Waves Are Expected to Build By Week’s End

A bodyboarder and standup paddler enjoy Ho’okipa’s gifts on Christmas morning last month. Photo by Riley Yap.

By Riley Yap

Wave activity will continue to decline this evening although a combination of north to northwest swells is projected to build through Tuesday, Jan. 7, peaking to potentially double overhead sets at the best exposures.

The waves have been very satisfying for Maui’s ocean athletes over what was a very breezy weekend. Let’s hope that the surf will remain active. Steady reinforcements of moderate to high northwest swells are on their way and should keep us happy through the remainder of the week.

No significant swells to mention in the forecast, however, the next swell in line should reach our shores Thursday (Jan. 9) with a reinforcement arriving Friday (Jan. 10) which will likely keep the surf steady through the weekend.

The pavilions at Ho’okipa Beach Park during sunrise on Christmas morning last month. Photo by Riley Yap.

Here is the surf report for today: North and northwest facing shores should see a range of surf from 4 to 8-foot faces, with waves on the decline making way for a longer period northwest swell. Upper and lower west facing shores arguably offering the best waves around the island today with waves of 3 to 5-foot faces, expect waves to rise this evening. East facing shores will be experiencing strong wind swell and should be around 3 to 4-foot faces, possibly bigger at select breaks. South shores flat to 2 feet with no solid swell.