Surf conditions
Fours (4s): the western Waikīkī reef
Fours sits in the western Waikīkī reef cluster, between Kaisers and Threes. Follow a named Fours session to get acquainted with this separate stretch of reef.
Place Fours on the coastline
Fours, also written 4s, belongs to the western Waikīkī reef cluster. SFC identifies it between Kaisers and Threes on the aerial map. These neighboring surf areas sit close together, which makes a view of the whole coastline useful before concentrating on an individual wave.
Our aerial marker incorporates SFC’s local identification of Fours. The coastline helps you understand the view; it does not mark a paddle route. Several waves can be visible across this part of the coast, so connect the name with the offshore reef before comparing photos or forecasts.
Watch the session identified as Fours
Nobu Surf’s film above names Fours in its title and describes choosing it after considering busier neighboring breaks. It is a first-person account of one Saturday session. That clear location label makes the footage a useful introduction when you are learning the difference between Fours and Threes.
Watch for the point where the surfer begins paddling, the direction of the board after standing, and the way the ride finishes. Compare more than one wave. Changes within a single session can tell you more about positioning than a photograph of one successful turn.
Put a quiet day in context
A lightly occupied lineup in a film is a moment, not a standing promise. Swell, tide and the people already in the water all affect a session. OUTRIGGER notes that Fours needs more swell to show its potential, so a neighboring peak breaking well does not establish what Fours will be doing.
Look beyond the number of people waiting. Consider whether you can paddle independently, control a missed takeoff and keep clear of someone riding. The time and energy needed to reach offshore water also belong in that decision. Save enough strength for the return rather than planning only around catching waves.
Turn the video into a practical conversation
For a returning surfer, Fours footage can prompt a useful discussion about wave selection. Tell your instructor what you noticed and what you want to practice: catching an unbroken wave, setting a direction earlier, or finishing with better control. Include how recently you surfed and what board you normally use.
For an SFC booking, follow the current confirmation to the harbor meeting point. The crew chooses teaching water around the group and the day’s conditions. Learning the name Fours adds context to Waikīkī’s coastline; the lesson plan still starts with the skills and comfort of the people taking part.
Footage and further reading
Nobu Surf identifies this Waikīkī session as Fours in the original title and description. Follow the original Nobu Surf video and the references below for more about Fours (4s).
Fours (4s) video · Nobu SurfOUTRIGGER: Waikīkī surf mapState of Hawaiʻi: mapped surf breaks, Figure 7-22
Place Fours (4s) along the coast
Find Fours (4s) in the west waikīkī area of Waikīkī, then open the interactive aerial map to see its reef location and compare it with the neighboring breaks.
Aerial: USDA-FSA / NOAA, January 27, 2022. The interactive map shows approximate break areas, not reef depths or entry routes.
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