Surf in Punalu'u Black Sand Beach
Today, Wednesday, October 28, 2026 · local time (HST) · Hawaii, United States Today, Wed, Oct 28 · HST- Surf at the shore
- 2.6–4.0 ft
- Swell
- 2.8 ft · 11 s · S
- Wind
- 2 mph SSW · calm
- Water and wetsuit
- 80.6 °F · Boardshorts
Today, Wednesday, October 28, the best time to surf in Punalu'u Black Sand Beach is from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, with 2.6–4.0 ft surf at the shore: a good size and glassy water. It’s a good day (7 out of 10). Water at 80.6 °F: boardshorts or a swimsuit and a rash guard. The best day this week is Thursday, October 29, with a 8 out of 10.
An estimate for this stretch of coast, not for a specific break: every beach or reef works its own way (its tide, bottom and angle). Check it when you get there.
Today’s surf in Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, hour by hour
Each column is an hour: its height is the surf at the shore (dark, the average wave; light, the sets) and its color, the score. Above, the wind (green offshore, amber cross-shore, red onshore); below, the tide. Night hours are gray.
Today in detail
Good- Light: First light 5:59 am · sunrise 6:21 am · sunset 5:50 pm · last light 6:13 pm
- Tide: high 5:29 am (3.0 ft), low 12:01 pm (0.9 ft), high 4:25 pm (1.5 ft) and low 10:42 pm (-0.3 ft). Every break has its own tide: some work at low tide and others at high tide. The tide doesn’t change the score here.
- Water at 80.6 °F: boardshorts or a swimsuit and a rash guard.
- Energy: 179 kJ · Medium power
An estimate for this stretch of coast, not for a specific break: every beach or reef works its own way (its tide, bottom and angle). Check it when you get there.
Follow the flags and the lifeguards, and don’t paddle out if the surf is above your level: this score is a guide, not a substitute for what you see when you get there.
Today, hour by hour
| Time | Score | Surf | Swell | Wind swell | Wind | Tide | Energy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:00 am | 7 | 2.4–3.7 ft | 2.6 ft · 11 s · S | 0.1 ft · 0 s | 1 mph NW calm | 3.0 ft ↑ | 149 kJ |
| 6:00 am | 7 | 2.4–3.7 ft | 2.6 ft · 11 s · S | 0.1 ft · 0 s | 1 mph NW calm | 3.0 ft ↓ | 152 kJ |
| 7:00 am | 7 | 2.5–3.8 ft | 2.7 ft · 11 s · S | — | 2 mph NW calm | 2.7 ft ↓ | 160 kJ |
| 8:00 am | 7 | 2.5–3.8 ft | 2.7 ft · 11 s · S | — | 3 mph WNW calm | 2.3 ft ↓ | 163 kJ |
| 9:00 am | 7 | 2.5–3.8 ft | 2.7 ft · 11 s · S | — | 3 mph WNW calm | 1.7 ft ↓ | 163 kJ |
| 10:00 am | 7 | 2.5–3.9 ft | 2.8 ft · 11 s · S | — | 4 mph WNW calm | 1.3 ft ↓ | 174 kJ |
| 11:00 am | 7 | 2.6–3.9 ft | 2.8 ft · 11 s · S | — | 3 mph WNW calm | 1.0 ft ↓ | 174 kJ |
| 12:00 pm | 7 | 2.6–3.9 ft | 2.8 ft · 11 s · S | — | 2 mph W calm | 0.9 ft ↑ | 174 kJ |
| 1:00 pm | 3 | 2.6–4.0 ft | 2.8 ft · 11 s · S | — | 2 mph SW calm | 1.0 ft ↑ | 182 kJ |
| 2:00 pm | 7 | 2.6–4.0 ft | 2.8 ft · 11 s · S | — | 2 mph SSW calm | 1.1 ft ↑ | 179 kJ |
| 3:00 pm | 3 | 2.6–4.0 ft | 2.8 ft · 11 s · S | — | 2 mph SSW calm | 1.4 ft ↑ | 179 kJ |
| 4:00 pm | 3 | 2.6–4.0 ft | 2.8 ft · 11 s · S | — | 3 mph SSW calm | 1.5 ft ↑ | 179 kJ |
| 5:00 pm | 7 | 2.6–4.0 ft | 2.8 ft · 11 s · S | — | 3 mph SSW calm | 1.5 ft ↓ | 179 kJ |
| 6:00 pm | 7 | 2.6–4.0 ft | 2.8 ft · 11 s · S | 0.1 ft · 1 s | 3 mph SSW calm | 1.3 ft ↓ | 179 kJ |
Surf: at the shore, from the average wave to the sets. Swell and wind swell: offshore, with their period and direction. Energy: of the sea, in kJ per meter of wave crest.
