Dawn patrol surfing in Lahaina

Lahaina, Hawaii

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

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

Sunrise

6:23 AM
First Light: 5:53 AM

Day length: 12h 18m

+1 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:23 AM

First light: 5:53 AM

Sunset

6:41 PM

Last light: 7:11 PM

Data from Lahaina Harbor (Breakwall) · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:23 AM

Sunset

6:41 PM

Day Length

12h 18m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:22 AM

Sunset

6:41 PM

Day Length

12h 19m

Wed, Apr 1

Sunrise

6:21 AM

Sunset

6:42 PM

Day Length

12h 20m

Thu, Apr 2

Sunrise

6:20 AM

Sunset

6:42 PM

Day Length

12h 21m

Fri, Apr 3

Sunrise

6:20 AM

Sunset

6:42 PM

Day Length

12h 23m

Best dawn patrol spots in Lahaina

Dawn patrol access guide for Lahaina

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Lahaina Harbor's Breakwall is a popular surf break in the heart of Lahaina, with an inside section used by surf schools and an outside section that produces steep lefts on a good south swell. The wave breaks beside the harbor's jetty over a shallow reef, so it gets shallow at low tide, but a mid-to-high tide provides fun walls up to head high. Crowds are heavy and the name "Snakewall" reflects the constant jockeying for position.

Early access

Walk down to the harbor wall and paddle out beside the breakwall; beware of the rocks and barnacles on the jetty.

Parking

Park in the Lahaina Harbor public lot or at the adjacent 505 Front Street shopping center (paid); avoid parking in private stalls.

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 Lahaina

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Lahaina

Dawn patrol in Lahaina 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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