The winter surf season is about to take hold here in Hawaii! And, that means it’s also time to do your research — where can I find the best waves? What does the surf forecast look like this week? What kind of waves can I expect if I head-out right now?
The good news is there are tons of great surf report websites in Hawaii. The bad news is — there are tons of great surf report websites in Hawaii! It can be hard to choose which site is best for your intentions. So, we’ve done a bit of research for you. Read-on to learn where you should go when you need to know all about surf conditions:
1. Surfline.com: Surfline.com is one of the biggest, global surf report websites around, which means it has all the information you’ll need to decide if today’s the day to head-out and surf. Because the site is global, you’ll need to click on the “Hawaii” tab to be directed to surf reports in Hawaii. But, once you “click,” you can choose from all the big surf spots in Hawaii, and it will direct you to a pretty easily-navigable page. You can find a live picture of the conditions, too. This is an example of what kind of content I found when I searched for Turtle Bay West:
“North Shore Morning Update: Declining NW swell providing some solid surf to country shorelines this morning with light winds making for great conditions. Surf is topping out in the overhead to near double overhead high range with some larger sets nearing the triple overhead high range at select locations. We are expecting this swell to continue on it slow decline throughout the day so check back this afternoon for an update. Mostly sunny. Light winds becoming east up to 10 mph in the afternoon.”
2. nagicseaweed.com: Magic Seaweed is another global surf report and forecast site, so you will have to find “Hawaii” on the menu. However, once you’re there, a map pops up, where you can “click” on your preferred location. Once you do, you won’t find as many details as you’ll find at surfline.com, but you will get the basic information you need, such as current conditions. If you “click” on “view surf report,” you’ll find yourself immersed in many more details, including a surf forecast.
3. swellinfo.com: Like the other two sites, you’ll need to “find” Hawaii on this website. But, once you do, hang on tight — you’ll find lots of information! In addition to a surf forecast, you can also get surf reports on various surf spots. For example, this is what was posted when I did a search for Southwest shores:
“Ankle to knee high W ground swell for the morning. The swell shifts more SW and builds during the afternoon with occasional sets up to thigh high. Clean in the morning with ENE winds 5-10mph. Light sideshore texture conditions for the afternoon with the winds shifting to the SE.”
Of course, if you don’t feel like doing your own research, just ask one of the knowledgeable guides at Hawaii Aloha Travel about surf conditions. When you book an Oahu Circle Island Tour, you’ll head to the North Shore. So, he or she can tell you what the surf conditions will be like during your tour.
But, don’t forget these surf report websites are here for you, too. And, they’re a great resource for those who want to know what’s happening right now!
