Point Panic

Point Panic is a famous right-hand reef break located at the mouth of the channel entrance to Kewalo Basin on Oahu’s South Shore, inside/adjacent to Kaka’ako Waterfront Park. It’s widely regarded as one of the premier bodysurfing destinations, with fast, hollow, powerful waves that peel along the edge of the channel. The break is notably exposed, so conditions can turn serious when swell and currents build. Legally, the lineup is reserved exclusively for bodysurfers. Surfboards, bodyboards, and stand-up paddleboards are not permitted, and the spot is regulated as a bodysurfing-only zone. As a result, it is not a general board-surfing spot; activity is limited to the permitted form of bodysurfing (handboards are generally accepted where noted). This also contributes to a very strong local culture around the break. Surf performance is closely tied to south swells and trade-wind patterns. Sources describe the best window in summer, with southern swell working most consistently and northeast trade winds often grooming the wave faces offshore. Optimal reported swell direction is from the south (including SW and SE), with a working swell-height window of about 1.0 to 2.5 meters. Safety demands special attention: the reef is shallow with sharp coral and sea urchins, and pollution/runoff after heavy rain can affect water quality. Current can pull people toward the harbor channel near the entrance—particularly on bigger swells—so entry/exit technique matters (stairs are recommended to avoid slipping). Rescue is reported as limited for the spot itself, even though broader coastal emergency coverage exists.