As Haleiwa swells in size, it transforms into a formidable force capable of challenging even the most accomplished surfers. The main break at Haleiwa features a rugged, V-shaped reef, peaking 300 yards off the beach and delivering a hard right in a series of thick sections, culminating in the notorious closeout known as Toilet Bowl. Adding to the intensity is a swift-moving rip current, drawing water from the Avalanche reef flush-out and coursing across the outer edges of Haleiwa's reef. Large WNW swells demand constant paddling akin to salmon swimming upstream, lest you find yourself drifting into the harbor channel and ultimately out to sea. 

Navigating the inside section requires paddling for dear life to evade danger, as the current pulls eastward towards the harbor while waves swing wider from the west. On these formidable days, paddling with all your might on the inside may result in backward progress towards the impact zone, making falling on the first wave of a set particularly punishing. A prudent approach involves riding waves all the way to the end, kicking out as far as possible into the channel, and utilizing the current to return to the lineup while steering clear of the impact zone.

During smaller surf conditions, especially on NW to NNW angled swells, Haleiwa may appear deceptively harmless, resembling a playful beach break. Savvy surfers at Haleiwa leverage the rip current, positioning themselves a few yards wide of the takeoff, and allowing it to guide them into position for desired waves. Conversely, less astute surfers head straight to the takeoff spot, spending precious time paddling against the rip to maintain position.

As the swell diminishes from its peak, typically around triple overhead, the wave softens and begins breaking on shallower sections of the reef, offering deep tubes. Overhead to double overhead-plus waves from the WNW-NW direction represent the optimal size and direction for Haleiwa—too much north is shadowed by Pua'ena Point, while too west is shadowed by Avalanche and Kauai. When surf is below head high, Haleiwa presents itself as a playful, semi-closed-out beach break, with a left beginning to peel back towards the harbor wall from the middle of the reef. Additionally, beginners may find enjoyment in a foot-high reform just a few yards from the sand on the inside.