Honls is a flexible, reliable wave with something for just about everyone. It breaks close to shore over an uneven reef and peels both left and right, so it stays easy to reach while still holding some shape.
When It Works
Honls works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft and picks up all types of west swell. The walls vary in speed and can get pretty hollow when the swell lines up with the preferred southwest (SW) direction. Once it pushes past overhead it tends to self destruct, so the cleaner rides come on smaller to mid-sized swell.
Wind and Tide
Any trade wind direction is workable here, with northeast (NE) the offshore setup. It's surfable across low, mid, and high tide, and a rising tide is generally the better call. At high tide the uneven reef sits safely covered, taking some of the bite out of the bottom.
Local Tips
Expect a busy lineup, especially at high tide when the reef is under water. Honls pulls in a real mix of surfers, and even local bodyboard legend Mike Stewart is known to ride here. If you need a board or a lesson, surf instructors and rentals are just across Ali'i Dr.
Access
There's a car park with free parking, plus roadside parking nearby.
