The Best Places To Go Surfing In Hawaii

Surfing is a thrilling water sport, first invented in the Hawaiian Islands by kings and queens. The word for surfing in ʻōlelo hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) is heʻe nalu, which literally translates to wave sliding. Here in Hawaii, surfing not only brings people together, but it also helps to solidify its people’s relationship with the ocean and their culture. If you are planning to take a little trip to the islands and want to hit up the best surf spots, then check out Culture Trip’s 10 best places for surfing in the Hawaiian Islands.

Oahu

Waimea Bay

Waimea Bay is a beautiful beach on the northern coast of Oahu. During the summer, you can find people lounging in calm waters with floaties and a drink in hand, but once October hits, the beach comes alive. Waves can sometimes reach over 40 feet, and while that might be too big for some people, big wave surfers consider it heaven. Waimea Bay is also home to the most prestigious surfing competition in the world, “The Eddie.”

Waimea Bay, HI, USA

Pipeline

Also known as Ehukai Beach, the Pipeline is infamous for its large waves, which break in very shallow water on top of the reef, creating beautiful wave formations that allow surfers to ride inside the tube.

Pipeline, Ehukai Beach Park, Haleiwa, HI, USA

China Walls

China Walls is a cool cliff jumping destination in the winter, but when the summertime rolls around the corner on the south shores, the waves start pumping. China Walls doesn’t usually go off unless the waves are sizeable, and it has a perfect left.

China Walls, Hanapepe Pl, Honolulu, HI, USA, +1 808 464 0840

Sandy Beach Park

Another South Shore beach which is infamous for its massive shore break is Sandy Beach Park, located in Hawaii Kai. Sandy’s shore break can reach well over 10 feet (three meters) and has the nickname of “Broke Neck Beach” for good reason.

Sandy Beach Park, 8801 Kalanianaole Hwy, Honolulu, HI, USA, +1 808 373 8013

Waikiki

Waikiki was once a surfing spot reserved for aliʻi (Hawaiian royalty) on the island of Oahu. Waikiki is also perfect for beginners or longboarders who prefer the smaller waves. If you want to venture out and paddle further offshore for bigger waves, then it also has breaks called Queens, Canoes, and Publics.

Waikiki, HI, USA

Puʻena Point

A local favorite and often described as a hidden gem by the people of the North Shore of Oahu is Puʻena Point, in Haleiwa Beach Park. Its smaller waves can be fun for longboarders and beginners, but its outer reef attracts the more advanced surfers. It is usually less crowded than most North Shore surf breaks, especially in the wintertime.

Pu‘ena Point, Kahalewai Pl, Haleiwa, HI, USA, +1 808 464 0840

Makapuʻu

Another popular beach on the South Shore of Oahu is Makapuʻu, famous for its enormous waves that break on the shoreline. This spot is primarily a beach for bodyboarders, but when the waves increase in size in the summer, surfing can be done offshore here as well.

Makapu‘u Beach, 41-95 Kalanianaole Hwy, Waimanalo, HI, USA

Baby Makapu‘u

To the left of Makapuʻu is a beach called Baby Makapu‘u, or Baby Makz, which has smaller waves that are more suitable for younger children, hence its name. It is a very short paddle out to the long rolling waves.

Makapu‘u Beach, 41-95 Kalanianaole Hwy, Waimanalo, HI, USA

1. Maui

Natural Feature

Peʻahi

Peʻahi, or Jaws, lies on the North Shore of Maui and is famous for its massive wintertime swells. Redbull sponsors a big wave contest every year here.