Seventh Hole

Surfing
Shortboard, Bodyboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Ocean, Swell
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Seventh Hole (also known as Kahuku) is an isolated, exposed reef break on Oʻahu’s North Shore near the Turtle Bay Resort, just off the 7th hole of the Kahuku Golf Course. The spot produces waves with big lefts and short rights, with peeling right-hand waves highlighted as the most typical character. Surf is primarily a winter game: it’s most consistent from late autumn through winter, with trade-wind conditions setting up the broader environment and winter swells bringing the reef to life. Conditions are best at high tide, which helps riders avoid the shallowest parts of the reef and reduces the risk of getting worked over by the bottom. For safety, the reef environment is the main concern. Sharp reef and submerged rocks, sea urchins, and the possibility of sharks are all cited hazards, and strong rip currents can develop during large winter swells. The spot is also described as having no lifeguards, so approach it with appropriate caution and self-rescue capability. In terms of crowding, it’s described as rarely crowded compared with the more famous North Shore lineups—though it can get busier on weekends and during peak winter swells. Visitors should plan gear and surf timing around tidal conditions and the seasonal swell window to get the most usable, controllable wave face.

  • Rarely crowded exposed reef break near the Turtle Bay Resort
  • Best surf at high tide
  • Winter swell season provides the most consistent waves
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing bodyboard
What's great
  • Exposed reef break with peeling waves, most consistent on the right-hand side
  • Rarely crowded
  • Most consistent during winter swell season
Heads up
  • Exposed reef can be hazardous with sharp reef, sea urchins, and submerged rocks
  • Strong currents can occur during large winter swells
  • No lifeguards at the spot
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
S, SW, SE
Wind Range
15–25 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Dominant trade-wind pattern in the region.
Reliability
High during trade wind cycles
Gust Factor
Light gusts
Best Months
November, December, January, February

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean, Swell
Beach
Sand
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Big — Described as a big exposed reef break in winter contexts.
Launch
Small — Sandy beach entry with a walk out across the reef or a paddle from the channel.
Launch Difficulty
Easy

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
Wetsuit Guide
Nov–Apr: 2mm shorty or 3/2mm full suitMay–Sep: Rash guard or 1mm top
Crowds by Season

Generally uncrowded compared to major North Shore spots; busier on weekends and during peak winter swells.

Storm/Rain Season

November to March

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed reef break with big lefts and short rights; peeling right-hand waves are the most consistent.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
N, NW, WNW
Swell Height
1–3 m
Optimal Tide
High
Shelter
Exposed
Wind Effect
Offshore with Southerly winds; Northerly trade winds can make it bumpy and side-onshore.
Bigger Swell
Can hold size up to double overhead but starts to wash out or become unruly on massive swells.
Wave Quality
Good
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium
Typical Ride Length
50–150 m
Ride Length Details
Provides a functional wall for several maneuvers before deepening or closing out on the reef.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Seventh Hole in the full forecast view.

Seventh Hole wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
6–16 ktsGusts 30 kts
Direction
ENE70°
Strongest day
Thu, Oct 2916 kts
Windy days
3/712 kts or more
Waves
1.3–2.4 m9s period
Temperature
23–27 °C

Over the next 7 days, Seventh Hole is forecast for daytime winds of 6–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Thursday, October 29 with gusts to 30 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 1.3–2.4 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

  • rocks
  • sharks
  • sea urchins
  • sharp reef
  • strong currents
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashWetsuit

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue coverage exists in the wider area; this specific spot is noted as having no lifeguards.
Emergency Info
Dial 911 for all emergencies.
Localism / Vibe
Mild

Rules of the spot

Shortboard surfing only

Restrictions
  • Shortboard surfing only
Local Tips
  • Best surfed at mid to high tide to avoid the shallowest parts of the reef.
  • Park at the designated public beach access areas near the resort.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Honolulu
Nearest Town
Kahuku
Nearest Airport
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
Parking
Public parking stalls are available near the resort beach access points.
Public Transport
TheBus provides extensive island-wide coverage, though carrying bulky sports equipment is generally restricted.
Access
Located just around the bend from the North Shore at the start of the Windward Side, off the 7th hole of the Kahuku Golf Course. Public access is available through the Turtle Bay Resort grounds, following signs for beach access.
Cost Level
Expensive
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Parking
Restaurant
Bar
Accommodation
Nearby town — The spot is located directly in front of the Turtle Bay Resort.
Food & Drink
Multiple restaurants and bars are located within the adjacent resort property.
Equipment Rental:
Surfboard rentals are often available at the resort beach hut (spot-level note).
Gear Storage
Limited public storage; most facilities are private or managed by local schools for their students (regional).
Gear Repair
Local shops in the Haleiwa area offer professional sail, kite, and board repair services (regional).
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 Seventh Hole?

The best overall months at Seventh Hole are January, February, November, December. The best wind months are November, December, January, February.

Which wind directions work at Seventh Hole?

Seventh Hole works with S, SW, SE winds.

What skill level is Seventh Hole suitable for?

Seventh Hole suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.