Least crowded surf spots in Kailua-Kona

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Recommendations refresh every 30 minutes based on tide, wind, and crowd telemetry from Quiver.

When Kailua-Kona lineups stack up, knowing a backup changes everything. These 2 breaks range from tucked-away reef passes to underrated sandbars that stay empty even on weekend south pulses.

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Featured Beaches(1)

Pine Trees (Kohanaiki)

Intermediate

Pine Trees, officially Kohanaiki Beach Park, is a popular surf zone north of Kailua-Kona where a series of peaks break over reef and lava rock. The spot is named after heliotrope and hau trees that resemble pines and offer shade along the shoreline. Multiple peaks provide lefts and rights that work on all tides, making it one of the Big Island's most consistent breaks for surfers of various abilities.

Today's low-crowd plan in Kailua-Kona

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Top picks

1Pine Trees (Kohanaiki)
2 ft8 mph
Secondary peaks and tide windows that thin crowdsParking tricks and walk-in trails most visitors skipForecast cues that trigger locals-only surgesNearby alternates when the primary target turns into a zoo

Crowd & access intel for Kailua-Kona beaches

Local crowd levels, parking tips, and access routes to help you find emptier lineups.

Banyans
reef
advanced

Banyans, along Aliʻi Drive in Kailua-Kona, is a fast, hollow reef break named after a large banyan tree that once shaded the shoreline. The wave serves up a long, powerful right and shorter left when northwest or southwest swells wrap around the island, drawing a dedicated crowd of expert surfers. Shallow reefs, sea urchins and a competitive lineup make this spot suitable only for advanced surfers.

Typical crowd
crowded
Crowd intel

Local rippers dominate the peak; be patient, show respect and wait for your turn.

Parking

Limited street parking is available along Aliʻi Drive; arrive early and park legally to avoid towing.

Access

Enter from the small beach next to Kona Bali Kai condos; walk over lava rocks and paddle straight out through the keyhole in the reef.

Pine Trees (Kohanaiki)
reef
intermediate

Pine Trees, officially Kohanaiki Beach Park, is a popular surf zone north of Kailua-Kona where a series of peaks break over reef and lava rock. The spot is named after heliotrope and hau trees that resemble pines and offer shade along the shoreline. Multiple peaks provide lefts and rights that work on all tides, making it one of the Big Island's most consistent breaks for surfers of various abilities.

Typical crowd
moderate
Crowd intel

Local families frequent this beach; be courteous and give space to keiki (kids) learning to surf.

Parking

Drive down the coastal access road and park on the packed sand near the surf huts; a permit is needed for overnight camping.

Access

Walk across the beach or lava shelf to the nearest channel and paddle out; choose your peak based on ability and crowd.

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Wave Quality7/10
Crowd4/10
Overall8/10

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Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Kailua-Kona

Less crowded surf spots in Kailua-Kona include Pine Trees (Kohanaiki). Early mornings and weekdays offer the best chance for empty lineups and more waves to yourself.
Early morning dawn patrol sessions (before 8 AM) and weekday afternoons are typically the least crowded times to surf in Kailua-Kona. Weekends and holidays see the biggest crowds, especially from 9 AM to 2 PM.
To avoid crowds in Kailua-Kona, try surfing during off-peak hours, explore lesser-known breaks, check conditions midweek, and be flexible with your surf schedule. Local knowledge and timing around tide changes can also help you find emptier lineups.

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