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.

• Summary

• When to go

• Where to stay

• Surf Camps

• Getting there

• Safety/things to know

• Surf spots

   

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 the birthplace of modern surfing and one of the most iconic surf destinations on the planet. From the legendary barrels of Pipeline to the mellow Waikiki rollers where Duke Kahanamoku learned to surf, this Hawaiian island is packed with history, surf culture, and world-class waves.

Whether you’re chasing big winter swells on the North Shore or learning to surf under the sun in Waikiki, Oahu has something for everyone, from beginner to pro.

When to Surf in Oahu

The best time to surf in Oahu depends on what kind of waves you’re after:

• November to March (Winter): This is peak surf season on Oahu’s North Shore. Massive northwest swells power iconic waves like Pipeline, Waimea Bay, and Sunset Beach. It’s a dream season for experienced surfers.

• April to October (Summer): The south shore comes to life with consistent south swells. Waikiki and Ala Moana offer clean, mellow waves which are ideal for beginners and longboarders.

No matter the season, there’s always somewhere to surf in Oahu thanks to its 360-degree exposure to different swell directions.

Also read: The World’s 25 Best Surfing Islands!

Where to stay in Oahu

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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