Yokohama Bay
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate to Expert
- Skill Level
- Chop, Swell, Ocean
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Yokohama Bay is an exposed west Oʻahu beach break known for very consistent surf that works around the year. The break is generally described as hollow, powerful, and ledgey, with both directions available, and a mid-tide preference. Water quality is reported as clean/excellent, and visibility can be strong even though winter conditions may suspend sediment near shore. The main downside is consequence. Multiple sources emphasize strong year-round currents (rip currents and undertow) plus a rocky/reef bottom with sharp hazards near the beach. The shorebreak is also described as heavy and can cause serious injuries, especially during larger winter sets. The spot is remote and has limited rescue availability, and reports indicate there is no lifeguard monitoring—so riders must rely on self-rescue and careful in-water judgment. Wind is most often associated with Northeasterly tradewinds, commonly offshore or side-offshore (east to NE). When conditions are lightly offshore, wind effects are described as cleanest. Surf is commonly best in the winter cycle (January is singled out as a best month by one guide), with additional reporting that winter swells drive the most powerful, barrel-heavy sessions. Access is via Farrington Highway near the end of the road by Kaʻena Point, with limited/narrow parking that can fill quickly on weekends. Local guidance also flags practical safety and compliance items: stay well back from sea turtles due to federal protection, bring sun/water since there are no beach facilities, and keep valuables out of sight because theft risk is reported in a remote area.
- Very consistent exposed beach-break surf
- Hollow, powerful barrels with year-round workability
- Strong rip currents/undertow risk year-round
- Rocky/sharp reef hazards near shore
- Very consistent, exposed beach-break conditions work year-round
- Powerful hollow wave shape with strong swell support in winter
- Good water quality and generally clear conditions
- Expert-level, high-consequence surf: very heavy shorebreak and powerful hollow waves
- Strong year-round rip currents/undertow plus rocky/sharp bottom hazards
- No lifeguard monitoring and remote access with limited rescue options
- Weekend crowding and localism can increase risk
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, NE
- Offshore directions
- NE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Prevailing Northeasterly tradewinds; often offshore or side-offshore.
- Reliability
- fair
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gustiness reported.
- Best Months
- January
- Shadow Zones
- The Waianae mountain range can create significant wind shadows and turbulence near the shore.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach with reef/rocks affecting the lineup near shore.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Huge — Very large/high-energy surf reported; extremely powerful in winter.
- Chop Level
- Heavy chop — Nearshore conditions described as heavy with strong shorebreak and power.
- Launch
- Big — Big sandy beach/bay; wide sand with a steep slope reported.
Through the year
Weekends crowded; weekdays often have few surfers.
Rainy season typically runs from November through March (winter storm fronts).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed, consistent beach break with very powerful, hollow waves year-round. Works with both left and right waves and a mid tide window.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, NW, N, NNW, NW, WNW, NNE, E, SW, S, SSW
- Swell Height
- 1–4 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid tide reported as the best window.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open, exposed beach break with heavy shorebreak.
- Wind Effect
- Cleanest with light offshore tradewinds (northeasterly/east-northeasterly).
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well but becomes extremely dangerous with massive, closing-out sets and heavy water movement.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Very consistent; typically described as good to excellent depending on conditions.
- Wave Power
- Very powerful — Very powerful/heavy barrels; extremely high consequence for experts.
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Hollow, ledgey waves / heavy barrels.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peel speed reported as medium (also described as fast on heavier days).
- Ride Length
- Medium — Commonly reported around 50–100m; can be 50–150m depending on swell/tide.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical rides commonly described as fast/intense and often ending in heavy closeout or sand.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Yokohama Bay in the full forecast view.
Yokohama Bay wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–12 ktsGusts 24 kts
- Direction
- NE53°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2412 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.1–2.0 m10s period
- Temperature
- 22–28 °C
Over the next 7 days, Yokohama Bay is forecast for daytime winds of 4–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 24 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 1.1–2.0 m with a period of about 10s. 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
- Strong rip currents and undertow
- Rocks
- Sharp coral / sharp reef and rocks
- Very heavy, notoriously heavy shorebreak
- Remote location with limited cell service
- Vehicle break-ins / theft risk
- Localism
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard on site reported for surfers.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue is limited; nearby assistance referenced in Makaha or Waianae depending on report.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital is in Waianae (about 20–30 minute drive). Area has no lifeguard monitoring; emergency services are reached via 911.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Moderate localism reported; respect the local community.
Rules of the spot
No lifeguard on site; surfers responsible for self-rescue. Respect local ocean hazards and follow federal restrictions (sea turtles).
- Federal protection for sea turtles (stay well back).
- No commercial activity without permits.
- No dogs off-leash.
- Stay back about 50 feet from sea turtles (federal law).
- Bring water and sun protection; there are no beach facilities.
- Parking is narrow/limited on the highway end—arrive early on weekends.
- Keep valuables out of sight due to theft risk in a remote area.
- Expect serious neck/back injuries risk from the heavy shorebreak.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Makaha
- Nearest Town
- Makaha
- Parking
- Narrow shoulder parking along Farrington Highway / limited parking; can fill quickly on weekends. (One report also mentions paved parking that fills quickly.)
- Access
- Drive on Farrington Highway past Makaha Beach to the end of the road near Ka'ena Point (about 10–15 minutes past Makaha Beach). Walk under 5 minutes to the beach; parking is narrow shoulder/highway-end.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Limited nearby options; mostly vacation rentals in Makaha or Waianae areas.
- Food & Drink
- No facilities at the beach; nearest shops/restaurants are in Waianae.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental not available on-site (remote section). Rental is available more broadly in the region around Kapolei/Ko Olina, but not at this beach.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A rugged, less-developed end-of-road coastal area at Oʻahu’s Leeward side, shaped by the Waianae Mountains, known for winter high-energy surf and dramatic scenery near Kaʻena Point.
A remote coastal park at the end of the road offering rugged hiking trails and bird watching.
Boat tours departing from Waianae Harbor for snorkeling and dolphin watching.
Casual beachfront dining with local Hawaiian-American cuisine.
A well-known family beach area for picnics and recreation (water can be rough in winter).
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Yokohama Bay?
The best overall months at Yokohama Bay are January, February, March, November, December. The best wind months are January.
Which wind directions work at Yokohama Bay?
Yokohama Bay works with E, NE winds. Offshore directions are NE.
What skill level is Yokohama Bay suitable for?
Yokohama Bay suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Expert.