Hawaii is the holy land in the surfing world. Home to many of the world’s most iconic surf spots like Pipeline, Pea’hi and Honolua Bay, Hawaii should be on every surfer’s bucket list.

Not only does Hawaii have great waves, it also raised some of the best and most influential surfers of all time such as Duke Kahanamoku, Eddie Aikau, Andy Irons, Carissa Moore and John John Florence.

Read: How to choose the right Hawaiian Island for a surf trip?

Although Hawaii has some of the biggest waves on Earth, surfers of all skill levels can enjoy a surf trip to Hawaii and truly experience the aloha spirit.

When to go

The best time to go on a surf trip to Hawaii depends on your skill level. The winter months tend to provide massive swells on the north and west sides of all Hawaiian islands while summer months offer nicer waves down south.

Either way, Hawaii has a 360-degree exposure to swells, which allows surfers to find different surfing conditions within a small driving distance. Therefore, if waves are too big up north, you may find a nice and sheltered surf spot down south with smaller conditions.

How to decide which Hawaiian island to visit

The big question when it comes to planning a surf trip to Hawaii is deciding which island you should visit. Although all four major Hawaiian islands are absolutely gorgeous and filled with surf spots, they all are unique in some way and offer different experiences for surfers. 

Oahu

The island of Oahu is the most populated and also most visited island in Hawaii which led to a strong development of its touristic infrastructure.

Read our complete guide to Oahu, Hawaii

From a surfing perspective, Oahu is where you’ll find the famous North Shore and its iconic surf spots like Pipeline, Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay. Every winter, pro surfers from all around the world gather on the North Shore of Oahu to compete in some of the world’s most prestigious surf contests.

If you are looking for a convenient surfing experience, mixed with cultural visits and good night life, Oahu is a great option.

Maui

The island of Maui is a very versatile island, offering just as much outdoor activities as touristic attractions. Surfing opportunities are endless on Maui, whether you want some big wave action in Ho’okipa, Jaws and Honolua Bay or some mellow waves in Lahaina or Kihei.

Read our complete surfing guide to Maui, Hawaii

Besides surfing, every day on Maui is an adventure. You can either watch sunrise on top of Mount Haleakala, hike Iao Valley or swim with turtles in Honolua Bay. Those are just a few of the many things to do on Maui!

For a mix of adventure, surf, outdoor activities and a glimpse of nightlife, without getting caught up in the city chaos, Maui is a perfect island for your surf trip.

Kauai

Kauai, also known as the Garden Isle, is a paradise for outdoor lovers and adventure seekers. In fact, not much happens here after sunset which is just a good time to recharge for the next day! 

Read our complete surfing guide to Kauai, Hawaii

Surfing on Kauai is a very special experience. Given how small the island is, you always are one short drive away from the best surfing conditions out there. Beginners can also find surfing lessons at Hanalei Pier or Poi’pu while more advanced surfers will find great challenges at Tunnels or Hanalei Point. The island of Kauai is a true natural gem with surf spots that will be less crowded than what you will find on Oahu or Maui.

To get away from the crowds and focus on surfing, hiking and chasing sunsets, Kauai is the way!

Big Island

As its name implies, Big Island is the largest Hawaiian island but it is usually overlooked by surfers for some reasons. However, big island still has some amazing waves and only a fraction of the crowd that you will find on Oahu or Maui. 

Read our complete surfing guide to Big Island, Hawaii

Usually, people will base themselves in Kona or Hilo which both provide good access to many surf spots. However, most popular waves on Big Island are near Kona, on the island’s west side.

Surf camps in Hawaii

7-day North Shore Surf Camp in Oahu, Hawaii
US$4,295, including:

• Stand up paddle board practice
• Daily surf lessons including boards hire
• 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
• Transfers

10-day Surf Camp Adventure and Yoga in North Shore of Oahu
US$3,350, including:

• 10 days of practice
• Professional surf lessons
• Free use of surf equipment
• Yoga classes and guided hikes
• Snorkeling, fun activities, and private tours
• Surf theory and training sessions
• Daily tasty breakfast and lunch
• 9 nights accommodation

What to know before surfing in Hawaii

Hawaii is a special place that gives a lot to its people and visitors. However, Hawaii can also take everything back in the blink of an eye. Locals are well aware of it but visitors often are too naïve to realize until it’s too late. 

