Hawaii is undoubtedly one of the top destinations in the world for surfing. Both beginners and professionals, and surfers of all levels in between, enjoy hitting the waves on Hawaiian islands like Maui, Kauai, and Oahu.
If you’re a first-time visitor to Hawaii, you’ll want to know where the best surfing spots are for surfers with different levels of experience. So, here are some of the best.
Budget Before You Go
Before you head to the exotic surfing paradise of Hawaii, make sure you budget your money so that you can make the most of your trip.
Though, seeing as Hawaii is the destination of a lifetime, it could be worth taking out a personal loan to ensure you have the cash to enjoy the Hawaiian islands to the max. Take a look at the same day personal loans from SoFi, which have low fixed rates with no fees.
Also, if you’re completely new to surfing, you might like to get some practice at a local place, perhaps at Llangennith, Gower, in Wales, before you head to Hawaii. However, there are several places where beginners can learn to surf on Hawaiian beaches.
Launiupoko State Wayside Park (For Beginners)
One of the best spots for beginner surfers is Launiupoko State Wayside Park on the west side of the Hawaiian island of Maui.
Because the long reef waves break both right and left, there are usually consistent lines and lips, which is what makes the area so ideal for novices and people with no experience. But lots of advanced surfers like riding the waves too, when they’re looking for a relaxing time in the water.
Kalama Beach (For Beginners)
Another place on Maui that is frequented by beginner surfers is the cove at Kalama Beach on the western side of the island. The cove is well-protected and provides consistent and dependable swells. And the water is shallow, with small waves.
Hanalei Bay (For Surfers of All Levels of Experience)
Located on the island of Kauai, Hanalei Bay is ideal for surfers of all levels, from beginners to pros.
That’s because the bay has three disparate areas, each of which is suitable for surfers with different levels of expertise.
It’s also a beautiful spot where anyone will enjoy just hanging out in the sun. And there are multiple bars and restaurants nearby to enjoy after you have hit the waves.
Honolua Bay (For Intermediate and Advanced Surfers)
On Maui, Honolua Bay is undoubtedly the most popular spot for surfing. But it’s best for intermediate and advanced surfers, not beginners. There are large swells between November and March, which usually have fantastic barrel sections, but there’s also a sharp reef.
If you get a kick out of battling with a strong current and a shallow reef line, you’ll love surfing at Honolua Bay. There’s also a great surf shop and a golf course nearby. And in the summer months, you might enjoy snorkelling to see the coral reef and lots of turtles.
Backyards (For Advanced Surfers and Pros)
Situated on the north shore of Oahu, Backyards is only suitable for advanced and professional surfers. The reef is shallow and the waves are fast. Steep walls can reach over an incredible fifty feet high, so avoid surfing in this spot unless you have a high level of expertise.
Ehukai Beach (For Advanced Surfers and Pros)
This surfing spot on the island of Oahu attracts professional surfers like Tom Curren, so you should only attempt to surf at Ehukai Beach if you have advanced surfing skills.
The spot is famous for its Banzai Pipeline, which is one of the most dangerous waves on the planet. When the swells begin hitting Hawaii in November, the sand that has accumulated during the summer months clears up and becomes a barrelling machine.
