Shortboard, Advanced riders
Best for
Advanced
Skill Level
Ocean
Spot Type
Moderate
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Suicides 4 is an advanced reef break on the Puako Coast, where waves form over a shallow, sharp bottom with technical sections. The launch and exit involve lava rock and shallow reef flats, so conditions are hazardous if you’re not comfortable reading tide depth and navigating uneven, rocky access. Surf performance is typically best during winter months, especially January, when North Pacific swell is most consistent. Reported wave working range can reach roughly 1.0 to 2.5 meters, and the break can produce hollow, fast sections with short, punchy rides. The spot also has a notably high blowout tendency (monthly blown percentage reported at 51%), so even with swell, conditions can become inconsistent. East to Northeast winds are generally associated with cleaner, more offshore feel for surf quality, but wind reliability is described as low. Safety is a key consideration: the reef is very sharp and shallow, and low tide can be dangerously exposed. Strong currents can pull toward open ocean or move along the reef during larger swells, and sea urchins are present. Booties are strongly recommended, and surfers should strictly use public access paths and observe local priority when others are in the water.

  • Winter-favorable North Pacific swell direction
  • Advanced, technically demanding shallow reef
  • Excellent water clarity in the Puako Coast environment
Great for
Surfing shortboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Fast, powerful reef waves with technical sections for advanced surfing.
  • Warm water and generally excellent visibility in the clear-water coastal environment.
Heads up
  • Very sharp, shallow reef makes the spot unsuitable for beginners.
  • High blowout likelihood (monthly blown percentage reported at 51%).
  • Risk of strong currents and a hazardous rocky entry/exit.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
E, NE
Offshore directions
E, NE
Wind Range
5–15 kts
Wind Type
Trade — E to NE trade-wind pattern with the spot often sheltered from strong easterly trades.
Reliability
low
Gust Factor
Light gusts
Best Months
December, January, February
Shadow Zones
Often sheltered by the island’s landmass from strong easterly trades.

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean
Beach
Rocks
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Medium — Reef break; working swell reported around 1.0–2.5 meters.
Launch
Small — Entry is typically across sharp lava rock and shallow reef flats.
Launch Difficulty
Difficult

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
24–28 °C
Water Temperature
20–31 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Dec–Apr: 1/2mm top
Crowds by Season

Quieter on weekdays; can become crowded with local surfers during optimal winter swells.

Storm/Rain Season

Rainfall is generally low, with occasional winter Kona storms bringing heavy rain and wind-direction shifts.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

A performance reef break with technical sections and a shallow bottom. It can become heavy and close out or wash over the reef on massive swells.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
N, NW, W
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid
Shelter
Exposed
Wind Effect
East or Northeast winds provide cleaner offshore conditions.
Bigger Swell
Can become heavy and close out or wash over the reef on massive swells.
Wave Quality
Good
Wave Power
Powerful
Wave Shape
Hollow
Peel Speed
Fast
Ride Length
Medium — Short, punchy rides with occasional hollow sections.
Typical Ride Length
50–100 m
Ride Length Details
Provides short, punchy rides with occasional hollow sections; typical rides can be brief on this shallow reef.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Suicides 4 in the full forecast view.

Suicides 4 wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
3–11 ktsGusts 21 kts
Direction
NNW343°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2511 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.6–1.2 m9s period
Temperature
24–31 °C

Over the next 7 days, Suicides 4 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 0.6–1.2 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 coral reef
  • Shallow water depth
  • Sea urchins
  • Lava rock entry/exit
  • Strong rip currents
  • Sharp coral reef and lava rocks
Ability Level: Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
BootsLeash

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — No permanent lifeguards along the residential coast; emergency services are dispatched from nearby stations.
Emergency Info
Nearest medical facilities are located in Waimea or Kailua-Kona.
Localism / Vibe
Moderate

Rules of the spot

Respect local surfers and the priority system; strictly follow public access paths to avoid private property.

Local Tips
  • Booties are highly recommended due to the sharp reef and lava rock.
  • The spot is sensitive to tide levels; low tide can be dangerously shallow.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Kailua-Kona
Nearest Town
Puakō
Nearest Airport
Kona International Airport (KOA) ~25–30 miles away
Parking
Limited parallel parking along the residential road; ensure vehicles are completely off the pavement
Public Transport
Hele-On Bus offers limited regional connectivity; a rental car is essential for coastal access.
Access
Accessible via public shore access paths located between residential properties along Puako Beach Drive.
Cost Level
Expensive
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Accommodation
Nearby town — Extensive luxury vacation rentals and upscale resorts are in the neighboring Mauna Lani and Waikoloa areas.
Food & Drink
General store available in Puako; full restaurants in nearby Waikoloa or Mauna Lani.
Equipment Rental:
Available at nearby resorts and specialized shops in Waikoloa and Kawaihae.
Gear Storage
Gear storage is limited to private vacation rentals or resort-based services.
Gear Repair
Basic surfboard and board repair services are available in Kawaihae and Kailua-Kona.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Puako Coast offers a tranquil, resident-focused feel with clear coastal visibility and nearby cultural and family attractions in the broader area.

Best time to visit: Winter months for the best surf and wind-sport conditions, especially when conditions line up for experienced riders.
Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve1-2 miles

One of the largest and most significant rock art sites in the Hawaiian Islands.

Kalahuipua'a Fishponds2 miles

Historic Hawaiian aquaculture ponds located nearby in Mauna Lani.

Snorkeling and Diving0 miles

Exceptional reef visibility and abundant green sea turtle populations.

Pau Pizza1 mile

Local pizza spot serving the residential Puako area.

Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area3 miles

A world-renowned white sand beach suited for family swimming and bodyboarding.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Suicides 4?

The best overall months at Suicides 4 are November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are December, January, February.

Which wind directions work at Suicides 4?

Suicides 4 works with E, NE winds. Offshore directions are E, NE.

What skill level is Suicides 4 suitable for?

Suicides 4 suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced.