Seventh Hole
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- Exposed reef break with peeling waves, most consistent on the right-hand side
- Rarely crowded
- Most consistent during winter swell season
- 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
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
Generally uncrowded compared to major North Shore spots; busier on weekends and during peak winter swells.
November to March
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed reef break with big lefts and short rights; peeling right-hand waves are the most consistent.
- 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.
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.
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
- sharks
- sea urchins
- sharp reef
- strong currents
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
- Shortboard surfing only
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
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.