Overview
Kalapaki is a gentle, forgiving break tucked deep inside Nawiliwili Bay, with the Marriott sitting right on the beach. Waves peel both left and right over a mix of uneven reef and sand, which makes it an easy-going place for beginners and longboarders to get in the water.
When It Works
Kalapaki draws swell from southeast through south (SE-S), with southeast (SE) the direction that suits it best. It works from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 1.2 m / 4 ft, so it favours the smaller, mellower end of the scale. Consistency is on the lower side, so it pays to time your session for when a swell actually lines up.
Wind and Tide
Look for a north (N) offshore wind to clean up the faces. The break can work through most of the tide, across low, mid, and high, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This is a friendly wave for beginners, and the lineup gets busy when it is on, so expect plenty of company in the water.
Access
A surf school operates at the beach, and parking is easy with both free parking and roadside spots nearby.