Surf over the next 7 days
| Day | Score | Surf | Best time | Swell | Wind | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Today | 7 Good | 2.6–4.0 ft | 2:00–3:00 pm5:00–6:00 pm | 2.8 ft · 11 s · S | 2 mph · calm | 80.6 °F · Boardshorts |
| Thu 29 | 8 Very good | 2.8–4.4 ft | 11:00 am–3:00 pm | 3.0 ft · 12 s · S | 2 mph · calm | 80.4 °F · Boardshorts |
| Fri 30 | 8 Very good | 2.8–4.3 ft | 6:00–10:00 am | 3.1 ft · 11 s · S | 2 mph · calm | 80.6 °F · Boardshorts |
| Sat 31 | 7 Good | 2.5–3.9 ft | 6:00–10:00 am | 2.8 ft · 11 s · S | 1 mph · calm | 80.8 °F · Boardshorts |
| Sun 1 | 7 Good | 2.2–3.4 ft | 6:00–9:00 am5:00–6:00 pm | 2.4 ft · 11 s · S | 1 mph · calm | 80.6 °F · Boardshorts |
| Mon 2 | 5 Fair | 1.8–2.8 ft | 6:00–9:00 am3:00–6:00 pm | 1.9 ft · 10 s · S | 2 mph · calm | 80.6 °F · Boardshorts |
| Tue 3 | 4 Fair | 2.2–3.4 ft | 2:00–6:00 pm | 3.1 ft · 5 s · E | 4 mph · calm | 80.4 °F · Boardshorts |
Each day’s score is that of its best daylight window. The marine forecast covers about 7 days and the last ones are less reliable.
When Punalu'u Black Sand Beach gets waves
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach usually gets waves all year round. The month with the biggest waves on average is January. The water ranges from 76 °F in the coldest month to 80 °F in the warmest.
- 5.3
- 5.2
- 4.8
- 4.7
- 4.3
- 4.5
- 4.4
- 4.3
- 4.3
- 4.4
- 4.5
- 5.0
| Month | Avg. wave | Water | Wetsuit |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5.3 ft | 76.2 °F | boardshorts or a swimsuit and a rash guard |
| February | 5.2 ft | 75.8 °F | boardshorts or a swimsuit and a rash guard |
| March | 4.8 ft | 75.7 °F | boardshorts or a swimsuit and a rash guard |
| April | 4.7 ft | 76.2 °F | boardshorts or a swimsuit and a rash guard |
| May | 4.3 ft | 77.1 °F | boardshorts or a swimsuit and a rash guard |
| June | 4.5 ft | 77.8 °F | boardshorts or a swimsuit and a rash guard |
| July | 4.4 ft | 78.6 °F | boardshorts or a swimsuit and a rash guard |
| August | 4.3 ft | 79.4 °F | boardshorts or a swimsuit and a rash guard |
| September | 4.3 ft | 79.8 °F | boardshorts or a swimsuit and a rash guard |
| October | 4.4 ft | 79.8 °F | boardshorts or a swimsuit and a rash guard |
| November | 4.5 ft | 78.8 °F | boardshorts or a swimsuit and a rash guard |
| December | 5.0 ft | 77.3 °F | boardshorts or a swimsuit and a rash guard |
Average wave height each month in the open sea off the coast (Copernicus ERA5, 2011–2020) and normal water temperature for the month (NOAA OISST, 1991–2020). An average hides the flat days and the big ones: a month averaging 4.9 ft has both.
How we calculate the surf score
We score each hour of the day from 0 to 10 with simple, fixed rules, using Open-Meteo’s sea and wind forecast:
- Surf at the shore: from the swell and the wind swell (height, period and direction), the share that reaches this coast given the way it faces, and the Komar and Gaughan breaking-wave formula, cut by 15%. A longer period makes bigger surf: 3.3 ft at 8 s gives about 3.9 ft sets; at 14 s, about 4.9 ft.
- Size: from 0 points with no waves to 7 with 4.6 to 6.6 ft sets; bigger surf scores lower (from 7.2 ft it’s for experienced surfers, and beach breaks tend to close out).
