Rock Point (Molokai)

Surfing
Advanced riders
Best for
Advanced
Skill Level
Medium waves, Swell, Mixed
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Rock Point is a right-hand reef-and-point surfing break on Molokai, known for powerful, peeling winter waves that wrap around the point. It’s described as producing long rides—sometimes up to roughly 50–150 meters—when the swell connects well, with occasional hollow wall shapes in the winter swell season. Surf quality is generally good, and the break is characterized as exposed to conditions typical of a reef/point setup. Wind conditions are dominated by trade winds, with typical speeds in the range of about 10–20 knots. When winds blow offshore from the East to Southeast, the face can be groomed; otherwise, trade winds may add surface chop. Wind reliability is described as medium, and the point may provide some protection depending on the precise wind angle. Safety is a major consideration at this break. Hazards include rocks, sharp lava reef/coral, and sea urchins, and strong currents (including rip currents) are possible, particularly during large winter swells. Sharks are also listed as a hazard. Reef shallowness at low tide increases risk, and mid-tide is generally described as safer for the exit. Localism is noted as moderate, with an emphasis on respectful behavior and waiting your turn in the lineup. Amenities are limited at the spot itself—there is parking nearby (via Kepuhi Beach lots), but no on-site equipment rental and limited food options in nearby towns. For emergencies, local guidance points to calling 911 and reaching facilities in Maunaloa or Kaunakakai.

  • Powerful, peeling right-hand reef break
  • Winter is the primary season for better surf
  • Offshore trade winds from East/Southeast can groom the face
Great for
Advanced riders
What's great
  • Right-hand reef/point break with long, peeling walls in winter
  • Trade winds can groom the face when offshore (East/Southeast)
  • Generally clean water conditions noted
Heads up
  • Shallow reef with sharp lava/coral hazards and sea urchins
  • Strong currents/rip currents possible during larger winter swells
  • No lifeguards and limited rescue availability indicated
  • Limited amenities and self-sufficiency required
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
E, ESE, SE
Offshore directions
E, ESE, SE
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Trade winds.
Reliability
Medium
Gust Factor
Light gusts — Light gusts indicated.
Best Months
October, November, December, January, February, March
Shadow Zones
The point can offer some protection depending on the exact wind angle.

Water & beach

Water Type
Medium waves, Swell, Mixed
Beach
Mixed — Mixed composition.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Medium — Medium waves overall; winter swells can produce significant surf.
Launch
Small — Rocky shoreline with some sandy patches nearby for entry.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate — Launch difficulty is described as moderate.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
23–27 °C
Water Temperature
22–31 °C
Air Temperature
Crowds by Season

Can be crowded when the swell is good, primarily with local residents.

Storm/Rain Season

Rainy season typically runs from November to March.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

A quality right-hand reef break that wraps around the point, with long, occasionally hollow walls during the winter swell season.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
W, NW
Swell Height
1–3 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Mid-tide is generally safer for exit.
Shelter
Exposed — Exposed reef-and-point setup with limited wind shelter; conditions can become more challenging with shifting peaks and currents.
Wind Effect
Offshore winds from the East/Southeast groom the face; trade winds can create surface chop.
Bigger Swell
Holds significant size but becomes increasingly challenging with heavy currents and shifting peaks.
Wave Quality
Good — Winter surf is generally described as consistent; clean surf is often best around November.
Wave Power
Powerful — Powerful waves, especially during winter swell.
Wave Shape
Peeling — Peeling right-hand reef break that wraps around the point.
Peel Speed
Medium — Peeling walls.
Ride Length
Medium — Rides can range from about 50 to 150 meters depending on swell connection.
Ride Length Details
Waves can offer rides from approximately 50 to 150 meters depending on swell connection.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Rock Point (Molokai) in the full forecast view.

Rock Point (Molokai) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
5–13 ktsGusts 23 kts
Direction
NE55°
Strongest day
Wed, Oct 2813 kts
Windy days
2/712 kts or more
Waves
1.4–2.2 m9s period
Temperature
24–27 °C

Over the next 7 days, Rock Point (Molokai) is forecast for daytime winds of 5–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 23 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 1.4–2.2 m with a period of about 9s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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

  • Sharp lava rocks
  • Sharp coral and lava reef
  • Sea urchins
  • Rocks
  • Strong rip currents possible during large winter swells
  • Sharks
  • Shallow reef sections
  • Local hazards at the reef/point area are sensitive to conditions and tide.
Ability Level: Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashBoots

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No lifeguards on site are noted.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — No spot-level rescue service is indicated for the break.
Emergency Info
Nearest facilities are in Maunaloa or Kaunakakai; call 911 for emergencies.
Localism / Vibe
Moderate — Local residents are active and lineup respect is emphasized.

Rules of the spot

Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect for local residents is paramount on Molokai.

Local Tips
  • The reef is very shallow at low tide; mid-tide is generally safer for the exit.
  • Localism is a factor—be respectful and wait your turn in the lineup.
  • Self-sufficiency is important due to limited on-spot services.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Honolulu
Nearest Town
Maunaloa
Parking
Parking is available at nearby Kepuhi Beach parking lots.
Access
Accessible via a short hike from the Kepuhi Beach area.
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Accommodation
Nearby town — Vacation rentals and condos are available in the Kaluakoi Resort area.
Food & Drink
Limited options in Maunaloa; visitors should bring their own water and food.
Equipment Rental:
No rentals available at the spot.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Rock Point (Molokai)?

The best overall months at Rock Point (Molokai) are November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are October, November, December, January, February, March.

Which wind directions work at Rock Point (Molokai)?

Rock Point (Molokai) works with E, ESE, SE winds. Offshore directions are E, ESE, SE.

What skill level is Rock Point (Molokai) suitable for?

Rock Point (Molokai) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced.