Overview
Anahola Bay is a mellow spot on the northeastern lobe of the island, where the swell breaks well beyond a calm inside section on the northern edge of a barrier reef. The main wave peels over reef, while the inside of the bay is sand. It can suit all levels depending on the swell, but the point itself is really one for intermediate to experienced surfers once it starts pumping.
When It Works
Anahola has a wide swell window to the North Pacific and picks up anything from north to east, with north to northeast swell the best match. It works from 1.5 m / 5 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft. Winter is the standout season, when passing storm fronts line up the right conditions; the summer tradeswell is at least rideable, though usually paired with onshore wind. That steady easterly tradeswell keeps the spot very consistent, yet those same easterly trades tend to blow onshore, so genuinely clean days turn up less often than the reliable swell might suggest. The best sessions come together when a north to northeast swell meets an approaching front.
Wind and Tide
Offshore here is south-southwest, and the workable wind window runs from south to west-southwest. That is exactly what the winter fronts tend to deliver as they swing the wind into the S-to-SW quadrant. On the tide, it works through low and mid, with a rising tide the better call.
Local Tips
The lineup stays quiet, with a somewhat reserved feel, so it pays to keep things mellow. Depending on size it welcomes everyone from beginners to experts, and it takes a wide range of craft, from shortboard and fish to bodyboard, skimboard, and kiteboard, or simply bodysurfing. The paddle out isn't hard, just long up to the top of the point, and the longer the ride, the longer the paddle back.
Access
Access is easy: you can enter the water from anywhere along the sandy beach in the bay. Keep an eye out for sections of shallow reef, currents, and sharks.
