Surfing in Hawaii: best beaches for beginners to pros

Where to surf, when to go and which island suits you best

Big waves. Beginner breaks. Board-short tans. When it comes to surfing, Hawaii is the keeper of the flame. This is where surf legends are born, first-time riders stand up on their very first wave and the Pacific puts on a show almost every day of the year.

Whether you're dreaming of learning to surf in Waikiki, watching world-class pros charge the North Shore or planning a holiday that mixes beach time with a bit of adrenaline, Hawaii delivers. Some spots are calm and confidence-boosting, others are strictly for the brave, but there’s a wave here for almost everyone. Below, we’ll show you where to surf in Hawaii, when to go and which island suits your style, plus our favourite beaches for beginners and experienced surfers alike.

If you want the short version before diving into the details, start here.

Best Hawaiian island for beginner surfers

• Oahu (Waikiki Beach)
• Maui (The Cove at Kalama Beach Park)

Best Hawaiian island for experienced surfers

• Oahu (North Shore)
• Kauai (Hanalei Bay)

Best time to surf in Hawaii

• Beginner-friendly waves: April to October
• Big wave season: November to March (North-facing shores)

Can non-surfers enjoy a surf-focused Hawaii holiday?

Absolutely. Most surf beaches sit alongside great swimming, snorkelling, food and sightseeing. Hawaii does “mixed-interest holidays” very well.

Waikiki, Oahu

The original superstar when it comes to learning how to surf, it’s all salty air and sandy toes on Waikiki Beach. Long gentle waves and calm, safe waters. Big wave pro instructors that will teach you how to stand up on a board and get you out on the rolling break. Surf action and aloha culture every which way you turn. Stay right on the beach at Moana Surfrider and follow the swell of the Pacific Ocean.

Best for: First-timers, families, mixed-ability groups

North Shore, Oahu

Those in the know, know North Shore. Come winter, when the big waves roll in, the world’s best surfers come out to ride. Main surfing season is November to March and legendary surf comps - Pipeline Masters & The Eddie - are held here.

Get your spicy tuna poke bowls and green juices in the sleepy town of Haleiwa surf-style hangouts before making footprints along the infamous North Shore. Hit Waimea for the big waves and Rocky Point to watch the kind of pro surfing you see on TV. This isn’t a place for beginners but if you’re an intermediate surfer, check out Laniakea for smaller swells that are easier to ride.

Best for: Surf fans, experienced surfers, winter visits

The Cove at Kalama Beach Park, Maui

Breezing into Maui and want to learn how to surf? Head to The Cove for similar vibes to Waikiki Beach without the crowds. The waves are small and consistent and the waters are shallow. This is one of the best places on Maui to try your hand at bodysurfing, boogie boarding and skimboarding.

Best for: Beginners, couples, first-time Maui visitors

Puamana Beach Park and Lahaina Harbour, Maui

For small-wave chasers, based near Lahaina, this stretch hits the sweet spot. Puamana Beach Park offers gentle rides and light winds, perfect for novice surfers finding their feet.

Already confident on a board? Lahaina Harbour brings higher-performance summer waves and a good spectator scene. Watch from the shore or over a beer along Front Street as the locals put on a show.

Best for: Progressing surfers, chilled beach stays

Honolua Bay, Maui

A 20-minute drive and short jungle hike north of Lahaina, it’s all Kelly Slater-level waves at Honolua Bay. The beauty here is all about the angle, and when it’s right it’s magical. During winter when the massive north swell fires up, pro surfers head out for powerful waves, deep barrels and spectacularly long rides. Make your way to the bluffs at the top of the bay and you can watch it all. Summer brings a completely different vibe. Dreamy Honolua Bay turns into one of the calmest and clear-water spots for snorkelling and scuba diving.

Best for: Advanced surfers and scenery lovers

Poipu Beach, Kauai

Lush, slow-mo Kauai is all rolling green hills, white sand beaches and trade winds. Poipu Beach is one of the island’s most popular surf spots, especially for those learning the ropes.

From May to October, south swells suit all abilities. The sandy-bottom break at Lemon Drops is safest for beginners, while more experienced surfers can chase stronger waves at Acid Drop and Heroins.

Best for: Beginners wanting a quieter island vibe

Hanalei Bay, Kauai

Crescent shaped Hanalei Bay, on the north shore of Kauai, is where pro surfers come to ride the waves. November to April is the sweet spot for surfing here. Head to Pinetrees, at the centre of the bay, for big waves. Stay close to the pier if you’re a boogie boarder or a beginner. Just around the corner from Hanalei is Hideaways, a far more secluded surfing spot with an exposed reef break.

Best for: Experienced surfers and winter trips

The information is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication.