T Bones (Molokai)
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Swell
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
T Bones is an exposed reef break on Molokai known for reasonably consistent surf, with much of the action associated with winter groundswells. It is described as primarily a right-hand reef break, with an optimum swell angle from the east, while other descriptions note both left and right waves depending on swell angle. Conditions are most favorable when south-southwest/south winds are offshore, helping groom the swell into cleaner faces. Wind reliability is described as low, and nearby cliffs can create wind-shadow effects. The spot is not suitable for casual entry: the reef can be shallow and the shoreline rocky, with strong currents possible from the adjacent Ka'iwi Channel (Channel of Bones). Hazards include rocks and sharks, and the environment is described as extremely exposed and isolated. Access and safety logistics are a major factor. The spot is within a restricted national historical park area with strict permit/regulation requirements, and rescue availability is reported as no/very limited, with emergency medical support not guaranteed for visitors. Plan for self-sufficiency and confirm entry permissions well ahead of time.
- Exposed reef break with reasonably consistent surf
- Offshore south winds can improve wave face quality
- Winter season best for consistent swell
- Generally consistent surf, especially in winter.
- Offshore south winds can groom the swell into clean faces.
- Crystal-clear water is reported.
- Exposed reef break with significant hazards (rocks and sharks).
- Strong currents can occur from the adjacent Ka'iwi Channel.
- Access is highly restricted/permit-regulated, with extremely limited emergency support.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S
- Offshore directions
- S
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade winds mentioned; southerly winds offshore can groom the reef.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- October, November, December, January, February, March
- Shadow Zones
- High cliffs to the south can create wind shadows
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Reef — Reef/rocky shoreline with sharp volcanic rock and shallow reef sections
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium — Also described as flat overall in one guide; other descriptions report medium surf.
- Launch
- Small — Rocky shoreline with limited entry points
- Launch Difficulty
- Expert only
Through the year
Rarely crowded due to extreme access restrictions (even though it can be sometimes crowded).
December to February typically sees more rain
By sport
What to expect for each.
An exposed reef break with reasonably consistent surf (winter groundswells). Works as a right-hand reef break with optimum swell angle from the east; also described as offering left and right waves depending on swell angle.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- N, NW
- Swell Height
- 1.5–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open/exposed reef setting with limited protection.
- Wind Effect
- South winds are offshore, grooming the swell into clean faces.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become very heavy and dangerous with significant North swells.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Heavy and exposed reef break; can get very dangerous with significant swell.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Fast
- Ride Length
- Medium — Waves can offer solid walls and occasional barrel sections depending on swell angle.
- Ride Length Details
- Solid walls and occasional barrel sections depending on swell angle.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for T Bones (Molokai) in the full forecast view.
T Bones (Molokai) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 6–10 ktsGusts 22 kts
- Direction
- ENE74°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2410 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.5–2.1 m9s period
- Temperature
- 23–26 °C
Over the next 7 days, T Bones (Molokai) is forecast for daytime winds of 6–10 kts, peaking around 10 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 22 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 1.5–2.1 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
- strong currents
- extreme isolation
- shallow reef
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No
- Emergency Info
- Extremely limited; emergency medical facilities are for residents only in the Kalaupapa area and air rescue may be required.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Very rarely surfed by anyone other than residents or those with specific permission.
Rules of the spot
Beware of rocks and sharks; spot is exposed and can have strong currents from the adjacent Ka'iwi Channel.
- Located within a restricted national historical park area; strict entry permits and regulations apply.
- Access is highly restricted (often permit/regulated access and/or boat).
- Spot is exposed and can have strong currents from the adjacent Ka'iwi Channel (Channel of Bones).
- Beware of rocks and sharks.
- Access is restricted; only permitted visitors should enter the surrounding protected area.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Kaunakakai
- Nearest Town
- Kalaupapa
- Nearest Airport
- Molokaʻi Airport (MKK)
- Parking
- Limited/no public parking; parking area near east-end beaches is noted, with T Bones accessed via a short stroll from parking near Hale Olono Harbor. Restricted access may apply to the Kalaupapa area.
- Public Transport
- There is no public transportation serving this area; a rental car or private shuttle is required to reach the eastern end of the island.
- Access
- Take Kamehameha V Highway (450) east from Kaunakakai to approximately mile 15; T Bones is on Molokai's southwest corner near Hale Olono Harbor, requiring a short stroll from parking. Alternatively, access to the protected area is highly regulated and may require a permit and/or boat.
- Cost Level
- Expensive
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Accommodation options are extremely limited near the coast; most visitors stay in Kaunakakai or on the west side of the island.
- Equipment Rental:
- No equipment rental shops on this coast; gear must be brought or rented from shops in Kaunakakai or larger islands.
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 T Bones (Molokai)?
The best overall months at T Bones (Molokai) are November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are October, November, December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at T Bones (Molokai)?
T Bones (Molokai) works with S winds. Offshore directions are S.
What skill level is T Bones (Molokai) suitable for?
T Bones (Molokai) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced.