Suicides
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Swell
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Suicides is a challenging, exposed right-hand reef break in the Diamond Head/Makalei area of East Honolulu. The waves are known for speed and power, peeling fast over shallow reef, which makes timing (and local knowledge of the entry) a major part of success. The main hazards are the rocks and the shallow reef itself, with sea urchins (“wana”) noted for the in-and-out process. Strong currents are also possible, especially during larger south swells. Crowds can build, so navigating the lineup safely and following surfing etiquette matters. Wind-wise, Suicides sits under the Northeast trade-wind pattern. Typical sessions align with offshore winds in Northeast conditions, which can help groom the surf. For surf performance, the best swell match is south to southwest, with a working swell window described around roughly 1.0–2.5 meters, and an incoming mid-tide recommended to keep water over the reef. Seasonally, the most consistent south-swell period is described as summer (May through September). For overall surf consistency, the spot guide notes the break can work at any time of year, with March highlighted as the best month in that guide.
- Fast, powerful right-hand reef waves
- Offshore Northeast trades
- Shallow reef + sea urchins are key safety considerations
- Powerful, high-performance right-hand reef break when conditions line up.
- Northeast trade winds tend to be offshore, supporting cleaner surf.
- Summer south swells can make the spot consistently good.
- Exposed and high-energy reef environment with shallow, sharp hazards.
- Difficult entry/exit: slippery cliff trail plus sea-urchin risk.
- Can get quite busy in the water.
- Not ideal for rescue reliance at the spot level.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE
- Offshore directions
- NE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Northeast trade winds.
- Reliability
- high
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September
- Shadow Zones
- Cliffs at Diamond Head can provide some shelter from very strong winds close to the shore.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Rocks
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium
- Launch
- Small — Rocky shoreline with steep trail access from the cliffs above.
- Launch Difficulty
- Expert only — Rocky, steep-trail access with hazardous entry over reef.
Through the year
Consistently crowded, especially on weekends and during good south swells.
Winter months (November to March) see more frequent rain and occasional Kona storms
By sport
What to expect for each.
Windward/water area is iconic for windsurfing, but the specific peak known as Suicides is primarily a surfing break; windsurfers typically launch further downwind at the main Diamond Head area.
High-performance right-hand reef break on Oahu’s south shore (Makalei/Diamond Head area). Known for speed and power, breaking over a shallow and sharp reef.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- S, SW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Incoming mid-tide keeps some water over the reef.
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Offshore in Northeast trade winds.
- Bigger Swell
- Can handle significant size but becomes very heavy and challenging
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Powerful
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Fast
- Ride Length
- Medium — Fast, sectiony rights that can offer long rides on the right swell.
- Ride Length Details
- Fast, sectiony rights that can offer long rides on the right swell
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Suicides in the full forecast view.
Suicides wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 5–13 ktsGusts 25 kts
- Direction
- NE52°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 2813 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.4–2.2 m9s period
- Temperature
- 23–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, Suicides is forecast for daytime winds of 5–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 25 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.
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
- Shallow reef
- Sharp coral
- Sea urchins
- Crowds
- Strong currents
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Spot-level sources list rescue availability as no.
- Emergency Info
- Dial 911 for emergencies.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the local lineup.
- Watch out for the 'wana' (sea urchins) when getting in and out of the water.
- The walk down the cliff trail can be slippery.
- Best surfed on an incoming mid-tide to keep some water over the reef.
- Rocks are the main cited hazard; conditions can get quite busy in the water.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Honolulu
- Nearest Town
- East Honolulu
- Nearest Airport
- Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
- Parking
- Limited parking available in the paved lots at the Diamond Head lookouts
- Public Transport
- Limited public bus access in practice; TheBus serves the area though carrying large gear is restricted.
- Access
- Accessible via Diamond Head Road; a steep trail leads from the lookout area down to the beach
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Luxury vacation rentals in Hawaii Kai and Kalama Valley, with many hotels and resorts in nearby Waikiki.
- Food & Drink
- Various options available in the nearby Kaimuki and Monsarrat Avenue areas
- Equipment Rental:
- Full range of kite, wing, and windsurf rentals available from shops in Kailua and Honolulu that serve the windward side.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
East Honolulu offers a rugged, scenic alternative to busier Waikiki beaches, with iconic windward views, marine and hiking attractions, and dining nearby in Hawaii Kai/Waikiki.
World-famous surf beach and coastal views.
A paved hiking trail offering panoramic views of the windward coast and seasonal whale watching.
A world-famous volcanic crater and marine life conservation district significant to Hawaiian history.
Historic Lein Street and Chinatown.
Marine mammal park and bird sanctuary offering interactive programs and educational exhibits.
Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay.
Visiting Bishop Museum in Honolulu.
Popular waterfront brewery and restaurant serving local craft beers and pizzas.
Local seafood and casual dining.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve (family-friendly marine/lifestyle activities).
A scenic park for watching expert bodyboarders and flying kites; water is for experts only.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Suicides?
The best overall months at Suicides are May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Suicides?
Suicides works with NE winds. Offshore directions are NE.
What skill level is Suicides suitable for?
Suicides suits these riding levels: Windsurfing: Advanced · Surfing: Advanced.