Dawn patrol surfing in Waianae

Waianae, Hawaii

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

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

Sunrise

6:16 AM
First Light: 5:46 AM

Day length: 12h 40m

-1 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:16 AM

First light: 5:46 AM

Sunset

6:56 PM

Last light: 7:26 PM

Data from Makaha · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:16 AM

Sunset

6:56 PM

Day Length

12h 40m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:16 AM

Sunset

6:55 PM

Day Length

12h 39m

Sat, Aug 29

Sunrise

6:16 AM

Sunset

6:54 PM

Day Length

12h 38m

Sun, Aug 30

Sunrise

6:16 AM

Sunset

6:53 PM

Day Length

12h 37m

Mon, Aug 31

Sunrise

6:17 AM

Sunset

6:52 PM

Day Length

12h 36m

Tue, Sep 1

Sunrise

6:17 AM

Sunset

6:51 PM

Day Length

12h 34m

Best dawn patrol spots in Waianae

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Featured Beaches(1)

Makaha

Advanced

Mākaha is a historic west-side reef and point break with powerful, long rights and occasional lefts. Winter north and northwest swell can turn it into a serious big-wave venue; smaller days still demand reef awareness and respect for the established lineup.

Dawn patrol access guide for Waianae

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Makaha
reef
advanced

Mākaha is a historic west-side reef and point break with powerful, long rights and occasional lefts. Winter north and northwest swell can turn it into a serious big-wave venue; smaller days still demand reef awareness and respect for the established lineup.

Early access

Enter from the beach park and study the channel, current, and lineup before paddling. Ask lifeguards about hazards when surf is elevated.

Parking

Use Mākaha Beach Park parking and follow posted hours. Secure valuables and avoid blocking neighborhood access.

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 Waianae

Conditions

Dawn Patrol
You're here
Sunset Sessions
Evening golden hour spots
Tide Windows
Optimal tidal conditions
Water Temperature
Conditions & wetsuit guide

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Waianae

Dawn patrol in Waianae 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.

Check it, surf it, log it

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