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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • 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.
Heads up
  • 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.
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
24–28 °C
Water Temperature
21–31 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: Rash guard or thin neoprene top usually sufficient year-round2mm shorty for winter mornings
Crowds by Season

Generally less crowded than North Shore or South Shore spots; mostly frequented by locals.

Storm/Rain Season

Rainy season typically runs from November to March.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

Point break
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.
Forecast

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.

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
  • Sharks
  • Shallow reef
  • Onshore winds
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashBoots

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.

Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Parking
Picnic area
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.
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 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.