Surfing Hanalei Point: The Complete Guide

Hanalei Point is a point break located in North Shore, Kauai, USA (HI), offering a right-hander along North America's diverse surf scene. Hanalei Point is a long right point that breaks 300+ yards over lava reef with powerful barrel sections and an inside bowl. Rated as advanced difficulty with crowded conditions, this point break is a worthy destination for surfers looking beyond the usual suspects.

Best Conditions

Swell Direction: The ideal swell direction is NNW (340°), with workable conditions from WNW to N (300°–360°). Swells outside this window will either miss the break or produce disorganized waves.

Swell Size: Hanalei Point needs a minimum of 1.2m / 4ft to start working and handles swells up to 3.6m / 12ft before conditions deteriorate.

Swell Period: Look for a swell period of at least 12 seconds, with 16 seconds being the sweet spot. Longer periods deliver more organized, powerful waves with better shape.

Wind: True offshore here blows from the SSE (160°). The full offshore range spans E to SSW (100°–200°). Glassy conditions under 4km/h from any direction also produce excellent surf. Plan for early morning dawn patrol sessions.

Tide: This spot works best at mid to high tide.

When to Go

Primary Season: The prime window at Hanalei Point runs November, December, January, February, March (Nov–Mar). This is when swell consistency and direction align most reliably with the break.

Season Notes: Nov-Mar. Long right point breaking 300+ yards over lava reef. Andy & Bruce Irons' proving ground.

Water Temperature: Expect water temperatures around 25°C / 77°F. A shorty or spring suit is recommended for longer sessions.

Getting There

The nearest airport is LIH, roughly 35 minutes by car.

Access: Beach access at Hanalei Bay Beach Park.

Hazards & Tips

Known Hazards:

🪸 Sharp reef — Shallow reef, booties recommended
🌀 Strong rips — Dangerous currents
👥 Crowded — Gets very crowded

Powerful with barrel sections and inside bowl. Multiple peaks spread the crowd. Andy & Bruce Irons' proving ground.

Safety Tips:

Wear reef booties to protect your feet from sharp coral and rock
Study the currents before paddling out. Know your exit strategy
Surf early mornings or off-peak days to avoid the worst of the crowds

Skill Level: This spot is rated advanced (7/10). Crowd Level: Typically crowded (7/10). Recommended board: a performance shortboard.

Check the Live Forecast

Planning a session at Hanalei Point? Check the live forecast on Strike Mission to see today's conditions and the 10-day outlook. Our Strike Score algorithm rates this spot from 0 to 100 every day, factoring in swell direction, size, period, wind, and tide — so you know exactly when to paddle out.

Don't leave your next surf trip to chance. Let the data tell you when Hanalei Point is firing.

*Conditions data sourced from Strike Mission's verified spot database.*