Hakalau

Hakalau is a surf spot located in Big Island, Hawaii. The spot provides right waves. Hakalau Beach Park is situated on the eastern shore of the Big Island, near Hilo. The surf spot is characterized by a predominantly rocky shoreline at the mouth of Hakalau Stream. The bottom consists of boulders, and the spot is best surfed during low tide. Hakalau is suitable for intermediate surfers and experiences regular wave frequency. The wave length is typically less than 50m. The crowd at this spot is usually few surfers. Nearby surf spots include Kolekole, Secrets, Papaikou Mill, Honoli’i, and Tombstones. Access to the park has become more challenging due to road closure, requiring visitors to walk about two-thirds of a mile down the old park road or use a steep trail from the parking area. The beach features black sand and small pebbles, with a sandbar occasionally forming at the stream’s mouth. Ocean currents outside the river mouth can be strong, so caution is advised when surfing. Hakalau usually gets good waves at about 4ft+ (Hawaiian size) but can reach 8-10 feet, occasionally hitting over 10ft (20-foot face). When the waves are big, it becomes very heavy and extremely difficult to paddle out. Be aware of a massive boulder just below the water surface, about 20 feet from shore. The spot is good for surfing about 95% of the time. While shark sightings haven’t been confirmed, some surfers have reported bumps and ‘shark vibes.’ The water can be murky due to the river flow. Hakalau is a good alternative when popular spots like Honolii, Pohiki, or Richardsons are crowded. Remember to respect the locals, especially when the spot is busy, and always check the surf etiquette. It’s crucial to assess your skills before paddling out to ensure the spot and conditions match your surfing level. The area also holds historical interest, with remnants of the old Hakalau Sugar Mill and the historic Hakalau Bridge nearby. Hakalau is part of a small unincorporated community along the Hamakua coast, about 15 miles north of Hilo. The spot can be reached by driving north from Hilo towards Waimea and following specific directions to the beach park. Always check the latest surf forecast and report before your visit, and consider using surf maps or webcams if available to get a real-time view of the conditions.