Keaau
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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
Can be crowded on weekends; generally quieter than North Shore spots.
Rainy season typically runs from November to March.
By sport
What to expect for each.
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.
- 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.
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.
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 reef
- strong currents
- rip currents can occur during high surf
- shore break
- sharks
- sharp coral
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.
- Restricted to developed day use areas of park excluding trails and dirt roads.
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
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 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.