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.
Sun, May 10: 3–4ft, 10s period, rated Poor - Fair. A slow one — 3-4ft waves and poor - fair conditions with 13mph ENE winds.
Mon, May 11: 4–5ft, 12s period, rated Poor. Dawn patrol is the move — 5-6ft on NNW swell at 12s with moderate ENE wind around 11mph. Surf tapers off through the afternoon to 3-4ft.
Tue, May 12: 3–4ft, 11s period, rated Poor - Fair. Dawn patrol is the move — 3-4ft on NW swell at 10s with 13mph out of the E. Things get a bit scrappier as the day goes on.
Wed, May 13: 2–3ft, 10s period, rated Poor. 1-2ft waves to start the day on NNW swell at 9s.
Thu, May 14: 4–5ft, 16s period, rated Poor - Fair. Dawn patrol is the move — 5-6ft on NW swell at 15s with strong ENE wind at 15mph. Size drops off to 1-2ft by the afternoon.
10s period — conditions are improving beyond your forecast
Free, simple, and takes 30 seconds.
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 10.35s swell period. Wind is ENE at 13mph and conditions are rated Poor - 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 3ft NNW primary swell at 10s, a 1.4ft NW secondary swell at 12s, a 0.4ft SSW tertiary swell at 14s, a 2.8ft NE wind swell swell at 6s. 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 6ft waves, a 11.6s swell period, and conditions rated Fair. 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.
