Located on the South Shore of Oahu and synonymous with Waikiki and the history of surfing itself is the infamous Ala Moana Bowls. In the 1970s the most futuristic surfers for the time, were setting standards that are still observed today. Trend-setters such as Gerry Lopez, Buttons Kaluhiokalani, Larry Bertlemann, and Mark Liddell, pushed modern tube-riding and progressive surfing to a new level right here. The clear blue, tropical water, will have you enchanted and content on small, fun days. However, when there is a solid swell, Ala Moana is biggest and most serious break on the South Shore. The main outside peak quickly rifles into a pitching bowl section and grinds into a man-made freshwater drainage channel at the Ala Wai Harbor entrance. Use caution when deciding to paddle out here, especially on a good swell, as it is the most competitive spot on the South Shore. There are many advanced surfers here, as well as potentially grumpy locals. If you are not experienced, it is better to kick back and enjoy the amazing view. The waves here break for up to 50 meters over a coral reef.
What are the best surf conditions for Ala Moana Bowls, Oahu?
Gets good between waist-high and triple overhead. We recommend riding a fish or longboard here when smaller and a shortboard then step up as the size picks up. This break is suitable for all levels of surfers, but beginners should stick to the underhead high days. The surf here is pretty consistent (6/10) and will get insanely crowded (9/10). The best winds are from the North. The best swells are from the South, Southeast, and Southwest. Works on all tides.
We recommend wearing boardshorts or a bikini year round here. Water temperatures don’t fall below 24 and range as high as 27. See the temperature chart below for more data on this.
