Ala Moana Bowls is a surf spot located in Oahu South Shore, Hawaii. The spot provides both left and right waves. It’s situated near Magic Island Lagoon and is known for its coral reef bottom. Bowls works on all tides and is considered a world-class wave. The spot is suitable for intermediate surfers and offers regular waves with lengths ranging from 50 to 150 meters. Bowls is most consistent during solid south to southwest swells, performing best with medium tide and light northeast trade winds. The wave’s formation resulted from dredging for Ala Wai Harbor, creating a unique reef structure. On smaller days, Bowls offers a shorter right, while larger swells produce hollow, heavy barrels. Access is possible by walking to Magic Island’s end or paddling from the nearby beach. The spot can get crowded, especially when waves are waist-high or bigger. Respect for locals and following surf etiquette is crucial here. Be aware of potential hazards like urchins, rocks, and man-made dangers. The parking lot near Hawaiian Hilton Village is known for theft, so don’t leave valuables in your car. Check your skills before paddling out to ensure the spot matches your level. Historically, Gerry Lopez, known as Mr. Pipeline, frequently surfed Ala Moana Bowls in his youth, honing his casual style and tube riding skills. This spot played a role in his development as a surfer before he became famous for his performances at Pipeline. When planning your surf session, consider checking the surf forecast, report, and map. Some nearby spots include In Betweens, Kaisers, and Bomboras. Remember to always prioritize safety and respect for other surfers when visiting Ala Moana Bowls. Check out the good surf at Ala Moana Bowls in the next 7 days, the webcams, the full forecast report, or see the spot on the surf map.
Tides play a role in determining wave quality at many surf spots, but some locations like Ala Moana Bowls remain consistent regardless of tidal changes. In these spots, the depth of the water over the seabed stays relatively stable, meaning the waves break in a similar way throughout the tidal cycle. Whether it's high, medium, or low tide, the wave conditions at these spots are largely unaffected, offering consistent surf sessions at any time of day.
Near spots
There are 70 surf spots within a range of 100 km from Ala Moana Bowls. Use this section to find alternative spots that may be less crowded, better suited for your surfing skills, or offer a better forecast report for the next 7 days. Each spot includes detailed surf reports, forecast updates, and webcam views to help you plan. Whether you're seeking less crowded alternatives or simply exploring a region, the list of nearby surf spots is an essential tool.
See all 70 surf spots