When surfing in Hawaii, always respect the ocean and your own limits as conditions are very unique and unpredictable. Also, respect locals in order to be respected in return. Hawaii is an amazing place with truly generous and welcoming locals. Don’t take it for granted and make sure to give back to the island and its community.

The post Ultimate Surfing Guide to Hawaii appeared first on My Wave Finder.

Being located in the middle of the Pacific, Hawaii has some of the best waves on the planet, at any given time throughout the year. Whether you are a beginner looking to catch your first few waves or an experienced surfer on the hunt for barrels, Hawaii is one of the best places to go on a surf trip.

Here are 10 of the best surfing waves in Hawaii…

Read: Which Hawaiian Island to Chose for a Surf Trip

1. Honolua Bay, Maui

Honolua Bay is without a doubt, Maui’s most popular wave and one of Hawaii’s best surf spot. A consistent point break offering barrels and long lines, perfect for intermediate and advanced surfers. Honolua Bay works on the NW swells which hit Hawaii from November to March. In summer, it becomes a great snorkeling spot to see turtles and live coral reef.

Read our Surfing Guide to Maui, Hawaii

2. Pipeline, Oahu

Located on the North Shore of Oahu, Pipeline is Hawaii’s most famous wave and also one of the most dangerous waves on Earth. When winter swells start hitting Hawaii in November, the reef clears up from all the accumulated sand over summer and becomes a barreling machine.

Read our Surfing Guide to Oahu, Hawaii

3. Hanalei Bay, Kauai

Hanalei Bay is a hidden gem located on Kauai’s north shore. The point is a long right-hand reef break that handles over 20 feet swells while the bay is a softer beach break which can be surfed by beginners and long boarders.

Read our Surfing Guide to Kauai, Hawaii

4. Waikiki, Oahu

Waikiki is nothing less than the home of surfing. With several legendary surf breaks like Canoes, Kings, Queens, Diamond Head and Ala Moana everyone finds its fix in Waikiki. Beginners, intermediate and advanced surfers can all find their own little wave and enjoy a true Hawaiian surfing day in paradise.

Read our Surfing Guide to Oahu, Hawaii

5. Lahaina, Maui

Lahaina is one of the best waves in Hawaii to learn how to surf. Located on Maui’s west side, this soft, peeling reef break has everything a beginning surfer is looking for in a surf spot in order to learn in a safe way.

Read our Surfing Guide to Maui, Hawaii

6. Makaha, Oahu

Makaha is an amazing right-hand point break that has several different sections which can suit all types of surfers. It is located on Oahu’s west side and works best on a winter NW swell. During peak season, Makaha is a thrilling, high-level point break, but on smaller days, beginners can also enjoy the inside sections.

Read our Surfing Guide to Oahu, Hawaii

7. Ho’okipa, Maui

Ho’okipa is a beutiful beach located on Maui’s north shore, near Pa’ia, a charming and small surf town. This surf spot is also one of the best wind surfing spot on Earth due to its consistent cross shore winds. This feature doesn’t stop Ho’okipa from also being a great surfing beach with great waves through the winter months. With a bit of luck, you will also spot a few turtles which are frequently resting on the beach.

Read our Surfing Guide to Maui, Hawaii

8. Tunnels, Kauai

Tunnels is a high-level wave located on Kauai’s north shore. This challenging surf spot should only be tackled by the most experienced surfers looking to get great barrel opportunities, probably some of the best ones on Kauai.

Read our Surfing Guide to Kauai, Hawaii

9. Sunset Beach, Oahu

Sunset Beach is another famous wave located on the North Shore of Oahu. It is a legendary surf spot with a lot of history hosting a lot of prestigious events through time. Sunset Beach is a right-hand reef break that gets pretty heavy in winter and almost inexistent in summer.

Read our Surfing Guide to Oahu, Hawaii

10. Waimea Bay, Oahu

Another very prestigious wave in Hawaii that most surfers will only get the chance to watch is Waimea Bay. This iconic bay is a big-wave surf spot made famous by Eddie Aikau, pioneer of big-wave surfing in Hawaii. Today, Waimea Bay is host to the Eddie Aikau invitational, a great surfing event in honor of his legacy.

