Dawn patrol surfing in Kailua-Kona

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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

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

Sunrise

6:21 AM
First Light: 5:51 AM

Day length: 12h 17m

+1 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:21 AM

First light: 5:51 AM

Sunset

6:38 PM

Last light: 7:08 PM

Data from Banyans · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:21 AM

Sunset

6:38 PM

Day Length

12h 17m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:20 AM

Sunset

6:38 PM

Day Length

12h 18m

Wed, Apr 1

Sunrise

6:19 AM

Sunset

6:38 PM

Day Length

12h 19m

Thu, Apr 2

Sunrise

6:18 AM

Sunset

6:39 PM

Day Length

12h 20m

Fri, Apr 3

Sunrise

6:17 AM

Sunset

6:39 PM

Day Length

12h 21m

Best dawn patrol spots in Kailua-Kona

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Dawn patrol access guide for Kailua-Kona

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Banyans
reef
advanced

Banyans, along Aliʻi Drive in Kailua-Kona, is a fast, hollow reef break named after a large banyan tree that once shaded the shoreline. The wave serves up a long, powerful right and shorter left when northwest or southwest swells wrap around the island, drawing a dedicated crowd of expert surfers. Shallow reefs, sea urchins and a competitive lineup make this spot suitable only for advanced surfers.

Early access

Enter from the small beach next to Kona Bali Kai condos; walk over lava rocks and paddle straight out through the keyhole in the reef.

Parking

Limited street parking is available along Aliʻi Drive; arrive early and park legally to avoid towing.

Pine Trees (Kohanaiki)
reef
intermediate

Pine Trees, officially Kohanaiki Beach Park, is a popular surf zone north of Kailua-Kona where a series of peaks break over reef and lava rock. The spot is named after heliotrope and hau trees that resemble pines and offer shade along the shoreline. Multiple peaks provide lefts and rights that work on all tides, making it one of the Big Island's most consistent breaks for surfers of various abilities.

Early access

Walk across the beach or lava shelf to the nearest channel and paddle out; choose your peak based on ability and crowd.

Parking

Drive down the coastal access road and park on the packed sand near the surf huts; a permit is needed for overnight camping.

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 Kailua-Kona

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Kailua-Kona

Dawn patrol in Kailua-Kona 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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