hey, i have possibility of going to hawaii in aug. and know that is not the ideal time to go for surf. however, want some input on those who would have personal exp. with that time of year and location. i know it would depend on a south swell. also, it seems the group trip idea has fizzled despite interest. i think it is due to folks living in so many directions. thanks to all with input on wetsuit. got one at kcoast that fit.
no wetsuit needed. I went to Maui in late august early september last year and had a blast. We stayed on the west side of the island. In 10 days, I was able to get 3 days of decent chest high surf on the west/southwest side. I had to drive to the north shore and got some surf for two more days... Its a crap shoot there, but stayclose to the southside of maui or oahu and you will be fine. The surf probably wont be epic, but at least in Maui, the windward side (eastside) of the island ALWAYS had 4-6 foot windchopped surf based on the tradewinds constantly being onshore there, so when I caught the right angle and wind blockage up on the north shore, I found waves. The windswell would wrap around the northeast side and hit up by the airport. Wind blockage and stufff... I dont know much about HI, but I was there at that time last year, had a blast, got some ok surf. Nothing to write home about, but it was big long point breaks on a longboard and fish etc... It was really really fun. Very mellow. Easy to surf. Didnt have any trouble finding waves. Most of the spots I surfed, I really dont even know the name. I would just drive around the coast and it changes direction so much that every 5 miles or so it will go from flat to breaking. Good luck.
If you are looking for surf in HI in Aug. Goto Oahu. The south shores are typically good this time of year. The other Islands can see swell but usually not as good as Oahu.
I experienced a 1 month flat spell in Aug of 05' but thats not a common occurrence. All the islands get trade swell which mostly hits the east/south shores. Diamondhead on oahu gets swell year round and is great for longboarding. You never know if a out of season n/w swell is going to show up as well. Lots of great hikes on oahu too. Each island is unique and there are endless possibilities for stuff to do.
I was out in kauai back in august of 01'. South shore in the town of poipu ... got some chest to slightly over head lefts at a reef break in town ... not sure if it has a name or whatever but super fun.
