Ala Moana Bowls is a legendary reef break off Magic Island known for its heaving left-hand tube and occasional right. Breaking over a shallow coral reef, Bowls offers long, hollow waves that attract expert shortboarders when a solid south or southwest swell lines up with light northerly winds. On bigger swells the barrels are thick and dangerous, and the lineup is extremely competitive.
Honolulu water temperature today
Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu water temperature today is 84°F. Most surfers should plan around Boardshorts.
Water temperatures refreshed hourly from NOAA buoys and forecast models.
Honolulu stays warm year-round with water temps rarely dipping below the mid-70s. A rashguard handles most sessions, and reef booties are more important than neoprene here. Use this guide to plan around trade wind shifts and seasonal swell patterns.
Warm enough for boardshorts or a bikini
7-Day Temperature Trend
Data from Ala Moana Bowls · Updated hourly
Beach Water Temperatures
Current water temperatures at each surf spot. Temperatures can vary based on local conditions, currents, and depth.
Publics
Boardshorts
Kewalo Basin
Boardshorts
Threes
Boardshorts
Waikiki (Aquarium)
Boardshorts
Kaisers
Boardshorts
Diamond Head (Cliffs)
Boardshorts
Sandy Beach
Boardshorts
Waikiki Beach
Boardshorts
Pops
Boardshorts
Ala Moana Bowls
Boardshorts
Waikiki – Canoes
Boardshorts
Waikiki – Queens
Boardshorts
Surf spots in Honolulu
Featured Beaches
12 spots
Ala Moana Bowls
AdvancedAla Moana Bowls is a legendary reef break off Magic Island known for its heaving left-hand tube and occasional right. Breaking over a shallow coral reef, Bowls offers long, hollow waves that attract expert shortboarders when a solid south or southwest swell lines up with light northerly winds. On bigger swells the barrels are thick and dangerous, and the lineup is extremely competitive.
Diamond Head (Cliffs)
IntermediateDiamond Head Cliffs is a long stretch of reef along the slopes of Leʻahi where multiple peaks offer rippable lefts and occasional rights. The waves are consistent year-round and handle a variety of swell directions, but they break over sharp lava and coral that require confident paddling and knowledge of the currents. Getting there involves a hike down the bluff and a long paddle, and the lineup can be crowded when the south swell pulses.
Kaisers
AdvancedKaisers is a fast, high-performance right near the Ala Wai harbor entrance. Clean south swell can produce steep walls and barrels over shallow reef, with boat traffic adding a serious navigation hazard.
Kewalo Basin
AdvancedKewalo Basin is a high-performance south-shore reef break with fast lefts and rights near the harbor entrance. A clean south swell can produce punchy walls, but the shallow reef and active boat channel demand awareness.
Pops
IntermediatePops is a mellow outer Waikīkī reef with long, rolling walls that favor longboards and patient surfers. The long paddle and shared canoe routes are as important as the wave itself.
Publics
IntermediatePublics is a long south-shore left over shallow reef near Waikīkī. Summer south swell produces workable walls and connecting sections, while low tide exposes more coral and rock.
Sandy Beach
IntermediateSandy Beach is famous for its powerful shorebreak that explodes directly onto the sand, making it more popular with bodysurfers and bodyboarders than surfers. Multiple peaks like Full Point and Middle Peak deliver short, hollow waves that can snap boards and bones when the tradewind-driven swell peaks. Experienced wave riders love the challenge, but this spot is unforgiving for novices.
Threes
IntermediateThrees is a quality Waikīkī-area right over reef that produces long walls on clean summer south swell. It is faster and more technical than the beginner breaks inside and requires a substantial paddle.
Waikiki (Aquarium)
Beginner friendlyWaikiki (Aquarium) is a beach break in Honolulu, HI. It is suited for beginner-intermediate surfers. Watch out for rip currents.
Waikiki Beach
Beginner friendlyWaikiki Beach is a beach break in Honolulu, HI. It is suited for beginner-intermediate surfers. Watch out for rip currents.
