makaha Valley
Nearest Town
Waiiale
Nearest Airport
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) (approximately 30 miles / 48 km)
Parking
Parking available at developed day-use areas; parking is available at the Kea'au Beach Park parking lot.
Public Transport
TheBus (Honolulu’s municipal bus system) serves the Farrington Highway corridor with regular routes.
Access
Accessible via developed day-use areas; trails and dirt roads restricted.
Cost Level
Expensive
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Showers
Toilets
Picnic area
Accommodation
Nearby town — Limited vacation rentals in Makaha; more options available further south in Ko Olina.
Food & Drink
Local food stands and convenience stores are available in nearby Makaha and Waianae.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Keaau?

The best overall months at Keaau are November, December. The best wind months are November, December, January, February.

Which wind directions work at Keaau?

Keaau works with NE, E winds. Offshore directions are E, ENE, NE.

What skill level is Keaau suitable for?

Keaau suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.