Swimming Pools is a surf spot located in Big Island, Hawaii. The spot provides left waves. It features an exposed reef break with fairly consistent waves throughout the year. The best conditions for surfing occur when a north-northeast swell combines with offshore winds from the south-southwest. Swimming Pools has a boulder bottom and works best on medium to high tides. The spot is suitable for intermediate surfers and offers regular waves with a length of 50-150 meters. The area is typically uncrowded, providing a more secluded surfing experience. Nearby spots include Kohala Lighthouse, Kapaniah, Keokea Beach Park, Coast Guard, and Waipio Valley. The water temperature at Swimming Pools averages around 26.6°C (79.9°F), making it comfortable for surfing without a wetsuit. Surfers should be aware of potential hazards such as urchins, rocks, and sharks. It’s important to check your skills before paddling out to ensure the spot and conditions match your surfing level. To access Swimming Pools, you’ll need to find a trustworthy local guide as it’s a hidden spot. The journey involves driving to the northern part of the island, then following a small road to a cattle gate. From there, it’s about a 15-minute walk down a path. It’s advisable to surf only during daylight hours and leave by 4 PM due to increased shark activity at dusk. The spot offers a view similar to Honolua Bay, where surfers can be watched from the cliff. On big days with 10-foot waves, the surf can be intense and exciting. Remember to always respect the locals and follow surf etiquette, especially when the spot is crowded. When planning your surf session, it’s helpful to check the surf forecast and report for the most up-to-date conditions. While there may not be a webcam available for this secluded spot, a map can be useful for navigation. Always prioritize safety and be prepared for the challenging conditions at Swimming Pools. Check out the good surf at Swimming Pools in the next 7 days, the webcams, the full forecast report, or see the spot on the surf map.
Tides have a significant impact on wave quality at certain surf spots like Swimming Pools, causing conditions to vary throughout the tidal cycle. As the tide moves between high and low, the water depth over the seabed changes, affecting how the waves break. At these spots, high tide usually produce softer, slower waves, while low tide can generate faster, steeper waves. Some spots have specific tide stages when they work best, offering optimal conditions only at certain times of the day.
Near spots
There are 41 surf spots within a range of 100 km from Swimming Pools. 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 41 surf spots