By Crystal

Cliffs is the middle of the three or four separate breaks and also the most popular at Diamond Head. Diamond Head is most often the recipient of the best waves during passing south swells receiving sets a good 1-2 ft Hawaiian size bigger than other southern breaks and because of its location is also able to pick up on east wind swells. Though Diamond Head benefits from the winds, it also suffers on gustier days. Ideal trades for Diamond Head are during the spring and early fall when it runs in an ENE direction which allows for a solid wind next to the beach and ideal winds in the surf zone. The water typically remains calmer if you’re able to get a session in before 10 am and peaks between 11 am and 2 pm. The wind dies down again between 3 and 3:30 pm and is usually quite peaceful around 4 pm. For specific surf spot location check out our Oahu surf maps.

Crowd factor: There are always a number of surfers at Cliff’s regardless of how windy or tranquil the waters. If the person next to you looks like a regular [and even if they don’t and you want to play it safe] give them the right of way. Here, mistakes are punished back on land. The crowd tends to be a mix or transplant college students, locals, and nearby residents who live in multi-million dollar Diamond Head homes.

Bottom: Reefy – though on the inside it is relatively deep and even if you hit it [cross your fingers and knock on wood] it’s not as razor sharp as notorious Pipe. However, once you hit the break a little know-how is important particularly at low tide. When it gets big at Cliff’s there is a strong longshore current that runs upwind inside the lineup. If you end up in the rip current, swim diagonally across of it, heading upwind, and keeping your feet and arms as shallow and close to your body.

Ability level: Again, the skill level is hugely dependent on the size. On smaller days [ankle to waist high faces] Cliff’s is okay for beginner to advanced surfers. Once it picks up over head high only the advanced [read: regulars and experienced waterpeople] are allowed out [yes, there is a Cliff’s gatekeeper].

Access: A long walk down the side of Diamond Head and an even longer paddle out to the waves.

What board to bring: Both short and longboards work here, depending on the size and specific break [there are 3-4 distinct breaks]. Since Diamond Head also bears the brunt of many wind swells, it’s also perfect for the occasional wind-surfing break.
Places to stay: Located on the edge of Waikiki on Kalakaua Avenue, Diamond Head Beach Hotel offers a beautiful view of scenic Diamond Head. The close proximity to Waikiki means that patrons of the Diamond Head Beach Hotel have access to a variety of beaches, restaurants and stores. This Hawaiian style boutique hotel provides rooms that have been inspired by the laidback Hawaii lifestyle – all rooms are air-conditioned and are provided with refrigerators, cable tv, safes, voicemail and coffeemakers. Larger, one bedroom suites come with full kitchens and many units even have large, private lanais [patios]. Rooms start from around $127 a night. (Ph) 808-922-1928
Places to eat: Sam Choy’s Diamond Head restaurant opened its doors in 1995 on the Diamond Head end of Waikiki. Sam Choy’s original recipes present Hawaii Regional Cuisine at its finest in a comfortable, laid back atmosphere. This restaurant is classier than your run-of-the-mill Zippy’s so you’ll want to come in aloha attire and dust the sand from your slippers and rinse the seaweed from your hair. They are open Monday through Thursday from 5:30 pm until 9:30 pm, Friday through Sunday from 5 pm until 10 pm and for their special “Big Aloha” brunch from buffet from 9:30 am until 2 pm. (Ph) 808-732-8645

Surf shops in the area: Also just off of Kapahulu, Classic Surfboards Hawaii provides classic [hence the name] longboards and shortboards, perfect for those flat or near-flat days, but also versatile enough to be used at faster, pitch-ier breaks such as Diamond Head. Though they are Recently celebrating their 25th anniversary, Classic Surfboards also carries an assorted variety of t-shirts, rashguards, board bags, skegs, stickers and more. If you don’t find a board in stock that suits your fancy you can custom order a board that will fulfill all of your surfing fantasies. (Ph) 808-735-3594

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