Keauhou Point (Kona Windward Coast)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Expert
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Expert only
- Launch Difficulty
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Keauhou Point is an exposed reef break that’s noted for consistent surf conditions, though the spot is both rugged and highly unforgiving. It’s described as a small, rock-and-reef dominated shoreline with sharp lava terrain, submerged reef structure, and strong coastal current potential. Wind is a key factor for ride quality. Northwest winds are specifically cited as the best direction because they provide offshore conditions that can help keep the surf more workable; outside of those periods, prevailing trade-wind patterns can make conditions less clean. Gusts are described as moderate. Safety planning is critical here. Hazards include rocks/reef structures and sharks, along with strong currents and potential rip currents. Access is remote and hike-in, and sources emphasize self-sufficiency needs (no lifeguards; emergency response is coordinated externally and medical facilities require travel plus the hike). Heat management is also highlighted during the approach. Overall, surfing is best when you are advanced and fully prepared for reef entries/exits, strong ocean dynamics, and the lack of nearby support services. Conditions are reported to be most favorable in summer, while at least one spot guide also singles out January as the best month for this specific break.
- Consistent surf on an exposed reef break
- Northwest offshore winds can improve cleanliness
- Remote wilderness setting with self-sufficiency requirements
- Sharp volcanic terrain and reef hazards
- Exposed reef break known for consistent surf
- Best grooming occurs with northwest offshore wind
- Within a major protected landscape, with unique wilderness-style surfing conditions
- Extremely remote access with strenuous hike requirements
- High exposure (open ocean reef break)
- Reef hazards including rocks and sharp lava features
- Strong currents/rip-current risk and potential shark presence
- Wind can frequently be onshore/off when northwest offshore winds are absent
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NW
- Offshore directions
- NW
- Wind Type
- Trade — Predominantly driven by trade-wind patterns; northwest wind can provide offshore conditions for this reef break.
- Reliability
- Low for clean conditions due to frequent onshore trade winds.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- January, December, February
- Thermal Window
- Other · Late morning · Regional warming can increase wind strength after late morning, though conditions on this exposed coastline are still dominated by trade-wind flow and local wind direction.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Rocks — Lava rock coastline.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium
- Launch
- Small — Lava rock coastline with difficult entries and exits.
- Launch Difficulty
- Expert only
Through the year
Consistently empty due to extreme effort required for access.
November through March is the wettest period.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed reef break with consistent surf that is highly remote and generally suited to experienced surfers comfortable with reef hazards and open-ocean conditions.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- S, SW, SE
- Optimal Tide
- All tides
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open and exposed reef break with little natural shelter.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore when northwest winds are in place; otherwise the spot is highly exposed to prevailing trade winds which can turn conditions less clean.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Monthly clean conditions are reported as low, though the spot is noted for consistency in surf.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Consistent surf is noted, though wave quality is described as average at times.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Keauhou Point (Kona Windward Coast) in the full forecast view.
Keauhou Point (Kona Windward Coast) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–9 ktsGusts 19 kts
- Direction
- SE144°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 249 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.2–1.5 m11s period
- Temperature
- 23–30 °C
Over the next 7 days, Keauhou Point (Kona Windward Coast) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–9 kts, peaking around 9 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 19 kts. The prevailing direction is SE. Waves run 1.2–1.5 m with a period of about 11s. 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
- Submerged reef structures
- Sharks
- Strong currents
- Potential significant rip currents
- Remote location with no cell service
- Heat exhaustion during access hike
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No on-site rescue base is available for this remote coastline; emergency response is coordinated through local services.
- Emergency Info
- Extremely remote; emergency response is coordinated externally. Nearest medical facilities are in Hilo (and Kona-area hospitals may be available). In emergencies, call 911.
Rules of the spot
Located in a wilderness/park context with backcountry-style access; follow park rules and coordinate access/safety checks with park staff when applicable.
- Hike-in access only
- No motorized vehicles
- Wilderness area/park regulations apply
- Backcountry permits are required for overnight stays and certain activities
- Plan for a strenuous hike to reach the coast; bring significantly more water than you think you need.
- Check with park staff/rangers regarding coastal access and safety before going.
- Expect exposure and self-sufficiency needs due to remoteness.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Kailua-Kona
- Nearest Town
- Keauhou
- Parking
- Parking is available at National Park trailheads.
- Access
- Access is via the Keauhou Trail from the end of Chain of Craters Road or the Hilina Pali Road within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park; strenuous hike over rugged lava terrain.
- Cost Level
- Expensive
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Primitive backcountry camping may be available within the park with a permit; lodging options exist in nearby towns such as Volcano and other Kona-area areas.
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 Keauhou Point (Kona Windward Coast)?
The best overall months at Keauhou Point (Kona Windward Coast) are July, August, June. The best wind months are January, December, February.
Which wind directions work at Keauhou Point (Kona Windward Coast)?
Keauhou Point (Kona Windward Coast) works with NW winds. Offshore directions are NW.
What skill level is Keauhou Point (Kona Windward Coast) suitable for?
Keauhou Point (Kona Windward Coast) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Expert.