The South Shore Surf Guide Series: Threes
Threes Is the Best Right-Hander on Oahu's South Shore
Threes is arguably the best right-hander in Town — fast, racy, and hollower than most waves along the Waikiki stretch, at least at low tide.
A great noseriding wave from waist to chest high, Threes is extremely rippable once it gets bigger than that, and even offers the occasional barrel. At high tide it tends to get a bit fat — still fun on a longboard and great for foilers.
Photo Courtesy from Surfline
Threes Fires on Head-High-Plus South Swell — Half a Mile Offshore
Threes is located a few hundred yards east of Kaisers, nearly half a mile offshore — the paddle is always a commitment. But it's worth it when a solid south or southwest swell is pulsing. Threes is best when that swell is in the head-high-plus range.
North or northeast winds are best. East-northeast works too. Easterly trades will send some devil ribs up the face, but if the swell is pumping, there will still be a crowd.
Access Threes from Hale Koa Hotel Beach — Feed the Parking Meter
The most direct access to Threes is from the small beach in front of the Hale Koa Hotel. There's ample parking at Fort DeRussy, but make sure you feed the meter enough to cover the walk, paddle, surf session, paddle back, and walk back to the car — we are talking multiple hours.
Threes Handles Anything — Shortboards Work Best
Threes is one of the only waves in Waikiki that can support a proper shortboard. Consider something like a Firewire Mashup or Lost MOD Quad. For something more forgiving and quicker down the line, a Firewire Seaside or Lost California Twin will do the trick. But Threes is just as fun on a mid-length or high-performance longboard — even traditional noseriders hang ten on the right days.
More in the HSS South Shore Surf Guide Series:
Frequently Asked Questions About Threes
Where exactly is Threes surf break in Waikiki?
Threes is located a few hundred yards east of Kaisers, roughly half a mile offshore. The most direct access to Threes is from the small beach in front of the Hale Koa Hotel, with parking available at Fort DeRussy. Budget enough time on the meter to cover the full session — including the long paddle each way.
What swell direction is best for Threes?
Threes works on south or southwest swell, and Threes is best when that swell is pulsing in the head-high-plus range. That's when Threes shows its true character — fast, racy, and occasionally hollow. On smaller days Threes is still a good noseriding wave from waist to chest high.
What wind is best for Threes Waikiki?
North or northeast winds are ideal for Threes, though east-northeast works too. Easterly trades will send some chop up the face at Threes, but when the swell is pumping, the crowd will be out there regardless of conditions.
What tide is best for surfing Threes?
Low tide brings out the best in Threes — faster, racier, and hollower than most of the Waikiki stretch. At high tide Threes tends to get fat, though it's still fun on a longboard and worth the paddle for foilers.
What boards work well at Threes?
Threes is one of the only waves in Waikiki that can truly support a proper shortboard. The Firewire Mashup and the Lost MOD Quad are strong picks for Threes. If you want something more forgiving, the Firewire Seaside or the Lost California Twin will get you moving quick down the line. Mid-lengths and high-performance longboards are right at home at Threes too — and you'll even see traditional noseriders hanging ten on the right days.
How crowded does Threes get?
When there's a head-high-plus south or southwest swell running, Threes is the most crowded, competitive lineup on the South Shore. The long paddle keeps casual visitors away from Threes, but everyone in Town knows how good it can get. Come ready to wait your turn and earn your waves.