Kahuku Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
NE, but anything from the N to E can be good.
Wind
Calm or offshore from S to W for the wrapping right, W to NNW for the wrapping left. Passing winter fronts bring offshore winds. Early mornings can be clean during lighter trade wind days.
Surf Height
Head high-2X overhead-plus
Tide
Medium
Kahuku Surf Guide
Predictably, 7th Hole Kahuku is located off the 7th hole of the Kahuku Golf Course, just around the bend from the North Shore at the start of the Windward Side. 7th Hole offers both a powerful left and right when it's on. The two waves are split by a very deep, oftentimes sharky, channel. There is usually always surf due to the consistent, year-round tradeswell. However, conditions are usually always tattered from the persistent onshore trade winds (strongest through summer months). Conditions are best on winter N to NE swells that coincide with offshore winds from a passing front. Tradeswell is usually not as solid, and when it is, onshore trade winds are usually strong as well. Be aware that 7th Hole requires at least medium skill level when it's on, but most of the time it's actually pretty mellow. Also, it's quite uncrowded during a strong onshore flow, but it can get a crowd on the days when the wind occasionally turns offshore.
Ability Level
All Abilities
All levels, but depends on size.
Local Vibe
Welcoming
Usually mellow. Be cool and keep it that way.
Crowd Factor
Mellow
Usually minimal, but can get a crowd when winds occasionally turn offshore on this side, especially if its a weekend.
Spot Rating
Fun
One of the best spots on the Windward Side with long rides and barrels, that is when a solid NE swell coincides with offshore winds from a passing front -- so not all that common to catch it good.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Long paddle to get out there, but it's in a channel. Then long rides mean long paddles back.
Water Quality
Clean
Pristine.
Hazards
Reef, urchins, sharks, currents.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard, Fish, Bodyboard, Gun, Kiteboard
Access
Cross the golf course at or near the 7th hole. When it's good, you'll figure it out quite easily.
Bottom
Reef
Best Season
Winter tends to be best overall, but there is surf year-round due to easterly tradeswell exposure. Open exposure to the northerly swells in winter, and winter will also bring offshore wind events.
Do you have local knowledge about Kahuku?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]