Magics (Kahaluu-Keauhou)
- Shortboard, Bodyboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Mixed, Small waves
- Spot Type
- Busy
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Magics (Kahaluu-Keauhou) is a reef-break surfing spot on the Kona side, known for a short, fast, and often intense reef peak with strong right-hand character. Conditions are tightly linked to swell coming from the west/west-northwest, with winter commonly providing the most favorable reef-working setups. Wave exposure comes with real hazards: sources consistently warn about rocks and sea urchins, and the shorebreak can be heavy. During larger swell, the spot can get very heavy and the shorebreak can become dangerous, with strong rip currents also possible in the bay. Sand loss during high surf can expose the rocky base, increasing the need for careful entry and exit. Wind and wave interaction matter. Offshore easterly/NE winds tend to groom the wave, while onshore west winds can make the wave crumble. Spot wind notes describe a sea-breeze influence with generally fair reliability and light gusting, alongside an observed shelter effect from the Hualalai mountain that reduces the impact of prevailing NE trades. Crowding is a recurring theme: when the reef is working, the lineup can get quite busy. With year-round lifeguard presence reported and rescue availability described as limited, it’s important to follow local etiquette, respect the lineup, and keep safety gear and procedures in mind for the heavy shorebreak and reef hazards.
- West to west-northwest swell is the most favorable direction.
- Reef hazards include rocks and sea urchins.
- Offshore east/NE winds help groom the wave.
- Sand can disappear during large winter swells, revealing the rocky shoreline.
- Recognized reef break with an intense, quality right-hand reef character.
- Offshore easterly winds can groom the wave.
- Winter swell is generally most favorable for the reef.
- Sharp rocks and sea urchins on a reef bottom.
- Heavy shorebreak and potential strong rip currents during larger swells.
- Often crowded when conditions line up.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, NE
- Offshore directions
- E, NE
- Wind Range
- 5–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Sea-breeze influence with easterly trade winds often sheltered by the Hualalai mountain.
- Reliability
- fair
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- November, December, January, February, March
- Shadow Zones
- Often sheltered from prevailing easterly trades by the Hualalai mountain.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Mixed, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sand can disappear during large swells, exposing lava rock/reef.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Also described as producing medium-to-large working reef surf depending on swell.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Heavy shorebreak is highlighted in multiple descriptions.
- Launch
- Medium — Primarily launched from the sandy beach area; sand may wash away during higher surf.
Through the year
Crowded when conditions line up; described as consistently busy year-round due to proximity to Kailua-Kona and popularity.
June through November is the hurricane season; Hurricane risk June–November. Rainy/wet season is November through March.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Reef break with fast, short rides focused on the initial peak and bowl/section. Typically a right-hand reef option, with other references describing lefts and rights in the broader Kahaluu-Keauhou reef-break cluster.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- W, WNW
- Swell Height
- 1–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered
- Wind Effect
- Offshore east winds groom the wave nicely; onshore west winds cause it to crumble.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well but becomes very heavy; the shorebreak becomes dangerous. The farther reef can produce bigger waves.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Very powerful — Described as powerful, with an intense shorebreak and a short, fast, hollow reef peak.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Right-hand reef peak described as intense; sources also describe bowl/hollow character on the peak.
- Peel Speed
- Fast
- Ride Length
- Short
- Typical Ride Length
- 30–60 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typically short and intense, concentrating on the initial peak and bowl section; generally short rides.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Magics (Kahaluu-Keauhou) in the full forecast view.
Magics (Kahaluu-Keauhou) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–7 ktsGusts 14 kts
- Direction
- WSW241°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 287 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–1.7 m11s period
- Temperature
- 24–29 °C
Over the next 7 days, Magics (Kahaluu-Keauhou) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–7 kts, peaking around 7 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 14 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. Waves run 0.9–1.7 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
- Sea urchins
- Sharp rocks
- Heavy shorebreak
- Strong rip currents
- Crowds
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Year-round
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited
- Emergency Info
- Kona Community Hospital is the nearest major medical facility. Dial 911 for emergency services.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the local lineup in this crowded urban spot.
- No motorized watercraft in the swimming zones.
- Conditions can become busy when surf is working.
- Watch the shorebreak carefully before entering or exiting the water to avoid injury.
- The sand can disappear during large winter swells, exposing the rocky shore.
- Strong rip currents can form in the bay, especially during large swells.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Kailua-Kona
- Nearest Town
- Kahaluu-Keauhou
- Nearest Airport
- Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA / Kona International Airport)
- Parking
- Small parking lot available at the beach park, which fills up quickly. Street parking is available along Alii Drive.
- Public Transport
- Limited; rental cars are the primary mode of transport. The Hele-On Bus provides limited regional service.
- Access
- Look for the Kahaluu-Keauhou/Kahalu'u area on Alii Drive near the reef break cluster.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Numerous hotels, condos, and vacation rentals are located within walking distance along Ali'i Drive.
- Food & Drink
- Several cafes and restaurants are located within a short walk or drive.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surfboard rentals are available at several shops in Kailua-Kona.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A coastal area with surf-focused popularity and nearby Hawaiian heritage sites and family-friendly snorkeling experiences.
A popular white sand beach known for disappearing during high surf events.
Protected snorkeling spot with a walled beach/reef area.
Former vacation home of Hawaiian royalty, now a museum.
Nighttime boat tours to view manta rays feeding near the shore.
A long stretch of waterfront restaurants and cafes offering local Hawaiian cuisine.
Casual bar and restaurant with ocean views.
Protected reef with a high concentration of sea turtles and tropical fish.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Magics (Kahaluu-Keauhou)?
The best overall months at Magics (Kahaluu-Keauhou) are January, February, March, November, December. The best wind months are November, December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Magics (Kahaluu-Keauhou)?
Magics (Kahaluu-Keauhou) works with E, NE winds. Offshore directions are E, NE.
What skill level is Magics (Kahaluu-Keauhou) suitable for?
Magics (Kahaluu-Keauhou) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.