South Swell Hits as Northeaster Declines

By Carlos Rock

Ho’okipa. Photo: Carlos Rock.

The north/northeast swell peaked over the weekend at 3 to 5 feet, at the most exposed reefs along Maui’s north- and east-facing shores.

The weekend was action-packed as the swell rose late Saturday and peaked Sunday. Marathons of two or three sessions per day are generally the norm during swells over the weekend.

There were some nice lines coming in from a different direction than what is normally seen at places like Ho’okipa Beach Park. However, at other spots the mixed swell crossed up some of the waves at other spots in Waiehu, and the high tide didn’t help either, but there were still great waves coming in if you had some patience.

Afternoon crowds. Photo: Carlos Rock.

As always there were plenty of surfers on hand to take advantage of the swell which was bigger than anticipated. The swell was bigger likely because of the direction. There is nothing blocking Maui coming from the N/NE direction so all of the power of the swell was able to really focus on the reefs along the north shore.

This N/NE swell was not necessarily the most favorable direction, but it did provide another way to look at how some spots handle a decently big NE swell. And Ho’okipa did just fine, as it normally does.

Monday kicked off the work week, and there is still some swell hanging around Ho’okipa and other east-facing shores. But, the N/NE swell is on the decline so get out there before it completely disappears.

The point looking really fun. Photo: Carlos Rock.

There is a nice south swell set to hit today (9/24) in the 3 to 5-foot range which should see some action at spots out in Lahaina as well as Makena/LaPerouse. That ought to spread out the crowds with news of this south swell because there hasn’t been a good south swell in a couple months.

Fall is approaching and there has already been a few north swells to give surfers a little preview of the inevitability of big winter swells. The water is still warm and it’s nice to surf on the north shore before the water and the wind cools down, making for some chilly sessions.

Hopefully there are some more north swells on the way after this week because the forecast looks pretty small for the north shore.