P C Cs
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Medium waves
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
P C Cs is a reef break on the windward side of Oʻahu near Laie, directly across from the Polynesian Cultural Center. The break has fairly consistent surf and typically offers both left and right waves, with conditions often described as more forgiving than the more exposed and powerful classic North Shore peaks. Surfing works best when the swell lines up from the north-east through east (with sources also mentioning north). Optimal swell height is reported around 1.0 to 2.5 meters, and a mid-tide is generally recommended to reduce the chance of contacting shallow reef. When the swell energy is too strong from the north, the waves can deteriorate quickly—closing out or turning very messy. Because the area is reefy, the main safety concern is shallow reef and rocks, especially if timing or spacing is off at the takeoff/landing zones. Strong currents are also noted as a risk, and the break is exposed, so wind conditions can strongly affect wave cleanliness. Trade winds dominate; winds that shift toward the south or south-west are needed for cleaner, more offshore behavior. Crowding is a recurring factor, with reports of “sometimes crowded” conditions and regular presence of local students during the academic year. There are no dedicated water-sports rescue boats reported on standby, and lifeguards are not specifically indicated at this spot—so surfers should plan for self-managed safety and follow local etiquette given the active community presence.
- Both left and right waves on a reef break
- Mid-tide recommended to avoid shallow reef
- Reef/rocks + current risk; exposed to trade-wind changes
- Consistent reef break with both left and right waves.
- Generally more manageable than the biggest North Shore breaks.
- Trades provide reliable wind for wind-driven conditions, with afternoon thermal reinforcement possible.
- Reef and rocks create a higher risk if you misjudge depth or tide.
- Can get messy or close out with excessive north swell energy.
- Often crowded with local students during the academic year.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, E, SE
- Offshore directions
- SE, SSE, SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — North East Trade Winds (northeasterly trade winds / gradient trades).
- Reliability
- high
- Gust Factor
- Steady
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, May, October, November, December
- Shadow Zones
- Minimal due to the exposed coastline
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Medium waves
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium
- Launch
- Small — Sandy beach entry directly across from the cultural center.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Sandy beach entry with straightforward access points.
Through the year
Regularly crowded with local students during the academic year
Rainy season typically runs from November to March
By sport
What to expect for each.
A consistent reef break offering both left and right waves. Generally more forgiving than heavier North Shore breaks, but can become very messy or close out with excessive north swell energy.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- NE, E, N
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid-tide helps reduce the chance of hitting shallow reef.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed coastline; fewer natural wind/swell protections than enclosed breaks.
- Wind Effect
- Highly sensitive to trade winds; south or south-west winds are needed for clean, offshore conditions.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out or become very messy with excessive north swell energy.
- Wave Quality
- Average
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium
- Ride Length Details
- Can connect across the reef on larger swells; provides decent rides when waves hold.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for P C Cs in the full forecast view.
P C Cs wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–12 ktsGusts 29 kts
- Direction
- ENE66°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 2812 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.3–2.0 m9s period
- Temperature
- 23–28 °C
Over the next 7 days, P C Cs is forecast for daytime winds of 4–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 29 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 1.3–2.0 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
- Shallow reef
- Strong currents
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No dedicated water-sports rescue boats reported on standby; lifeguards patrol specific beach parks during daylight hours, with local rescue coverage associated with Honolulu-area services.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest emergency number: 911. Nearest medical facility reported: Kahuku Medical Center (Kahuku).
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — High volume of local riders from the community and nearby university.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the high volume of local riders from the nearby university and community.
- Often used as a backup spot when North Shore is too large.
- Best to surf on mid-tide to avoid hitting the reef.
- Conditions can be sensitive to the trades; winds that shift toward south or south-west are needed for cleaner, more offshore conditions.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Honolulu
- Nearest Town
- Laie
- Nearest Airport
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
- Parking
- Limited roadside parking or nearby public parking areas
- Public Transport
- Served by TheBus with routes along Kamehameha Highway (e.g., Route 60). Also reported as limited bus access to coastal areas.
- Access
- Accessible via Kamehameha Highway, with entry points near the Polynesian Cultural Center.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various vacation rentals and local inns in Laie.
- Food & Drink
- Numerous restaurants and food trucks at the Polynesian Cultural Center and Hukilau Marketplace.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at P C Cs?
The best overall months at P C Cs are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, May, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at P C Cs?
P C Cs works with NE, E, SE winds. Offshore directions are SE, SSE, SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW.
What skill level is P C Cs suitable for?
P C Cs suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.