Waimanu Bay
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Mixed, 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Waimanu Bay is a highly remote, exposed beach-and-reef break on Hawaiʻi Island that can work year-round, with waves breaking both left and right. The spot is characterized by wilderness access constraints and a lack of on-site support, so surf planning and self-sufficiency are essential. Surf quality is tied closely to swell and wind alignment. Clean groundswells are noted, and the most favorable swell approach is from the northeast (north to northeast swells are also described as the best). Wind onshore trades can create side-onshore conditions, with early morning often reported as the cleanest time window. Safety risks are significant. Reports highlight rip currents and sharks, with additional danger at the river mouth—especially after heavy rain when discharge and debris increase. Submerged rocks and reef sections can make the environment unforgiving, and the remoteness means rescue resources are extremely limited and help may take a long time to reach. Overall, Waimanu Bay is best approached by advanced surfers looking for a dependable wilderness surf experience where conditions can become heavy and hazardous during larger winter swells. Permits are required for camping, and restrictions limit access to foot or boat only, so plan accordingly before attempting any session.
- Reliable beach/reef surfing year-round in an exposed wilderness setting
- Best swell alignment from the northeast (north/northeast)
- Very low crowd levels due to logistical challenges
- Exposed beach/reef break with reliable surf that can work year-round.
- Clean groundswells can prevail with the right swell alignment.
- Best swell direction is generally from the north to northeast.
- Very remote and uncrowded, making it difficult to reach and hard to get help quickly.
- Strong rip currents and river mouth discharge after heavy rain.
- Hazardous wildlife and hazards: sharks and submerged rocks/reef sections.
- Cell reception is unreliable in the valleys.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, E
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Prevailing North-East trade winds, often accelerated by coastal cliffs.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gustiness reported.
- Shadow Zones
- Significant wind shadow and turbulence from high valley cliffs.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Mixed, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Black sand shore mentioned.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Medium wave size reported; can become very heavy with dangerous currents during large winter swells.
- Launch
- Medium — Beach launch from black sand shore.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Launch difficulty reported as moderate.
Through the year
Very low year-round due to extreme access difficulty.
October through April
By sport
What to expect for each.
Highly remote and exposed beach/reef break with both beach and reef sections. Works year-round, with the best swell direction from north to northeast.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- N, NNE, NE
- Swell Height
- 1–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Side-onshore trades are common; early morning offers the cleanest conditions.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become very heavy with dangerous currents during large winter swells.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Clean groundswells prevail when conditions line up.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate wave power reported; can become very heavy with dangerous currents on large winter swells.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Can offer decent walls on the right swell, but often sections out.
- Ride Length Details
- Waves can break left and right; ride length is typically medium depending on the section.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Waimanu Bay in the full forecast view.
Waimanu Bay wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–9 ktsGusts 18 kts
- Direction
- ENE75°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 269 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.3–1.7 m9s period
- Temperature
- 23–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, Waimanu Bay is forecast for daytime winds of 2–9 kts, peaking around 9 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 18 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 1.3–1.7 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
- Rip currents
- Strong rip currents and river mouth discharge especially after heavy rain
- Submerged rocks
- River mouth debris
- Flash flooding from river
- Extreme remoteness
- No cell service
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Extremely limited rescue infrastructure; maritime rescue handled by the U.S. Coast Guard out of Hilo.
- Emergency Info
- No emergency services available on site. Closest help is a multi-hour hike or boat ride away. Cell reception is unreliable in the valleys.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Localism reported as none.
Rules of the spot
Camping requires a permit via the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.
- Access limited to foot or boat only.
- No motorized vehicle access.
- Beware of rips and sharks.
- Be extremely wary of the river mouth after rain due to increased shark activity and debris.
- Do not surf here alone; access is extremely remote.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Hilo, Hawaii
- Nearest Town
- Honokaa
- Nearest Airport
- Hilo International Airport (ITO)
- Parking
- Parking is at the Waipio Valley lookout, about 15 miles away from the spot via trail.
- Public Transport
- No public transport access to the bay; access only by the Muliwai trail or by boat.
- Access
- Extremely difficult. Requires a 15-mile strenuous hike via the Muliwai Trail or access by boat/kayak.
- Cost Level
- Expensive
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Far — Limited to primitive wilderness camping requiring permits; no commercial accommodation nearby.
- Food & Drink
- None. All supplies must be packed in.
- Equipment Rental:
- No rentals available.
- Gear Storage
- None available.
- Gear Repair
- None available.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Waimanu Bay sits within a rugged, lush coastal wilderness with steep sea cliffs and dramatic valley scenery.
Dramatic overlook of the neighboring valley and the starting point for the Muliwai Trail.
Remnants of ancient Hawaiian taro patches and stone structures scattered throughout the valley.
A strenuous wilderness hike connecting Waipiʻo and Waimanu valleys.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Waimanu Bay?
The best overall months at Waimanu Bay are November, December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Waimanu Bay?
Waimanu Bay works with NE, E winds.
What skill level is Waimanu Bay suitable for?
Waimanu Bay suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced.