Hapuna Beach (Kohala) is a beach break in Waimea, HI. It is suited for beginner-intermediate surfers. Watch out for rip currents.
Dawn patrol surfing in Waimea
Waimea, Hawaii
Sunrise and first light times for planning your dawn patrol session.
First light in Waimea means glass, empty peaks, and the best conditions of the day before thermal onshores build. These 3 spots are worth the 5am alarm.
Sunrise
6:14 AMDay length: 12h 3m
-1 min vs yesterday
Sunrise
6:14 AM
First light: 5:44 AM
Sunset
6:17 PM
Last light: 6:47 PM
Data from Hapuna Beach (Kohala) · Updated daily
7-Day Sun Schedule
| Day | Sunrise | Sunset | Day Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Today(Today) | 6:14 AM | 6:17 PM | 12h 3m |
| Tomorrow | 6:14 AM | 6:16 PM | 12h 2m |
| Tue, Sep 29 | 6:14 AM | 6:15 PM | 12h 1m |
| Wed, Sep 30 | 6:14 AM | 6:14 PM | 12h 0m |
| Thu, Oct 1 | 6:15 AM | 6:13 PM | 11h 59m |
| Fri, Oct 2 | 6:15 AM | 6:12 PM | 11h 58m |
| Sat, Oct 3 | 6:15 AM | 6:12 PM | 11h 56m |
Today(Today)
Sunrise
6:14 AM
Sunset
6:17 PM
Day Length
12h 3m
Tomorrow
Sunrise
6:14 AM
Sunset
6:16 PM
Day Length
12h 2m
Tue, Sep 29
Sunrise
6:14 AM
Sunset
6:15 PM
Day Length
12h 1m
Wed, Sep 30
Sunrise
6:14 AM
Sunset
6:14 PM
Day Length
12h 0m
Thu, Oct 1
Sunrise
6:15 AM
Sunset
6:13 PM
Day Length
11h 59m
Fri, Oct 2
Sunrise
6:15 AM
Sunset
6:12 PM
Day Length
11h 58m
Sat, Oct 3
Sunrise
6:15 AM
Sunset
6:12 PM
Day Length
11h 56m
Best dawn patrol spots in Waimea
Featured Beaches
3 spots
Hapuna Beach (Kohala)
Beginner friendlyHapuna Beach (Kohala) is a beach break in Waimea, HI. It is suited for beginner-intermediate surfers. Watch out for rip currents.
Kaunaoa Beach
IntermediateA crescent of white sand at Kaunaʻoa Bay beside Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.
Kekaha / Pakala (Infinities)
IntermediatePakala, also known as Infinities, is a long left-hand point break on Kauaʻi's west side near Kekaha. On summer south swells the wave peels for hundreds of meters over a shallow coral reef, making it a dream for goofy-footers who can handle the long paddle and occasional strong currents. The vibe is mellow but respect the local surfers and watch for sea urchins in the channel.
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Dawn patrol access guide for Waimea
Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.
A crescent of white sand at Kaunaʻoa Bay beside Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.
Request a public beach parking pass at the resort entrance; spaces are limited.
Pakala, also known as Infinities, is a long left-hand point break on Kauaʻi's west side near Kekaha. On summer south swells the wave peels for hundreds of meters over a shallow coral reef, making it a dream for goofy-footers who can handle the long paddle and occasional strong currents. The vibe is mellow but respect the local surfers and watch for sea urchins in the channel.
Follow the footpath through the trees to the shoreline and paddle out from the small beach; the paddle to the lineup is long, so conserve energy.
Park off the highway on the dirt shoulder near the coconut grove; keep valuables hidden and be aware of soft sand.
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 Waimea
Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
About surfing in Waimea
- Dawn patrol in Waimea 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
Check the forecast, surf the session, log what happened — and build the record you'll compare every next call against.
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