Palemano Point
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Palemano Point is an exposed reef break known for providing reliable surf throughout the year, with the best overall window reported in summer (especially around July). The wave quality is described as clean and dependable when the right swell and winds line up, though reef conditions mean the margin for error is small. Because it’s a true reef point, hazards are a major part of the spot’s character. Sources highlight rocks/sharp reef and sea urchins (wana), so surf sessions require careful entry/exit and a strong awareness of what’s beneath the surface—particularly in shallow sections. Currents can also be moderate to strong along the point, which can make the lineup more challenging when swell builds. Wind at this coastline is primarily driven by diurnal sea-breeze/thermal effects layered on top of trade-wind influence. Reports describe light offshore potential at times with northeast to east winds, but wind reliability for wind sports is generally low; for surfing, wind mainly affects wave cleanliness rather than being the main driver of wave energy. The spot is also described as can get quite busy in the water when conditions are favorable. Access is another practical consideration: the spot is typically best reached by boat from nearby harbors, while land access is difficult due to rough lava terrain and possible private-property constraints. Lifeguards are not reported, and rescue is limited—so you should plan conservatively and stay within advanced comfort levels for reef hazards and changing currents.
- Reliable year-round reef surfing with best odds in summer
- Exposed point reef with multiple swell sources
- High-visibility water in the Kealakekua Bay protection context
- Reliable, consistent surfing year-round with best conditions in summer.
- Clear water with high visibility in the Kealakekua Bay protected-water context.
- Works on multiple swell directions (including winter NW and summer S swells).
- Exposed reef break with significant hazards (rocks and sea urchins).
- Access is difficult and often requires boat travel; limited parking if approaching on foot.
- Currents can be moderate to strong, especially when bigger or mixed conditions arrive.
- Can get quite busy in the water when surf is working.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, E
- Offshore directions
- N, NNE, NE, E, ENE
- Wind Range
- 5–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Diurnal sea-breeze/thermal breeze influence along the Kona coast.
- Reliability
- low for wind sports; fairly consistent trade influence overall
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Light gusting reported for the area.
- Best Months
- June, July, August
- Shadow Zones
- Sheltered at times by Big Island terrain to the east
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Rocks — Reef/rocky coastline.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium — Medium surf is reported, with optimal swell height described as roughly 1.0–3.0 meters.
- Launch
- Small — Limited and rocky; most surfers arrive by boat.
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult — Limited, rocky launch conditions; most access is by boat.
Through the year
Can get quite busy when swells are working (not season-locked).
November–March (Kona-storm rainy season).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed reef break with reliable surf year-round. Picks up both winter North/West swells and summer South swells; works at any time of year, with the best conditions reported in summer.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, WNW, S
- Swell Height
- 1–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid tide is preferred per one source.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open, exposed reef point—minimal natural shelter from swell or weather.
- Wind Effect
- Best with light northeast offshore winds; wind/swell combination strongly affects cleanliness on an exposed reef.
- Bigger Swell
- Can handle significant size but becomes challenging with heavy currents; reef hazards remain a key factor as size increases.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Sources describe clean, reliable reef waves in the best summer window; cleanup depends on wind and swell.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Decent sections depending on swell direction.
- Ride Length Details
- Typical rides provide medium-length sections; exact length varies by swell direction and current.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Palemano Point in the full forecast view.
Palemano Point wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–7 ktsGusts 12 kts
- Direction
- SW228°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 287 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–1.5 m11s period
- Temperature
- 24–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, Palemano Point is forecast for daytime winds of 2–7 kts, peaking around 7 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 12 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.7–1.5 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
- Lava rocks
- Strong currents possible along the point
- Sharp reef
- Sharks
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported at the spot.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated on-site wind-sport rescue services in the immediate area; regional responders patrol the wider Kealakekua Bay area and emergency medical care is available via Kona area services.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facility: Kona Community Hospital. Emergency number: 911 (US standard).
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Local presence is consistent; can get quite busy in the water when surf is working.
Rules of the spot
Standard Hawaiian surf etiquette applies.
- Access via land may be restricted by private property.
- Marine life conservation district nearby.
- Watch for 'wana' (sea urchins) in the shallow reef sections.
- Best reached by boat from nearby harbors; be respectful of local surfers.
- Assume conditions can change quickly due to reef exposure and potential currents.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Nāpōʻoʻo
- Nearest Town
- Nāpō‘opo‘o
- Parking
- very limited parking near Manini Beach Park if attempting to walk
- Access
- primarily boat access; land access is difficult and may involve rough lava or private property
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Vacation rentals are available in the Captain Cook and Nāpō‘opo‘o area.
- Food & Drink
- Limited options in Nāpō‘opo‘o town; more services available in Captain Cook.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental available in Kailua-Kona; dedicated kite/windsurf gear is not confirmed on-site for the spot itself.
- Gear Repair
- Basic surfboard and composite repairs available in Kailua-Kona via local surf shops.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Nāpō‘opo‘o Coast centers on Kealakekua Bay’s marine protections and Hawaiian history; water clarity and marine life are standout features, while wind-based activities depend heavily on daily thermal timing and occasional winter storm patterns.
Kealakekua Bay is protected as a marine sanctuary with abundant fish and coral.
Ancient Hawaiian shrine and burial grounds within the Kealakekua Bay area (associated with Kapapalʻa Point of Interest).
A site of immense cultural significance containing Hikiau Heiau and related ancient Hawaiian royal connections.
A restored Place of Refuge with significant Hawaiian archaeological structures and royal grounds.
Snorkeling and kayaking in Kealakekua Bay’s protected waters.
Guided tours through coffee plantations above the bay.
Dining options primarily in Kailua-Kona.
Breakfast and lunch with coastline views.
Kealakekua Bay is known for calm waters and abundant marine life for water time.
Snorkeling and beach walking in Kealakekua Bay’s protected waters.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Palemano Point?
The best overall months at Palemano Point are July. The best wind months are June, July, August.
Which wind directions work at Palemano Point?
Palemano Point works with NE, E winds. Offshore directions are N, NNE, NE, E, ENE.
What skill level is Palemano Point suitable for?
Palemano Point suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced.