Ala Moana Bowls, Rockpiles & Kaiser Bowl

A surfing spot well known by locals and surfers! It’s a tubular spot for intermediate to pro level surfers. On a flat day I will cautiously even toss beginners into the mix too, but be aware it’s a crowded spot no matter what the conditions! That being said… The «regulars» can be very territorial if you’re an outsider. Think of the movie «Point Break» starring «Patrick Swayze» & «Keanu Reeves». Kinda. Just no bank robbers, or jumping out a plane at 10,000 feet! Once again, some may treat you like a fire hydrant and guess who’s the Great Dane? Eh, you the fire hydrant, Brah!
Respect! Simply respect the area and give the choice spots away and you’ll be okay. Just being real. Really, it’s not as bad as it used to be when one Blallah might give you a knuckle sandwich just for giving «stink eye» even if you didn’t mean to. Respect the land, ocean, and people and you’ll be okay. Be careful with the beach bunnies because she or he might be waiting for someone with REAL tribal tattoos. Respect, respect, respect! Oh, and don’t be fake either. People here can see through that!
Many ways to get to the one mile stretch of waves. Many park in the lot near the Ala Wai Boat Harbor, but please read the signs because many require parking fees. Some like to park across at Magic Island. Really the choice is yours, just remember the closer you get to Waikiki, the parking gets more premium and more rare. Use your best judgement and do not — DO NOT — leave any valuables visible because it’s way too tempting for some. Leave it at home, or in the trunk before –BEFORE — you get here! Eyes are everywhere — you have been warned! Once you park simply paddle out towards the surfers! Generally surfers and body boarders have their marked spots, so just take note of who’s around you! I would recommend against SUP wave riding in this area, unless you’re somebodies BIG Uncle!
Waves on a typical day are quite manageable at 1 – 4 feet, but sometimes, like this weekend, when the Southshore is hit with «Northshore» like waves! Today it was a steady 6 – 12 footers! When the tides are running magic here expect the Paparazzi and every Kelly Slater wannabe!
CAUTION:
— Urchins
— Rocks & Coral
— Man-​made danger (buoys etc.)
— Localism
— Pollution
— Crowded
— Valuables (leave it at home, hide it, or keep it on you)
TIDE, SWELL AND WIND:
— Good swell direction: Southwest, South, Southeast
— Good wind direction: North, Northwest, East
Overall, a great place to surf, bodyboard or even bunny hop on the shore! The Magic Island side has a nice stretch of sand and on the Harbor side you have the Hilton beaches and some pukas of sand here and there. The convenience of being in town and not «all da way» to Sunset or «all da way» to Makaha makes this spot a popular hangout!
Lastly, I strongly believe in public access and sharing. I also strongly believe in RESPECT and KARMA too. Just be a good soul and everything will take care of itself… Be a jackass and get beaten with the infamous «Ugly Stick!» Surfs Up Brah! Aloha! Not FAKE Aloha! REAL Aloha! There’s a big difference;)
OVERALL GRADE: 4.8-STARS!
Unilocal REVIEW #458/​500