Waimea Bay is not just a big-wave surf spot, there is a also a shore break to play with as well as the occasional river wave.

Read our Surfing Guide to Oahu, Hawaii

The post 10 Best Waves and Surf Spots in Hawaii appeared first on My Wave Finder.

Going on a surf trip to Hawaii should be on the bucket list of every passionate surfer out there…Not only was the sport of surfing itself born in Hawaii, but it simply is a very special place to visit with amazing landscapes and countless different activities to chose from.

To find the best surfing destination for you, try our unique WaveFinder search engine!

Planning such a trip is not as easy as it seems as there are many things to think about, including the big question:  which Hawaiian island should I visit on a surf trip? This is the most frequently asked question and as you will see, the answer is not so simple…

Hawaii is an archipelago composed of 137 islands. However, only 7 of them are populated which narrows the selection quite a bit. To break it down, let’s focus on the 4 major Hawaiian islands that are Kauai, Oahu, Maui and Hawai’i and highlight the differences between each one of them to make sure you chose the right one depending on what you are looking for.

Hawaiian Islands Comparison Table

Oahu

“The Gathering Place”

Read our detailed surf guide to Oahu, Hawaii

Oahu is the main surfing island in Hawaii. With legendary surf spots like Waikiki, Pipeline, Hale’iwa and Sunset Beach, Oahu is by far the most visited island in Hawaii. It is also the island with the highest population with just a bit over 1 million residents.

Yes, a high population on land does translate to heavier crowds in the water. However, there are so many surf spots on Oahu that it helps spreading the crowd a little. It remains the most crowded place to surf in Hawaii.

What makes Oahu a great surfing island

Oahu is a 360 degrees swell magnet. There are spots all around and they are all pretty accessible, unlike Kauai’s Napali Coast or Maui’s east side. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, there is definitely a wave to challenge you on Oahu.

Waikiki is the main tourist area located just next to Honolulu. It also has some great waves and surf spots with a rich surfing culture. If Waikiki is very commercial, you definitely still feel in Hawaii with some very good surf and a strong Hawaiian culture. If you are looking for nightclubs, restaurants and shops, this will be the place for you.

Maui

“The Valley Island”

Check out our detailed surf guide to Maui, Hawaii

Maui is a very trendy island and a popular destination for all generations of travelers. With a solid nightlife, hikes, beaches, rock pools, decent surf and even a volcano, Maui has everything to please everyone.

It is the perfect “all around” island if you want to avoid the heavy tourism of Oahu or the quietness of Big Island and Kauai.

Beginners will have plenty of fun at spots like Lahaina or Kihei while advanced surfers will get challenged at Honolua Bay or Ho’okipa Beach.

Hawai’i

“The Big Island”

Check out our complete surf guide to Big Island

The island of Hawai’i is the biggest island in the archipelago and it is an important aspect to keep in mind on a surf trip. Unlike the other islands, you probably will not be able to drive from one side of Hawai’i to the other for a surf check.

It is best to chose between the east coast (Hilo) or the west coast (Kona) and stick to it for a few days before going to the other side.

A bit like Kauai, Big Island will get you away from the heavy crowds. However, there are not as many surf spots to chose from. Although it has some amazing surf, Big Island is probably the island with the least surf spots and overall surfing potential.

Kauai

“The Garden Island”

Here is our full guide to surfing in Kauai

Home of many surfing icons, Kauai is gifted with some of the most amazing waves in Hawaii. Although it has some good beach breaks like Polihale, Kealia or Hanalei, most of the surf spots on Kauai are reef breaks. Beginners who want to stick to beaches are pretty much left with Hanalei as an option to surf.

However, if reefs don’t scare you, Kauai will spoil you with several world-class waves breaking all year round.

Everything that Kauai lacks in nightlife, it gains in outdoor activities with some of the best hikes like the Kalalau Trail and the Waimea Canyon.

The post Which Hawaiian Island Is Best For A Surf Trip? appeared first on My Wave Finder.

