Moomomi Bay (Molokai)
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Moomomi Bay is a rugged, remote reef break on Molokai’s northwestern coast, set in a conservation preserve. The spot is described as very exposed to open ocean and best known for winter swells that can produce powerful surf, with conditions most favorable when wind switches to rare south/southwest directions. Surf conditions are aimed at experienced riders: the break is advanced-level due to sharp reef, rocks, and the combination of strong currents with occasional large, heavy swell. Reliability is described as reasonably consistent but also inconsistent—meaning that even in the best season, rideability depends on the exact match of swell, tide, and wind. Safety expectations are high. Hazards commonly cited include rocks, sharks, and strong currents, plus the remoteness of the area. There are no lifeguards or dedicated rescue resources at the site, and cell service is very limited; the nearest medical facilities are in Kaunakakai. Visitors are also advised to avoid surfing alone. Access and site rules matter: you should expect conservation-area restrictions, designated paths, and limited on-site amenities. Conservancy hiking tours may be available (call 808-553-5236 for tour information), and access generally requires a private vehicle, often 4WD—especially after rain. Because there are no on-site facilities, bringing all water and supplies is strongly recommended.
- Rarely crowded
- Exposed reef break with winter swell potential
- Needs rare south wind for clean rideable conditions
- Conservation preserve with designated paths
- Rarely crowded due to difficult, remote access and preserve restrictions.
- Best in winter with periodic powerful swells.
- Clean, protected natural setting within a conservation area.
- Advanced, remote reef break with sharp reef and rocks.
- Strong currents and powerful rips are possible on larger swells.
- Very limited cell service and no lifeguards.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, SW
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Prevailing northeast trade winds; south-to-southwest winds are typically needed for rideable surf wind at this exposed reef.
- Reliability
- High in typical trade pattern; surf wind cleanliness is dependent on rare south/southwest conditions.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- January, November, December, February
- Thermal Window
- Other · Midday · Dir: N, NE, E, ENE · Trades are often reinforced through late morning into afternoon (regional pattern).
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Big — Surf can range from small to very powerful in winter; large swells are described as extremely dangerous and heavy.
- Launch
- Small — Sandy entry protected slightly by a rocky point, but very exposed to open ocean.
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult
Through the year
Rarely crowded due to remoteness and difficult conditions.
Rainy season typically runs from November to March.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Remote, exposed reef break with generally advanced requirements. Surf is described as exposed and challenging; reliability is reasonably consistent but also noted as inconsistent depending on conditions.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- N, NW
- Swell Height
- 1.5–4 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Best ride conditions reported around mid tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Very exposed to open ocean at the reef.
- Wind Effect
- Prevailing northeast trade winds blow onshore, and rides are typically clean only with rare south wind.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds significant size but becomes extremely dangerous and heavy on larger swell.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Wave quality described as average; can improve when wind switches to south.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Winter swell can be powerful; can be extremely dangerous and heavy on large swells.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Exposed reef break; shape varies and reliability is described as inconsistent.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Moomomi Bay (Molokai) in the full forecast view.
Moomomi Bay (Molokai) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 7–16 ktsGusts 24 kts
- Direction
- ENE57°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 2816 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.1–2.0 m9s period
- Temperature
- 23–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, Moomomi Bay (Molokai) is forecast for daytime winds of 7–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 24 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 1.1–2.0 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
- Sharp reef
- Sharks
- Strong currents
- Remoteness
- Limited cell service
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Remote wilderness with no lifeguards or local rescue bases; emergency response is via county services.
- Emergency Info
- Very limited cell service; nearest medical facilities are in Kaunakakai (Molokai General Hospital). Call 911 for emergencies.
Rules of the spot
Stay on designated paths due to conservation-area protection of coastal dunes; respect the sensitive ecological and cultural setting.
- Conservation area preserve—hiking tours available (call 808-553-5236 for tour information).
- No commercial activity.
- 4WD vehicle usually required for access.
- Rarely crowded due to remote access and sensitive site conditions.
- Bring all water and supplies—there is nothing nearby.
- Avoid surfing alone due to the known presence of large sharks.
- Call ahead for conservancy hiking tour information when needed.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Kaunakakai
- Nearest Town
- Ho'olehua
- Nearest Airport
- Molokai Airport (MKK)
- Parking
- Limited unpaved parking at the preserve entrance; parking near the beach is also noted.
- Public Transport
- No public transit to the western Molokai coast; access typically requires private transport (4WD strongly recommended).
- Access
- Remote access on Molokai's northwestern coast; conservancy hiking tours may be available. A rugged, unpaved road often requires 4WD, especially after rain.
- Cost Level
- Expensive
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Limited vacation rentals in the Ho'olehua area or hotels in Kaunakakai.
- Food & Drink
- No facilities on site; supplies must be brought from Ho'olehua or Kaunakakai.
- Equipment Rental:
- No specialized wind-sports rental shops; visitors must bring their own gear.
- Gear Storage
- Gear storage is not available; riders manage their own setup.
- Gear Repair
- No on-island repair; major repairs typically require shipping gear to other islands.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Low-key, rural preserve setting with limited amenities and a strong emphasis on protecting dunes and coastal habitat.
A protected nature-preserve area safeguarding rare native Hawaiian coastal plants and dunes.
A historic area significant to the Native Hawaiian community and local agriculture.
Rugged coastal hiking with views of some of the highest sea cliffs in the world.
Oceanfront dining in Kaunakakai serving local Hawaiian favorites.
A local farm offering tours and tastings of Molokai-grown macadamia nuts.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Moomomi Bay (Molokai)?
The best overall months at Moomomi Bay (Molokai) are January, November, December, February.
Which wind directions work at Moomomi Bay (Molokai)?
Moomomi Bay (Molokai) works with S, SW winds.
What skill level is Moomomi Bay (Molokai) suitable for?
Moomomi Bay (Molokai) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced.