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Mokuleia Overview
You launch off a slippery ledge so foot protection is required. Just off the launch is a shallow reef. A long shore current runs down wind near shore and gets strong when the surf is up. There are two breaks here when the surf is up. The outer break is thick and mushy but when it breaks it has a lot of force. You can get good rides on the shoulder of this wave. The inner break is fast and exciting! The wave is hollow and breaks over a shallow reef. Get in some turns fast and shoot into the channel downwind before the wave closes.
The thermal effect at Mokes kicks in with normal trade winds (NE-ENE) and clear skies. Once clouds start backing up on the mountains, the wind often shuts down. Best season is summer, due to the warm weather and clear skies. Good riding can also be found in the spring and fall. Unfortunately the best waves are in the winter, but there are usually many good swells in spring/fall, and occasionally the rare summer swell. Waves range from 1ft (faces) to about 16ft. Bigger than that and the break starts closing out.
The ENE wind is side-onshore and is a good setup for wave sailing. The more typical NE trade winds on more onshore making for less optimal wave sailing. Always remember that this is the North Shore and the surf can go up in a matter of minutes. When the surf approaches head high this becomes and expert only place.
KITES: Traditionally a windsurf spot, now days Mokuleia is populated almost exclusively by kites. While locals often launch in the wind-shadowed grass along the parking lot, visitors and beginner/intermediates find the east end of the beach easier and safer with a sandy bottom and lots of beach for laying out lines. Launching from here also allows easier access to breaks east of the park.
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