Alligator Rock / Hawaii / United States

This is a place for experienced surfers on account of the big fast waves that come in here.  It's a friendly spot with a good atmosphere, and although it is sometimes busy everybody just takes their turn in the lineup.

The beach here is sandy but very small, just a thin strip of sand with a number of private residences behind it. It is open to the public, and it is a quiet spot during the week but weekends can get crowded. Water temperature around here can be in the mid-20s most of the year round.

The best swells at this spot come from the north, north-west or west, while the wind is good when coming from the south-east, east, or north-east. It is best at mid tide position, and works on both rising and falling tides, and the waves start working at about 1.5 m before holding up to 4 m or so. It is a reef break, both right and left, and the waves here are fast and fun, and not too heavy even when they are big. Length is about average, 100 to 150 m, and on a good day you can get between 200 and 300 m.

There aren't any facilities on the beach, but Haleiwa is a pleasant and decent sized little town and you'll be able to find anything you need here.

You need to be aware of the strong undertow is that can appear round here, and of course you need to keep an eye out for sharks, although basic precautions will keep you safe.