The South Shore Surf Guide Series: Bowls
Key Concept: This guide covers Ala Moana Bowls — widely regarded as the crown jewel of surfing on Oahu's South Shore. It is written for intermediate-to-advanced surfers who want to understand the wave's character, conditions, crowd dynamics, and board options before paddling out. Whether you're a local heading down for a morning session or a visitor chasing one of the best manmade waves in the world, this is what you need to know.
The Wave
The crown jewel of Town surfing, Ala Moana Bowls is exactly what it sounds like—a bowly left-hander that breaks into a manmade reef pass that was created when the Ala Wai Harbor was dredged? It's a great noseriding wave at waist high, super long and rippable at chest- to head-high, and the best wave on the South Shore (and arguably one of the best manmade waves in the world) at double overhead, when Big Bowl starts churning out barrels as wide as they are tall. This has been the stomping grounds of the best surfers in Town for 60 years, from Gerry Lopez and Dane Kealoha to Zeke Lau and Carissa Moore—and when you see the wave firing, you'll understand why.
Photo Courtesy from American Surf Magazine
The Right at Bowls
There's also a right that breaks off the peak, although it's not as powerful or as perfect. It tends to close out once the swell gets into the chest-high+ range, or if the swell is pretty south (as opposed to southwest). That being said, it's a good pressure release valve for when the crowd gets out of control—and it does that pretty much every day. As one would expect with one of the best waves in Town, this is also one of the busiest waves in the area, with a nonstop procession of people paddling out from the small beach next to the boat harbor.
Crowds and Contests
Bowls is home to the Surf into Summer contest, the NSSA state championships, and a number of other contests throughout the year, so it's important to keep an eye on the contest calendar whenever you are thinking of heading out there. The wave is somewhat localized, although the vibes are often diluted by the huge number of people out there (Bowls is popular with everyone from longboarders and grom shredders to local pros and throngs of Japanese visitors). You'll fit in on just about any type of board, from a post-modern shortboard to a hipster mid-length, traditional log, or Costco soft top—just make sure you understand surfing etiquette, take your turn, and stay out of the way of the grumpy mokes.
Who Surfs Bowls
Bowls is the rare wave that rewards every type of surfer depending on the day. On smaller south swells, it's a longboarder's paradise — long, peeling walls perfect for cross-stepping and nose time. When the swell fills in and Big Bowl starts firing, it becomes a proving ground for the best shortboarders in Town. Whatever you're riding, the standard is high and the lineup knows it. Come prepared to surf well, wait your turn, and respect the crew that calls this place home.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Ala Moana Bowls?
Ala Moana Bowls is a bowly left-hander that breaks into a manmade reef pass created when the Ala Wai Harbor was dredged. It's a great noseriding wave at waist high, super long and rippable at chest- to head-high, and arguably one of the best waves in the world at double overhead, when Big Bowl starts throwing out wide, barreling lefts.
What swell and wind conditions are best for Ala Moana Bowls?
Bowls works on any swell with south in it — from southeast to southwest. The wave is offshore in northeast and east-northeast trade winds, which are the prevailing winds in Honolulu, meaning it's clean most mornings. The peak gets more defined and rippable as swell size increases.
How crowded is Ala Moana Bowls?
Bowls is consistently one of the most crowded waves on the South Shore. The lineup includes everyone from local pros and grom shredders to longboarders and visiting Japanese surfers. A nonstop procession of people paddles out from the small beach next to the boat harbor. Understanding surf etiquette and taking your turn is essential.
Are there surf contests held at Ala Moana Bowls?
Yes — Bowls hosts several contests throughout the year, including the Surf into Summer contest and the NSSA state championships. It's worth checking the contest calendar before you plan a session, as the break will be restricted during event days.
What boards work best at Ala Moana Bowls?
Just about any type of board works at Bowls, which is part of what makes it such a beloved spot. You'll see post-modern shortboards, hipster mid-lengths, traditional logs, and even the occasional Costco soft top in the lineup. The key is choosing a board suited to the day's conditions — smaller, softer days favor longboards and mid-lengths, while bigger, punchier surf rewards shortboards.
Is there a right at Ala Moana Bowls?
There is a right that breaks off the peak, though it's less powerful and less consistent than the left. It tends to close out once the swell gets into the chest-high-plus range or when the swell angle is more directly south than southwest. On smaller, less crowded days, it can serve as a useful pressure valve when the left is packed.