Summary
Oahu is nothing less than the world’s most famous surfing destination. Home of the sport of surfing itself. Filled with stories and legends, a surf trip to Oahu has a lot to offer on every aspect.
Read: Which Hawaiian island should you chose for a surf trip?
The surf on Oahu already has a very solid reputation. Anybody who is the tiniest bit into surfing has to at least watch a northwesterly winter swell roll onto the north shore. Picture perfect Pipeline spiting out one of many professional surfers who decide to spend winter down there to try to tame the monster and practice their tube riding skills.
Although Oahu has one of the deadliest wave on Earth, it is also pretty friendly for beginners who want to get into the sport. That’s the good thing about islands. You can have 20 feet waves on one side of the island and 3 feet waves on the other side.
To find the best surfing destination for you, try our WaveFinder search engine!
Oahu is also good for hiking, cultural visiting or straight up beach bumming. Having such popular spots like Pipeline or Waikiki, crowds are obviously an issue here but if you don’t mind sharing the line-up and spreading the Aloha spirit, then Oahu should be on top of your list.
If you still want to surf in Hawaii but a bit further away from the crowds, then maybe Big Island, Maui or Kauai could suit you better.
When to go
The best time to surf Oahu, Hawaii depends on what kind of conditions you are looking for. November to March is the big surfing season on Oahu’s North Shore while swells are consistently pushed towards the Hawaiian islands. There are also some nice and mellow south swells to be found on the south side of Oahu during this season.
April to October will offer decent south swells and almost nonexistent northern swells. This season will also be drier and warmer.
Even in the winter months, beginners can find waves in Hawaii, make sure to check with local surf schools. If in doubt, don’t go out.
January-February March-April May-June July-August September-October November-December
Suitable for: All surfers All surfers All surfers All surfers All surfers All surfers
Air temperature 25°C
77°F25°C
77°F29°C
84°F27°C
81°F28°C
82°F26°C
79°F
Water temperature 25°C
77°F25°C
77°F26°C
79°F27°C
81°F25°C
77°F25°C
77°F
Crowd Very crowded Very crowded Very crowded Very crowded Very crowded Very crowded
Swell consistency 95% 95% 90% 90% 90% 95%
Swell height 9ft 9ft 7ft 5ft 5ft 8ft
Also read: The World’s 25 Best Surfing Islands!
Surf Camps in Oahu
7-day North Shore Surf Camp in Oahu
US$3,995, includes:
- Daily surf lessons
- Stand up paddle board practice
- Prime location less than a mile from Sunset Beach
- Easy access to Valzyland, Sunset Beach, Pipeline, and Waimea
- Amazing surf breaks for all levels
- Breakfasts, lunch, and snacks
- 6 nights’ accommodation
- Including boards hire
- Transfers
In winter, the North Shore is the best place to stay and surf on Oahu. From Haleiwa to Sunset Beach there will be several hotels and home rentals as well as many surf spots.
During the summer months, Waikiki is a very popular place to stay and surf on Oahu. Waves are good through summer and you will find many restaurants, bars and activities around this area.
Browse our interactive map to find the best place to stay on Oahu!
Getting there
Honolulu is the only way in. You can fly from any major Hawaiian island or from the mainland. To get around, hiring a car is definitely the best option even if the bus system is pretty cheap and reliable.
Safety/things to know
-Hawaii doesn’t have a reputation for no reason. The waves can be very big and mean with swells coming from nowhere and doubling in size in a matter of minutes. Be very careful. If in doubt, don’t go out.
Surf spots in Oahu
Pipeline/backdoor
Pipeline is possibly the world’s most famous wave attracting surfers and tourists from all around the globe. In winter, North-westerly swells hit the shallow tabletop reef in dramatic fashion creating a perfect barreling A-frame. The left is Pipeline while the right is called Backdoor. Crowds get very heavy so if you don’t know exactly what you are doing, stay on the beach, watch the pros and paddle out at another of the 50+ surf spots on the North Shore.
Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Advanced
Optimal swell direction : NW
Optimal wind direction : SE
Waikiki
There are A LOT of surf spots in Waikiki…Canoes, Ala Moana, Queens and Kaisers just to name a few. It is the most convenient place on the island to learn how to surf with many surf schools and board rentals. There is also a lot of accommodation, restaurants and nightlife opportunities.
Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Reef and sand
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : S
Optimal wind direction : NE
Makaha
Wave direction : Right
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Mid to high
Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
Optimal swell direction : NW
Optimal wind direction : E
Waimea Bay
Waimea Bay is a legendary big wave surf spot as well as a fun shore break. This spot works through most of winter and on small days, you might be lucky and be able to surf the river!
Wave direction : Right
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Advanced
Optimal swell direction : NW
Optimal wind direction : SE
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