• Summary

• Best time to surf Kauai

• Where to stay in Kauai

• Getting to Kauai

• Safety/things to know

• Surf spots

Summary

Looking to surf in Kauai? From powerful reef breaks to mellow beach waves, Kauai offers some of the most scenic and uncrowded surf spots in Hawaii. Often overshadowed by Oahu and Maui, this lush island remains a hidden gem for surfers seeking raw beauty, consistent swell, and aloha vibes.

Known as “The Garden Isle”, Kauai is the island for adventures and great outdoors. The Napali Coast, on Kauai north shore, is an absolute natural beauty and deserves a visit at least once in your lifetime. There is not much happening in Kauai after dark and this is how we like it.

Read: Which Hawaiian island should you chose for a surf trip?

When people think of surfing in Hawaii, the names of Oahu’s Pipeline or Maui’s Pe’ahi (Jaws) always come on top of everyone’s mind. However, while it is not as publicized, the surf on Kauai is just as flawless and rewarding.

Surfing in Kauai is for everyone!

When surfing in Kauai, beginners will find their fix near the pier at Hanalei Bay or at Poipu while more advanced surfers will head out to Tunnels, Hanalei point or Polihale. The south side is usually drier especially in the rainy winter months compared to the north side where we can find one of the world’s rainiest spot.

To find the perfect surfing destination for you, try our WaveFinder search engine!

On top of having incredible surfing conditions, Kauai provides spectacular hikes that are known to be some of the best in the world. The Kalalau trail, for instance, attracts tourists from all around the globe every year because of its unique coast line.

When to surf in Kauai

The best time to surf on the island of Kauai, Hawaii is mostly through the winter months from November to April. During this time, big and consistent swells push through the north Pacific Ocean and send perfect waves on Kauai’s west and north shores. Surf spots like Hanalei Bay, Tunnels, Polihale and Hideaway offer great conditions all winter long.

During the summer months, from May to October, Kauai still receive amazing waves from the south Pacific which will turn on surf spots like Poipu and Pakala, on the south facing shores.

Where to stay in Kauai

Kauai is relatively small and it is easy to get around. Therefore, no matter where you will be based, you can reach any part of the island within a two hour drive maximum.

Kauai’s North Shore, including Hanalei and Princeville offers the prettiest setup on the island with great beaches and amazing mountain views. In winter, that is also where most of the surf is located and although this area is rainier, it remains extremely pretty with numerous waterfalls and lush rainforest.

The best places to stay on Kauai’s north shore include 1 Hotel Hanalei and the Club Wyndham Bali Hai Villas.

On the east side, the historic town of Kapa’a can be a great place to settle due to its strategic location. It is half an hour from Hanalei, 10 minutes from the airport and about an hour and a half from Polihale and Waimea.

Down south, Poipu is a very popular holiday town with numerous hotels, resorts and home rentals to chose from. While being “touristy” and developed, Poipu remains a beautiful spot.

Browse our interactive map to find the best accommodation deals in Kauai!

Best Surf Hotels in Kauai 

 The Westin Princeville is located on the north shore close to the best surfing spots on Kauai and just steps away from majestic Hanalei Bay.

In Kapa’a, on the east side is located the only hostel on the island, the Kauai Beach House Hostel. It is pretty expensive for a hostel but definitely cheaper than renting an Airbnb or Hotel.

Further south, in Po’ipu,  Ko’a Kea Resort is a great option as well as Sheraton Kauai Resort.

Camping in Kauai

Accommodation in Kauai is very expensive, both for tourists and locals. Many budget travelers decide to camp in order to experience the island’s natural beauty as well as saving a good amount of money. There are many campsites located around the island but beware, you need to buy a permit for every night that you are camping. Park rangers do go around and give fines to people who are illegally camping around.

Permits are easy to obtain through this official website for around $3 for campgrounds and a bit more for state parks.

Some of the best campsites on Kauai include Polihale State Park, Anini Beach Park Campground and Koke’e State Park.

Getting there and around

The best way to get to Kauai is obviously by air. Fly into Lihue airport from any of the Hawaiian island or from the mainland or Canada. Flights from Asia will most likely transit in Honolulu.

Once on the island, the best way to get around is by renting a car. There is one highway going all around the island, except for the Na Pali Coast stretch. It is also very easy to hitchhike on Kauai and you will get picked up fairly fast. Local buses run around the island and are very reliable.

