Kualoa Point (Oahu)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Kualoa Point is an exposed point break with quite consistent surf that can work at any time of the year. The spot is typically described as producing right-hand waves, with conditions most often influenced by trade winds on Oahu’s windward side. Because the break is highly exposed, trade winds can arrive onshore and make the surf choppy or less clean. The spot is also characterized by a rocky/shallow-reef bottom and an overall exposed layout, so foot protection is important and careful route/entry choices matter—especially if swell and tide timing doesn’t line up. Safety considerations are significant. Reported hazards include rocks and sharks, and the area is also noted for onshore winds. Bring reef booties to protect your feet from sharp coral/rocks, keep strong awareness of surroundings in the water, and follow standard surfing etiquette while respecting the regional park environment. Seasonally, the best combination of consistency is commonly given as May through September, with surfing described as quieter than the island’s more famous north- and south-shore hubs. Winter wetsuit needs are generally light-to-moderate (often a rash guard or thin neoprene top, with a thicker shorty sometimes preferred in winter mornings).
- Year-round point-break consistency with right-hand waves
- Trade-wind exposure can affect wave cleanliness
- Rock/shallow-reef hazards and reported shark activity
- Exposed point break with quite consistent surf and year-round potential.
- Right-hand waves are commonly referenced.
- Generally less crowded than some of Oahu’s other well-known breaks.
- Exposed to onshore trade winds that can make the surf choppy.
- Rocky/shallow-reef bottom increases injury risk.
- Shark activity has been reported in the area.
- Rescue support is limited and lifeguards are seasonal.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, NE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade-wind dominated; tends to make conditions choppy/onshore at this exposed point.
- Reliability
- high
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Rocks — Rocks/reef at the break; sandy approaches with rocky sections near the point.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach with some rocky sections near the point.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate
Through the year
Generally less crowded than North Shore or South Shore spots; mostly frequented by locals.
Rainy season typically runs from November to March.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed point break with quite consistent surf that can work throughout the year; frequently affected by onshore trade winds. Typically produces right-hand waves and can deliver a decent run when swell and tide align.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- E, NE, SE
- Swell Height
- 1–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Highly sensitive to trade winds which blow onshore here.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become messy and difficult to navigate in very large swells.
- Wave Quality
- Average
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium
- Ride Length Details
- Waves can offer a decent run across the reef when swell and tide align.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Kualoa Point (Oahu) in the full forecast view.
Kualoa Point (Oahu) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–9 ktsGusts 21 kts
- Direction
- ENE57°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 249 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.3–1.9 m9s period
- Temperature
- 22–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, Kualoa Point (Oahu) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–9 kts, peaking around 9 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 21 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 1.3–1.9 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
- Sharks
- Shallow reef
- Onshore winds
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the local environment within the regional park.
- Bring reef booties to protect your feet from sharp coral and rocks.
- This area is known for shark activity due to its proximity to Kaneohe Bay.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Honolulu
- Nearest Town
- Kaneohe
- Parking
- Public parking available within Kualoa Regional Park.
- Access
- Accessible through Kualoa Regional Park off Kamehameha Highway.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping is available in the regional park with a permit; vacation rentals in nearby Kaneohe.
- Food & Drink
- Few options immediately at the point; more choices available in the town of Kaneohe.
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 Kualoa Point (Oahu)?
The best overall months at Kualoa Point (Oahu) are March, April, May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Kualoa Point (Oahu)?
Kualoa Point (Oahu) works with E, NE winds.
What skill level is Kualoa Point (Oahu) suitable for?
Kualoa Point (Oahu) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.