- Period: from −2.5 points for wind swell under 6 s to +2 for swell of 17 s or more (0 at 10 s). If wind swell carries half the energy, −1 more (messy waves).
- Wind: calm and light offshore add 1, but strong offshore takes away; onshore takes points away from 4 mph, up to 6.5 points; cross-shore, a bit less.
- Thunderstorms take away 4. With sets under 1.0 ft it’s flat: the score stays at 1 or less.
- Daily score: the average of the best window, 1 to 4 hours in a row between first and last light.
- The tide doesn’t count: every break has its own. We show it so you can pick.
- Wetsuit, from the day’s coldest water: from 75 °F, boardshorts; from 72 °F, rash guard or top; from 66 °F, springsuit; from 63 °F, 3/2; from 57 °F, 4/3; from 52 °F, 5/4 with booties; colder, 6/5 hooded with booties and gloves.
Today, in the best window: 6.4 for size, +0 for period and +1 for wind; the window scores 7.4 out of 10.
It’s an estimate for this stretch of coast, not for a specific break: we don’t know the bottom of each beach or reef or which tide it likes. The wave model sits offshore, a few kilometers out, and doesn’t see small sheltered corners. Use it to pick the day and time, and check the surf when you get there.
Before you paddle out
- Follow the flags and the lifeguards: with a red flag, stay out.
- Watch for rip currents: if one pulls you out, don’t swim against it; swim parallel to the shore until you’re out of it and raise an arm for help.
- Pick waves at your level. If in doubt, stay on the beach or go with a surf school.
- Respect priority: the wave belongs to the surfer closest to where it breaks. Don’t drop in and don’t let go of your board.
- Don’t surf alone in big surf or after dark, and get out of the water in a thunderstorm.
- In cold water, wear the right wetsuit and booties: cold wears you out faster than you think.
Questions about surfing in Punalu'u Black Sand Beach
Are there waves to surf in Punalu'u Black Sand Beach today?
Today is a good day (7 out of 10). The best time is from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, with 2.6–4.0 ft surf at the shore: a good size and glassy water.
What about tomorrow? When is the best time to surf in Punalu'u Black Sand Beach?
Tomorrow, Thursday, October 29, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, with 2.8–4.4 ft surf and a score of 8 out of 10.
Which day this week is best for surfing in Punalu'u Black Sand Beach?
Thursday, October 29, with a 8 out of 10: its best time is from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, with 2.8–4.4 ft surf.
What is offshore wind and why does it matter?
It blows from the land out to sea: it holds the wave up, makes it peel and keeps it clean. Onshore wind makes waves break early and choppy. In Punalu'u Black Sand Beach the coast faces toward the southeast, so offshore wind blows from the northwest.
What wave height do you show?
The height at the shore, where waves break: from the average wave to the sets (the biggest ones, which come every few minutes). We work it out from the swell and its period; it isn’t the offshore wave height.
What tide is best for surfing in Punalu'u Black Sand Beach?
It depends on the break: some work at low tide and others at high tide, and with a big tidal range the waves change through the day. Today: high 5:29 am (3.0 ft), low 12:01 pm (0.9 ft), high 4:25 pm (1.5 ft) and low 10:42 pm (-0.3 ft). Ask a local surf school.
What wetsuit do I need to surf in Punalu'u Black Sand Beach?
Water at 80.6 °F: boardshorts or a swimsuit and a rash guard. If it’s windy or you’ll be out for a long session, go thicker.
When is it less crowded?
We don’t have crowd data, but it’s usually quieter early in the morning (first light today is at 5:59 am) and on weekdays. Early mornings also tend to have lighter wind.
Is it a good day to learn?
With 2.6–4.0 ft surf at the shore, yes: pick a sandy beach with lifeguards or go with a surf school.
How is the score calculated?
From the surf height at the shore (worked out from the swell, its period and direction), the period, the wind swell, the wind (offshore or onshore) and thunderstorms. Each part adds or takes away fixed points and the score sums up the best daylight window out of 10. It’s an estimate for the coast, not for a specific break.
More about Punalu'u Black Sand Beach today
Learn more
Our own calculation: waves, wind and water from Open-Meteo (Météo-France, ECMWF, NOAA GFS and Copernicus Marine, CC BY 4.0), sun from astronomy-engine, tide from Honuapo (NOAA), wave climate from ERA5 (Copernicus) and water climate from NOAA OISST. Surf spots: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Slackwater database (https://github.com/openwatersio/slackwater-database)