Archived Narratives (3,613)

Hawaii Surf Reports/Forecasts

Brought to you by Maui Weather Today

Hawaii Surf Report/Forecast

May 17-18, 2026

Forecast: A small, medium-period, north-northwest (320-330 degree) swell will continue to decline through Sunday night, with surf along north- facing shores following suit. A medium-period north-northwest reinforcement may provide another small bump in surf along north-facing shores by early morning on Monday, followed by another small reinforcing swell on Tuesday. Surf along west-facing shores will remain mostly steady through the rest of the weekend, as the northwest swell influence gradually declines, but a new, long-period south-southwest swell fills in. A mix of small, medium- to long-period south swells will maintain small surf along south-facing shores for the next several days. The long-period south-southwest swell described above will increase surf along south-facing shores through Sunday. Additional small, medium to long-period, south swell reinforcements will arrive Sunday through mid-week. Moderate to fresh trades will maintain rough and choppy surf along east-facing shores for the next several days.

Maui Beaches
Hana: 1-2 / (measured in feet)
Hookipa: 1-2
Kanaha: 1-2
Kihei/Wailea: 1-2
Maalaea Bay: 2+
Lahaina: 2-3
Upper West: 0-1/2

Oahu Beaches
North Shore: 1-2
West Shore: 1-2
South Shores: 2-3
East Shores: 1-2

Big Island
North Shore: 1+
West Shore: 1+
South Shores: 2-3
East Shores: 1-2

Kauai
North Shore: 1-2
West Shore: 1-2
South Shore: 2-3
East Shore: 1-2

>>> The actual wave face sizes are about twice the numbers noted above

Buoys surrounding the islands

Island swell shadow lines for Kauai
Island swell shadow lines for Oahu
Island swell shadow lines for Maui
Island swell shadow lines for Big Island

Oceanweather wave model
Stormsurf swell model – the Pacific
Stormsurf wave model – local Hawaiian Islands

Tides for Hawaii