Dawn patrol surfing in Paia

Paia, Hawaii

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

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

Sunrise

6:22 AM
First Light: 5:52 AM

Day length: 12h 18m

+1 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:22 AM

First light: 5:52 AM

Sunset

6:40 PM

Last light: 7:10 PM

Data from Ho'okipa · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:22 AM

Sunset

6:40 PM

Day Length

12h 18m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:21 AM

Sunset

6:40 PM

Day Length

12h 19m

Wed, Apr 1

Sunrise

6:20 AM

Sunset

6:40 PM

Day Length

12h 20m

Thu, Apr 2

Sunrise

6:19 AM

Sunset

6:41 PM

Day Length

12h 21m

Fri, Apr 3

Sunrise

6:18 AM

Sunset

6:41 PM

Day Length

12h 23m

Best dawn patrol spots in Paia

Dawn patrol access guide for Paia

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Ho'okipa
reef
advanced

Hoʻokipa Beach Park on Maui's north shore is world famous for windsurfing and kitesurfing but also has excellent surf for experts. Multiple breaks—from the right-hand Pavilions to the fast left at Lanes—offer powerful waves over a shallow reef, and the trades can quickly turn the lineup into a challenging windswept arena. Beginners should stay on the sand and watch, as currents and urchins pose real dangers.

Early access

Use the stairway down the bluff and enter through the channel near Pavilions; time your paddle between sets.

Parking

A paved lot off Hana Highway overlooks the break; arrive early to get a spot and lock up valuables.

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 Paia

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Paia

Dawn patrol in Paia 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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