Dawn patrol surfing in Kapalua

Kapalua, Hawaii

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

First light in Kapalua means glass, empty peaks, and the best conditions of the day before thermal onshores build. These 1 spots are worth the 5am alarm.

Sunrise

6:15 AM
First Light: 5:45 AM

Day length: 12h 11m

-2 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:15 AM

First light: 5:45 AM

Sunset

6:27 PM

Last light: 6:57 PM

Data from Honolua Bay · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:15 AM

Sunset

6:27 PM

Day Length

12h 11m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:16 AM

Sunset

6:26 PM

Day Length

12h 10m

Tue, Sep 22

Sunrise

6:16 AM

Sunset

6:25 PM

Day Length

12h 9m

Wed, Sep 23

Sunrise

6:16 AM

Sunset

6:24 PM

Day Length

12h 8m

Thu, Sep 24

Sunrise

6:16 AM

Sunset

6:23 PM

Day Length

12h 7m

Fri, Sep 25

Sunrise

6:17 AM

Sunset

6:22 PM

Day Length

12h 5m

Best dawn patrol spots in Kapalua

Dawn patrol access guide for Kapalua

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Honolua Bay
point
advanced

Honolua Bay on West Maui is regarded as one of the best right-hand point breaks on Earth. The wave peels along a rocky headland in several sections, offering long barreling walls when north or northwest swells wrap into the bay. Crowds of experts flock here during the winter season, and the coral reef demands precision and respect.

Early access

Follow the trail to the shoreline and paddle out from the keyhole in the reef; beware of slippery rocks at the entry.

Parking

Parking is limited along the cliff road to Honolua; arrive early and be prepared for a short hike down through the vegetation.

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 Kapalua

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Kapalua

Dawn patrol in Kapalua 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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