Upolu Point (Hikapoloa)
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Expert
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Upolu Point (Hikapoloa) is an exposed Big Island surfing point break that’s described as having pretty consistent surf, with winter conditions providing the best chances at riding waves—especially January. The spot is highly wind-sensitive. Offshore south winds are noted as best, while cleaner conditions are described as rare and tied to favorable South/Kona wind patterns. Swell angle matters: North to northwest swells are reported as working best, and the break is characterized as a powerful, peeling, left-hand point. Conditions are not forgiving. Reports describe strong localized currents and powerful rip tides, plus heavy shore break and substantial rock hazards including jagged lava and submerged boulders. Sea urchins are also specifically called out, and the area is known for tiger sharks. Access and safety are a major part of the spot’s reality. The entry is difficult over jagged lava rocks, and sources emphasize the need for a 4x4. The area’s remoteness contributes to extreme isolation, with lifeguards indicated as absent and rescue described as limited/no on-site—so surfing here should only be approached with serious preparation and never alone.
- Winter is the peak season; January is the best month
- Exposed point break with peeling, powerful waves
- Low crowd levels even when surf is up
- Expert-level challenge due to winds, currents, and hazards
- Pretty consistent surf, with winter as the best season
- Expert-quality point break with fast, sectiony peeling waves
- Low likelihood of crowds even when surf is up
- Extremely exposed and powerful conditions
- Rarely clean due to wind sensitivity
- High-risk environment with strong currents and heavy shore break
- Significant hazards including tiger sharks and sea urchins
- Difficult remote access and limited/slow emergency response
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S
- Offshore directions
- S
- Wind Range
- 15–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade-wind driven; sources also note South winds for cleaner surf, and generally strong wind.
- Reliability
- Very high reliability for strong winds
- Gust Factor
- Heavy gusts — Heavier gusting and turbulence near cliffs are noted.
- Best Months
- January
- Shadow Zones
- Significant turbulence can occur near the cliffs
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Rocks — Rocky coastline.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Big — Wave size described as big; expert-only and can become extremely dangerous with massive currents.
- Launch
- Small — Difficult entry over jagged lava rocks and boulders.
- Launch Difficulty
- Expert only — Expert-only entry due to jagged lava rocks and boulders.
Through the year
Rarely crowded due to difficulty of access and extreme conditions
November to March
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed point break with pretty consistent surf, especially in winter, but clean days are rare due to prevailing strong winds. Typically a powerful left-hand point break when swell wraps and wind is favorable.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- N, NW
- Swell Height
- 2–4 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Some sources also indicate mid tide as optimal; all-tides is reported in the baseline spot guide.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Extremely exposed point at the northern tip with strong exposure.
- Wind Effect
- Highly sensitive to wind; clean conditions require rare South/Kona winds—offshore south winds are best for wind comfort.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds significant size but becomes extremely dangerous with massive currents.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Wave quality is described as good, but cleanliness is wind-dependent.
- Wave Power
- Very powerful — A raw, powerful expert-only point break is described.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling point waves; conditions described as left-hand point break.
- Peel Speed
- Fast — Fast, sectiony walls are described.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Medium rides; can offer long rides when swell/angle/wind align.
- Typical Ride Length
- 100–200 m
- Ride Length Details
- Fast, sectiony walls; long rides are possible on the right swell angle.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Upolu Point (Hikapoloa) in the full forecast view.
Upolu Point (Hikapoloa) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 5–15 ktsGusts 21 kts
- Direction
- NE54°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 2815 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.1–1.8 m8s period
- Temperature
- 25–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, Upolu Point (Hikapoloa) is forecast for daytime winds of 5–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 21 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 1.1–1.8 m with a period of about 8s. 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 (tiger sharks noted)
- Strong localized currents
- Powerful rip tides
- Rips
- Sharp lava rocks
- Jagged volcanic rock
- Submerged boulders
- Sea urchins
- Extreme isolation
- Heavy shore break
- Rocks
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards are indicated.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Spot-level sources indicate no rescue availability on-site; regional context notes limited rescue availability via county/Coast Guard services.
- Emergency Info
- Call 911 for all emergencies. Nearest medical facility is Kohala Hospital in Kapa'au; emergency response is very slow and far from the spot.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Local/onsite sensitivity is noted; respect local rules and people.
Rules of the spot
Do not surf alone due to extreme isolation and strong currents. Follow access/safety guidance for remote conditions.
- Private
- Tiger sharks are known in this area; exercise extreme caution with time in the water.
- Currents are incredibly strong as water funnels around the northern tip.
- You need a 4x4 to get out here; the road past the airport is lava rock and dirt—do not go if conditions aren’t suitable for the drive.
- Beware of urchins, rips, rocks, and sharks; expect private/locals-only access dynamics.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Hilo
- Nearest Town
- Hawi
- Parking
- Limited informal parking at the end of dirt tracks; high-clearance 4WD vehicles are necessary.
- Access
- Access is via Upolu Airport Road; unpaved and rugged dirt tracks lead to the point.
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Very limited; some vacation rentals in Hawi and Kapauu.
- Food & Drink
- No facilities on-site; basic supplies available in Hawi.
- Equipment Rental:
- Limited or not indicated locally; regional context notes limited rentals available through mobile schools or shops located in Kailua-Kona.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
North Kohala is a quieter, more authentic area away from major resorts, with services centered around Hawi and Kapa'au, plus access to dramatic coastal scenery.
Dramatic views of the rugged coastline and the first of the Kohala valleys.
One of the oldest and most sacred historical sites in Hawaii, a large sacrificial temple.
The original statue of King Kamehameha I, born in this district.
Guided kayak tours through the historic irrigation system of the Kohala mountains.
A local favorite in Hawi serving island-inspired cuisine in a historic building.
A scenic park with picnic facilities and protected areas suitable for families.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Upolu Point (Hikapoloa)?
The best overall months at Upolu Point (Hikapoloa) are December, January, February. The best wind months are January.
Which wind directions work at Upolu Point (Hikapoloa)?
Upolu Point (Hikapoloa) works with S winds. Offshore directions are S.
What skill level is Upolu Point (Hikapoloa) suitable for?
Upolu Point (Hikapoloa) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Expert.