Oahu
Here's how the next 5 days are shaping up at Pipeline, Oahu. Each day is rated based on breaking wave height, swell period, and wind — updated hourly from the latest NOAA GFS run.
Mon, Apr 13: 5–6ft, 11s period, rated Fair - Good. Dawn patrol is the move — 4-5ft on NW swell at 10s with light winds out of the SE. Things get a bit scrappier as the day goes on.
Tue, Apr 14: 3–4ft, 10s period, rated Fair. Skip the dawn patrol — 2-3ft and fair early on. Later in the day looks more promising — 3-4ft and fair - good.
Wed, Apr 15: 2–3ft, 10s period, rated Fair. Expect 2-3ft all day on NW swell at 10s with light E winds — nothing amazing but surfable.
Thu, Apr 16: 2–3ft, 10s period, rated Poor. Afternoon is the play — morning is only poor at 2-3ft. Things come together by the afternoon with 2-3ft at fair.
Fri, Apr 17: 1–2ft, 12s period, rated Poor. A slow one — 1-2ft waves and poor conditions with light E winds.
Dawn patrol is the move — 4-5ft on NW swell at 10s with light winds out of the SE. Things get a bit scrappier as the day goes on.
Skip the dawn patrol — 2-3ft and fair early on. Later in the day looks more promising — 3-4ft and fair - good.
Expect 2-3ft all day on NW swell at 10s with light E winds — nothing amazing but surfable.
Pipeline is a legendary reef break on Oahu's North Shore that produces some of the world's most powerful and hollow barrels. The wave stands up steeply on a shallow reef with a sharp take-off zone, creating intense hollow tubes that demand expert technique and split-second timing. This iconic spot is best in winter when North Pacific swells arrive with consistency, though it can turn dangerously shallow and fast during larger swells.
Wave heights shown are breaking wave heights — the actual rideable wave size at this spot.
The current wave height at Pipeline is 4-5ft with a 10.6s swell period. Wind is E at 4mph and conditions are rated Fair - Good. The forecast updates hourly so you can plan your session around the cleanest windows.
The current breaking wave height at Pipeline is 4-5ft, produced by a 4.1ft NW primary swell at 11s, a 0.9ft NE secondary swell at 9s, a 0.7ft SW tertiary swell at 12s. Breaking wave height is the actual rideable wave size at the shore — calculated from offshore swell data using this spot's coastal bathymetry — not the raw buoy reading.
Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf Pipeline is Monday from 6 AM to 9 AM with 4ft waves, a 10.4s swell period, and conditions rated Fair - Good. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.
Pipeline works best with a N, NW swell and S, SE winds. Offshore winds groom the face of the wave, while onshore winds turn it sloppy. Cross-offshore conditions usually produce the cleanest shape.
Tide plays a big role at Pipeline. Mid tide works for most beach breaks, while reef and point breaks often prefer higher or lower stages. Use the tide chart above to line up your session with the swell peak.
Pipeline is a reef with a reef bottom, suited to expert surfers. Pipeline is a legendary reef break on Oahu's North Shore that produces some of the world's most powerful and hollow barrels. The wave stands up steeply on a shallow reef with a sharp take-off zone, creating intense hollow tubes that demand expert technique and split-second timing. This iconic spot is best in winter when North Pacific swells arrive with consistency, though it can turn dangerously shallow and fast during larger swells.
The prime season at Pipeline is winter, when swell direction, wind patterns, and water temps line up most consistently. Outside the peak season you can still score, but you'll need to watch the forecast closely for the right windows.
Common hazards at Pipeline include shallow reef, strong currents, localism, rocks, extreme wave power. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.
Our Pipeline forecast uses NOAA GFS and other weather models combined with spot-specific bathymetry to calculate breaking wave heights. Short-range (1-3 day) forecasts are most reliable. Extended forecasts show general trends. See the forecast accuracy card above for per-spot and regional performance metrics.