Waikiki – Canoes
Beginner friendlyCanoes, located off Waikiki in Honolulu, is a gentle reef break over a sandy bottom that produces long, mellow rides ideal for beginners and longboarders. The wave has a welcoming vibe with beach-boy surf lessons and outrigger canoes sharing the lineup, though it can be crowded in summer. The break works best on a south swell and a light northerly wind, delivering fun walls for surfers of all ages.
Waikiki – Queens
IntermediateQueens is the jewel of Waikiki, delivering a long right-hand reef wave with occasional lefts that are faster and more powerful than neighboring Canoes. The break sits in front of the Royal Hawaiian and sets up clean walls during summer south swells, making it a favorite for longboarders and surf contests. Proper etiquette is essential because the lineup can be territorial and extremely crowded.
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Spot guide for Honolulu
Break types, ratings, and local tips for each beach.
Diamond Head Cliffs is a long stretch of reef along the slopes of Leʻahi where multiple peaks offer rippable lefts and occasional rights. The waves are consistent year-round and handle a variety of swell directions, but they break over sharp lava and coral that require confident paddling and knowledge of the currents. Getting there involves a hike down the bluff and a long paddle, and the lineup can be crowded when the south swell pulses.
Kaisers is a fast, high-performance right near the Ala Wai harbor entrance. Clean south swell can produce steep walls and barrels over shallow reef, with boat traffic adding a serious navigation hazard.
Kewalo Basin is a high-performance south-shore reef break with fast lefts and rights near the harbor entrance. A clean south swell can produce punchy walls, but the shallow reef and active boat channel demand awareness.
Pops is a mellow outer Waikīkī reef with long, rolling walls that favor longboards and patient surfers. The long paddle and shared canoe routes are as important as the wave itself.
Publics is a long south-shore left over shallow reef near Waikīkī. Summer south swell produces workable walls and connecting sections, while low tide exposes more coral and rock.
Sandy Beach is famous for its powerful shorebreak that explodes directly onto the sand, making it more popular with bodysurfers and bodyboarders than surfers. Multiple peaks like Full Point and Middle Peak deliver short, hollow waves that can snap boards and bones when the tradewind-driven swell peaks. Experienced wave riders love the challenge, but this spot is unforgiving for novices.
Threes is a quality Waikīkī-area right over reef that produces long walls on clean summer south swell. It is faster and more technical than the beginner breaks inside and requires a substantial paddle.
Waikiki (Aquarium) is a beach break in Honolulu, HI. It is suited for beginner-intermediate surfers. Watch out for rip currents.
Waikiki Beach is a beach break in Honolulu, HI. It is suited for beginner-intermediate surfers. Watch out for rip currents.
Canoes, located off Waikiki in Honolulu, is a gentle reef break over a sandy bottom that produces long, mellow rides ideal for beginners and longboarders. The wave has a welcoming vibe with beach-boy surf lessons and outrigger canoes sharing the lineup, though it can be crowded in summer. The break works best on a south swell and a light northerly wind, delivering fun walls for surfers of all ages.
Queens is the jewel of Waikiki, delivering a long right-hand reef wave with occasional lefts that are faster and more powerful than neighboring Canoes. The break sits in front of the Royal Hawaiian and sets up clean walls during summer south swells, making it a favorite for longboarders and surf contests. Proper etiquette is essential because the lineup can be territorial and extremely crowded.
What to know about water temperature
- Weekly temperature trends and seasonal averages
- Gear recommendations for dawn patrol versus midday
- Upwelling signals that drop temps overnight
- Health and recovery tips for long cold sessions
Surf Guides for Honolulu
Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
About surfing in Honolulu
- Water temperatures in Honolulu typically range from 73-80°F. For summer, boardshorts or rashguard is recommended. In winter, you'll want spring suit optional. Spring and fall may require adjusting based on your cold tolerance.
- Water temperatures in Honolulu vary by season, ranging from 73-80°F. Check Quiver's live water temperature data for real-time readings at specific surf spots. Temperatures are typically warmest around September and coldest in February.
- Yes! During year-round, water temperatures in Honolulu are warm enough to surf in boardshorts. Outside that window, boardshorts or rashguard is a good baseline for comfortable sessions.
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