Banyans

Fast intense reef break with crystal clear barrels.

Banyans is the Big Island's most popular reef break, an A-frame peak in Kailua-Kona that produces quality waves year-round thanks to its west-facing exposure. The right side offers clean, holdable walls with turn sections and occasional barrels, while the left throws a wide-open barrel on takeoff before ending in a dumping closeout over shallower reef. Summer south and southwest swells march in unobstructed, while winter brings west and west-northwest energy that sneaks past the island chain. Best at medium to high tide with east offshore winds due to the shallow reef, and January tends to be the most consistent month for clean surf. The lineup draws the Big Island's best surfers and regularly hosts local contests, making it a busy and sometimes intense experience — urchins and localism are the main hazards alongside the shallow reef.

Best months to surf Banyans

Wave consistency

Consistent

Things to do nearby

• Explore the historic town of Kailua-Kona and its shops and restaurants
• Visit the nearby Hulihee Palace, a historic royal residence
• Take a snorkeling or diving tour to explore the Big Island's underwater life
• Enjoy a cup of locally grown Kona coffee at one of the island's many coffee farms