Surfers, from left, Emow, Mike Jenkins and Chris LaPan, all of Kalihi, survey wave conditions off Kewalo Basin today before heading into the water. Richard Ambo • The Honolulu Advertiser

Even in the half-light of 5:30 a.m., everyone knew, however. It wasn't hitting yet.

Independent surf forecasters and the National Weather Service have been tracking a swell churning toward the Islands since last week. Predictions have fluctuated over the last few days with wave faces now expected to range from 10 feet to 12 feet as early as today.

"It didn't arrive yet," said Dyane Taylor as she pulled a towel around her body. "It's still sleeping, I think. But the conditions are nice."

Winds were light and the waves consistent. Not a bad way to greet the day and prepare for work, the 49-year-old Taylor said, although a lot of other surfers had the same idea.

There were 15 people out when Taylor paddled into the lineup today instead of the usual pre-work crowd of 4 or 5.

"It was so crowded," she said.

Ko Kuroda was among them. The 26-year-old surf shop employee figured the better waves are still somewhere over the horizon.

"It had some shoulder high waves," he said. "Hopefully this afternoon it will be better. It was good though. Good fun."

That's always the most important part. Catching a good swell requires skill and a bit of luck.

And timing.

"Actually, it looks like something is coming now," said Jon Nishimoto, who sat in his car pulling on shoes so he could head for work.

Maybe the afternoon swell and tides would be better, he said, but he won't be there.

"I gotta work," he said with a sigh. "And pick up the kids. But maybe I can get out tomorrow."