What size does Windmills work best at?

3–12 ft is the working range. Below that it goes flat; above, it stops being fun and the lineup thins out.

When is the best season to surf Windmills?

Peak season runs through the months when the swell window aligns and trade winds blow offshore. See the month strip in Wave fit for the working window.

What swell direction does Windmills need?

Windmills works on a w - ne groundswell with southerly winds.

What are the main hazards?

no concerns. Reef booties are common at reef breaks; check tide and crowd conditions before paddling out.

What type of wave is Windmills?

Windmills is a left breaking wave over reef. Hollow long left-hand reef with occasional rights.

Upper Westside Maui, Hawaii, United States

Windmills

21.024, -156.628

Edited by Thomas Jackson

Verified May 2026

Multi-checkedCross-checked against 2 references

Left · ReefAdvanced3–12 ftJan – Dec

A due north-facing submerged reef on Maui's northwest coast, Windmills delivers long lefts and occasional rights that pound a rocky shoreline with serious power. It needs W to NE swell, light or calm conditions with S quadrant winds offshore, and handles size well from 3ft up to well overhead double-overhead. The wave is strictly for advanced and expert surfers, with shallow reef, no facilities, and a committed paddle-out that filters out those who shouldn't be there. Bottom: submerged reef. Season: Oct through Mar for reliable winter swell. Consistency: medium. Arrive at dawn before trades fill in, check it small first to read the reef before pushing it on bigger days. Very exposed aspect means wind can ruin it fast, so timing matters more than most Maui spots.

Wave fit

Skill suited

Advanced

BegIntAdv

Best months

Jan – Dec

Character

Hollow long left-hand reef with occasional rights.

Conditions

When it works

Swell window

W - NE

Offshore wind

Southerly

Optimum tide

All tides

Size range

3-15ft

Medium

Hazards

No concerns

Trip planning

Quick facts

Water temp

23° to 27°C

Wetsuit

Boardies

What to bring

Shortboard 6ft to 6ft 4in for standard days
Step-up 6ft 8in to 7ft for bigger sets

Lineup

Some pressure on swells

Where it sits

Location

Loading map...

About this break

What it's actually like

Crowd Access Nearby Alternatives

Crowd & Localism

Weekend crowds run light to moderate. Pro surfers and experienced locals frequent the spot, so read the pecking order quickly and don't drop in. Respect in the water goes a long way. Midweek and early mornings are your best window.

Access & Facilities

No parking lot, no facilities. Access is via the same approach as Lighthouse on the northwest coast. Long walk in. Bring water, sunscreen, and enough energy for the hike back. No food, no shade, no lifeguards.

Nearby Alternatives

If Windmills is too big or blown out, Lighthouse next door offers a different angle on similar swell. On smaller days, the Honokowai reef cluster between Honokowai and Kahana can deliver punchy peaks in more manageable conditions.

10-day swell, wind and tide