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.
Sat, May 16: 2–3ft, 11s period, rated Fair. Expect 3-4ft all day on ENE swell at 8s with 7mph E winds — nothing amazing but surfable.
Sun, May 17: 2–3ft, 11s period, rated Poor - Fair. Not the most exciting day — 2-3ft and poor - fair conditions with moderate E wind around 8mph.
Mon, May 18: 1–2ft, 10s period, rated Poor. Morning kicks off with 1-2ft on NNW swell at 9s. Expect 13mph ENE winds by the afternoon.
Tue, May 19: 1–2ft, 14s period, rated Poor. A slow one — 1-2ft waves and poor conditions with 14mph out of the E.
Wed, May 20: 2–3ft, 11s period, rated Poor - Fair. Get out early for the best of it — 2-3ft waves on NNW swell at 10s and strong ENE wind at 15mph. Conditions go downhill through the afternoon.
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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 3-4ft with a 11.6s swell period. Wind is E at 10mph and conditions are rated Fair. The forecast updates hourly so you can plan your session around the cleanest windows.
The current breaking wave height at Pipeline is 3-4ft, produced by a 2.6ft ENE primary swell at 8s, a 2.5ft NW secondary swell at 12s, a 1.4ft N tertiary swell at 7s. 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 Saturday from 6 AM to 9 AM with 3ft waves, a 11.25s 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.
