Crowd & Localism
The crowd is genuinely light here. The remote access and big-wave threshold keep the lineup open. The local vibe is welcoming, but that ease comes from shared respect. Keep it cool, don't hype the spot, and you'll be fine.
North Shore Oahu, Hawaii, United States
Kaena Point
21.576, -158.282
Edited by Thomas Jackson
Verified May 2026
Editor-verifiedCross-checked against 1 reference
Right · ReefAdvanced12–25 ftJan – Dec
At the westernmost tip of Oahu, Kaena Point is a raw convergence zone where North and South Pacific swell energy collides head-on, producing massive, technical waves strictly for experienced big-wave surfers. On solid N or NW winter swells, the point stacks giant right-handers around the headland and walls them south along the reef edge, running fast and hard with serious consequences. Optimal conditions call for NW to N swell at 2x overhead and larger, SE to SW winds on the northern side of the headland, N to E winds for the southern side, and a medium tide. The lineup is mellow and wide open precisely because the wave demands expert-level skill and big-wave experience. Bottom: reef with rocks. Season: winter. Consistency: works on the biggest winter pulses, not every swell. Strong currents, sharks, and a raw reef are ever-present, so if you're paddling out here, you already know what you're signing up for.
Wave fit
Skill suited
Advanced
BegIntAdv
Best months
Jan – Dec
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Character
Massive heavy right-hand reef point.
Conditions
When it worksHazards
Large wavesStrong currentSharksAnd the reef.
Trip planning
Quick facts
Water temp
24° to 28°C
Wetsuit
Boardies
What to bring
- Gun 9ft to 10ft+ for paddling big swells
- Tow board for XXL days
- Step-up 7ft to 8ft on the smaller end of the size range
Lineup
Mellow lineup
Where it sits
Location
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About this break
What it's actually like
Access & Facilities
Kaena Point is reached by foot only. Hike in via the Kaena Point Trail from the north, or approach from Yokohama Bay to the south. There are no facilities at the point itself. Bring water, sun protection, and enough energy for the walk back after a heavy session. The water is clean and clear.
Nearby Alternatives
When Kaena isn't firing or the swell is too large to paddle, Yokohama Bay (Yoks) sits just down the coast and offers a more accessible entry into the same swell window. On smaller NW swells, the North Shore's established big-wave and reef breaks will be more consistently surfable.
10-day swell, wind and tide
Kaena Point surf forecast
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Forecast by Windy.app
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Log Cabins
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Plan a trip
Build a trip around Kaena Point
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Frequently asked
Before you paddle out
Kaena Point is a reef break suited for advanced surfers. It is not a beginner wave. Start somewhere softer and work up.
Kaena Point
Coming Phase 2