Safety/things to know

-In winter, waves in Kauai can be very big and mean with sets coming from nowhere. Be very careful. If in doubt, don’t go out.

-Localism can be strong is certain spots. Always respect local surfers.

-Camping is a very nice way to discover Kauai with several campgrounds all around the island. Make sure you acquire the right permit to avoid being woken up by a ranger.

Kauai Surf spots

Hideaways

Located in Princeville, not too far from 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay resort, Hideaway is a beautiful spot with an exposed reef break. On a good NW swell, this wave is a nice and hollow A-frame with very little crowds. Watch out for the sharp reef, especially on low tide. There are only 10 parking spots for Hydeaway Beach which tend to fill up quite quickly.

• Wave direction : Left and right
• Bottom : Reef
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
• Optimal swell direction : NW
• Optimal wind direction : SSE

Hanalei Bay

Hanalei Bay is the most popular and mediatized surf spot in Kauai. It is a very easily accessible beach located just next to Princeville, on Kauai’s north shore. The bay has different waves to suit surfers of all skill levels. Next to the pier will be the smaller waves, where most toddlers on Kauai catch their first waves. Further down the bay, Pavilion and Pine Trees are two spots that catch a bit more size.

All the way up the beach, Hanalei point is a reef break located in front of 1 Hotel. On a good NW winter swell, the point is one of the longest and most consistent waves on Kauai. Hanalei can get very crowded on better surf days. The point also requires a 15 minute paddle out and on bigger winter days, the currents can be strong across the bay.

• Wave direction : Left and right
• Bottom : Reef and sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : NW
• Optimal wind direction : SE

Waikoko’s

On the other end of Hanalei Bay is a secluded and beautiful beach called Waikoko’s. There is a beautiful left breaking right in front of the beach over a pretty shallow reef. The ideal conditions for Waikoko’s is on a smaller NW swell, typically from 4 to 8 feet. Above that, currents pick up and the lineup closes out more. Waikoko’s also offers a right-hand ride which is usually shorter than the left and ends up in a shallow section of the reef.

• Wave direction : Left and right
• Bottom : Reef
• Best tide : Mid to high
• Skill level : Advanced
• Optimal swell direction : N
• Optimal wind direction : S

Kealia

Kealia is a classic beach break located just outside of Kapa’a. With easterly winds being dominant in Hawaii, Kealia is often onshore and messy. However, summer or winter, waves can be found here which makes it a fun place to play around. Beginners are welcome but waves can be quite dumpy and currents can be strong. Kealia is also a good spot for bodyboarders.

• Wave direction : Left and right
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : E
• Optimal wind direction : W

Poipu

Poipu is another good spot for surfers of all levels. It is a horseshoe reef located on the south-east side of Kauai that catches most of the summer swells. In winter, there are still some swells coming in from the south and Poipu will work on some days. It is a very popular tourist destination with many resorts and accommodation in the area.

• Wave direction : Left and right
• Bottom : Reef and sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : S
• Optimal wind direction : NW

Rock Quarry

Located near Kilauea, on the north shore of Kauai, Rock Quarry is a beach break with a few rocky or reef sections. As Rock Quarry does not have a pure north exposure, it needs some particular conditions to work properly. On the usual NE trade winds, Rock Quarry will be messy and disorganized. However, if winds are light or switch to a westerly direction, it becomes a great playground. Rock Quarry offers lefts and rights depending on the swell direction. On the left side, it starts with a smooth takeoff and builds up into a nice maneuverable wave further into the bay. Rock Quarry is an overall good beach break for all skill levels but will mostly suit more experienced surfers.

• Wave direction : Left and right
• Bottom : Sand and rocks
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : NE
• Optimal wind direction : W

Polihale

Polihale is a remote beach located at the end of the road on the west side of Kauai. It is one of the most beautiful beaches on Kauai and it is the widest beach in the whole state of Hawaii. When is comes to surfing, Polihale starts pumping on the winter NW swells and becomes a magical beach break with multiple peaks and an empty lineup. In summer, some south west swells can also make it up to Polihale.

• Wave direction : Left and right
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Advanced
• Optimal swell direction : NW
• Optimal wind direction : SE

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