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OAHU · NORTH SHORE

Rocky Point

Water quality status & surf hazard guide — North Shore Oʻahu

📍 North Shore, Oʻahu · between Pipeline and Sunset Beach

Checking live advisories…
Reef Break — Experienced Surfers Only in Winter
Rocky Point breaks over a shallow reef with sharp lava rock. During winter swells (October–April), this is an expert-only surf spot. Stay out of the water unless you are an experienced reef surfer.
Learn about brown water advisories →
Historical Bacteria Risk
⚠ Historical rating — based on long-term data, not current conditions.
Moderate Risk 3 / 5

Rocky Point is in the middle of the North Shore surf corridor, between Ehukai Beach (Pipeline) and Sunset Beach. Like other North Shore breaks, the area has moderate bacteria risk driven by nearby streams, agricultural land, and seasonal rainfall. The DOH monitors Ehukai Beach nearby and issues advisories for the broader area after significant rain events.

During dry summer months, water quality improves and conditions become safer for experienced ocean users. The heavy winter swells that make this area famous also bring increased runoff risk during storm systems.

Based on: North Shore stream monitoring, agricultural runoff proximity, DOH Ehukai Beach data

⚠️ The 72-Hour Rain Rule

Stay out for at least 72 hours after heavy rain. North Shore streams and agricultural land significantly increase bacteria levels after major rain events.

The Breaks at Rocky Point

Rocky Point is actually a cluster of surf breaks centered around a rocky headland between Pipeline and Sunset Beach. The main breaks include:

Rocky Rights
Fast right-hand reef break. Intermediate to advanced.
Rocky Lefts
Left-hand break in the same area. Can be very fun on the right swell.
Off the Wall
Located directly across from Pipeline. Heavy, hollow, breaks over very shallow reef. Experts only.
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⚠️ Important Disclaimer

Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project — not affiliated with the Hawaii Department of Health. Ratings are estimates based on publicly available data. Not real-time measurements.

Always verify with the Hawaii DOH Clean Water Branch.

When in doubt, don't go out. 🤙

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