Dawn patrol surfing in Haleiwa

Haleiwa, Hawaii

Sunrise and first light times for planning your dawn patrol session.

First light in Haleiwa means glass, empty peaks, and the best conditions of the day before thermal onshores build. These 2 spots are worth the 5am alarm.

Sunrise

5:55 AM
First Light: 5:25 AM

Day length: 13h 8m

+1 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

5:55 AM

First light: 5:25 AM

Sunset

7:04 PM

Last light: 7:34 PM

Data from Haleiwa· Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

5:55 AM

Sunset

7:04 PM

Day Length

13h 8m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

5:55 AM

Sunset

7:04 PM

Day Length

13h 9m

Sat, May 16

Sunrise

5:55 AM

Sunset

7:05 PM

Day Length

13h 10m

Sun, May 17

Sunrise

5:54 AM

Sunset

7:05 PM

Day Length

13h 11m

Mon, May 18

Sunrise

5:54 AM

Sunset

7:06 PM

Day Length

13h 12m

Tue, May 19

Sunrise

5:54 AM

Sunset

7:06 PM

Day Length

13h 13m

Best dawn patrol spots in Haleiwa

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Dawn patrol access guide for Haleiwa

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Haleiwa
river-mouth
advanced

Haleiwa is the gateway to the North Shore's Seven-Mile Miracle, offering a powerful right-hand reef wave that wraps around a river mouth. When mid-period northwest swells arrive, the outside peak produces long rippable rights with sections that get hollow and heavy; on bigger days the inside Toilet Bowl section becomes treacherous and shallow. Strong currents and crowds are common, so this spot is best left to advanced surfers.

Early access

Paddle out through the channel next to the harbor wall; watch for outbound rip currents that can pull you toward the rocks.

Parking

Park at Haleʻiwa Aliʻi Beach Park where there is a large lot with restrooms and showers.

Pipeline
reef
expert

Home to the famous Banzai Pipeline, one of the world's most powerful and dangerous waves. Located on Oahu's North Shore at Ehukai Beach Park, Pipeline produces heavy, barreling lefts that break over a shallow reef. The wave also features "Backdoor" rights. Only expert surfers should attempt this break due to the dangerous conditions. Best during winter months with north to northwest swells.

Dawn patrol tips

  • Glassy morning conditions before onshore winds
  • Less crowded lineups at sunrise
  • East-facing beaches for sunrise views
  • Spots with easy parking for early arrivals

Surf Guides for Haleiwa

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Haleiwa

Dawn patrol in Haleiwa typically starts at first light, around 30 minutes before sunrise. This gives you the glassiest conditions before onshore winds develop.
Early morning offers glassy conditions, fewer crowds, and calmer winds. Water temperature is also warmer relative to air temperature at sunrise.

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