Sixtynine (Puakō)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Sixtynine (Puakō) is a fairly exposed beach break with reliable surf that works most strongly in winter swell periods. The spot is described as gentle and progression-friendly overall, with offshore east trade winds helping groom the wave faces. Surf quality is generally best when winter swells wrap sufficiently, producing rideable waves. Typical wave characteristics are described as soft and mushy, with slow peeling and medium ride length—good for longboarding and developing technique. However, on very large west swells the lineup can shift toward closeouts. Conditions are also affected by crowds and hazards. Shark hazards are specifically reported, and the spot can get quite busy during peak swell events. Submerged rocks and corals are also noted—especially near the ends of the bay—so keeping situational awareness in the water is important. Wind is generally trade-wind driven (east to east-northeast) with reported low reliability at times and light gusts. The wind is most favorable when it blows offshore (east trade flow), and sessions are typically concentrated around the winter months, especially January.
- Reliable winter surf
- Offshore east trade winds that can groom the face
- Shark hazards reported—stay alert
- Reliable winter surf on a beach break
- East trade winds tend to be offshore and groom the wave faces
- Crystal-clear water (when conditions are calm)
- Shark presence reported
- Can get quite busy in the water
- Can close out on very large west swells
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, ENE
- Offshore directions
- E, ENE
- Wind Range
- 5–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — East-to-east-northeast trade winds.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Described as light gusts at the spot.
- Best Months
- December, January, February
- Shadow Zones
- High cliffs and trees provide shelter from strong trade winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop
- Beach
- Sand — White-sand bay.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Small, typically rideable surf for progression.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Water type described as chop.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach entry with some rocky patches at the water's edge.
Through the year
Highest during winter swell events and summer weekends.
Rain is rare on this leeward side, but occasional winter storms can occur.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Fairly exposed beach break on Hawaii’s Big Island with reliable winter surf; generally a gentle wave best for progression (longboarding and intermediate development), with winter swell-driven sessions.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- N, NW, W
- Swell Height
- 0.5–1.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Mostly open exposure, but described as a semi-sheltered bay break; local terrain can moderate conditions.
- Wind Effect
- East trade winds are offshore and groom the wave faces.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out on very large west swells.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Reported as good to average depending on conditions.
- Wave Power
- Soft — Soft, manageable surf—generally gentle rather than heavy.
- Wave Shape
- Mushy — Mushy texture on the wave faces.
- Peel Speed
- Slow — Gentle, easy takeoff with slower peeling.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Waves provide a decent ride when the wrap is sufficient.
- Ride Length Details
- Ride is typically medium; a decent session when the swell wrap is sufficient.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Sixtynine (Puakō) in the full forecast view.
Sixtynine (Puakō) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–11 ktsGusts 21 kts
- Direction
- NNW348°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2511 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.6–1.4 m9s period
- Temperature
- 24–31 °C
Over the next 7 days, Sixtynine (Puakō) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 21 kts. The prevailing direction is NNW. Waves run 0.6–1.4 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
- Sharks
- Submerged rocks
- Corals
- Crowded conditions
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Rescue availability reported as no (no dedicated rescue service for this stretch).
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital is Queen's North Hawaii Community Hospital in Waimea. For emergencies, dial 911.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Reported moderate localism.
Rules of the spot
Standard Hawaiian surf etiquette applies; yield to those closer to the peak.
- Shark presence reported—stay alert in the water.
- The spot is named after utility pole number 69 near the access path.
- Arrive early as the parking lot fills up quickly on weekends.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Kailua-Kona
- Nearest Town
- Puakō
- Nearest Airport
- Kona International Airport (KOA) at Keahole (~25–40 km)
- Parking
- Paid parking for non-residents; free for Hawaii residents with ID.
- Public Transport
- extremely limited; rental car typically required
- Access
- Access via Waialea Road off Puakō Beach Drive; a short walk from the parking lot to the sand.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Nearby luxury resorts around Mauna Lani and Hapuna; private vacation rentals within Puakō.
- Food & Drink
- No facilities on beach; food available in Puakō town or nearby resorts.
- Equipment Rental:
- On-site equipment rental at Puakō launches is described as non-existent; major resort hubs may offer rentals.
- Gear Storage
- No spot-specific storage indicated; generally through private accommodation or resort hubs.
- Gear Repair
- No specialized on-site repair indicated.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Kohala Coast blends rugged volcanic landscapes with clear coastal water, nearby beaches, and cultural sites alongside a low-key local surf and wind-sports scene.
One of the largest white sand beaches on the Big Island, ideal for swimming and bodyboarding.
One of the largest and last remaining petroglyph sites in Hawaiʻi with over 3,000 ancient carvings.
A manta ray night snorkeling experience under floodlights.
A local landmark offering deli sandwiches, supplies, and a community atmosphere.
Interactive dolphin programs located within the nearby Hilton Waikoloa Village.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Sixtynine (Puakō)?
The best overall months at Sixtynine (Puakō) are January, February, March, November, December. The best wind months are December, January, February.
Which wind directions work at Sixtynine (Puakō)?
Sixtynine (Puakō) works with E, ENE winds. Offshore directions are E, ENE.
What skill level is Sixtynine (Puakō) suitable for?
Sixtynine (Puakō) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.