Surfing in Hawaii: From Waikiki Beginners to North Shore Experts

Surfing was born in Hawaii. The practice of heʻe nalu (wave sliding) was documented by Western visitors as early as 1778 and was a central part of Hawaiian culture long before that. Today Hawaii is still the standard against which all surf destinations are measured, from the mellow longboard waves of Waikīkī to the mountainous winter swells of the North Shore that define the limits of big-wave surfing.

Oahu's North Shore: world-class waves

The stretch of Oʻahu's north coast between Haleʻiwa town and Sunset Beach is the most celebrated surf zone in the world. From approximately late October through April, north swells from Pacific storms produce large, powerful waves at breaks that include Banzai Pipeline, Backdoor, Off the Wall, Rocky Point, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay. Pipeline, a hollow, tubing wave that breaks over a shallow reef, is considered the most technically perfect and most dangerous wave in the world.

These breaks are for experienced surfers only. The combination of wave size, reef depth, and current makes them genuinely life-threatening for anyone not at an advanced level. However, watching from the beach is safe and extraordinary. Kammieland beach park, a short walk from Pipeline, is the best spectator vantage point. Parking is limited; arrive early or park in Haleʻiwa and take a rideshare to the beach. The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing competition (November-December) brings the world's best surfers to these breaks; check surfline.com for contest schedules.

Where to learn to surf in Hawaii

Waikīkī Beach on Oʻahu is the best place in the world to learn to surf. The waves are gentle and long, breaking in warm water over a sandy bottom, with enough push to give beginners real rides. Dozens of surf schools operate on the beach; rates run $60-$90 for a 2-hour group lesson. The instructors are experienced at getting complete beginners standing up within the first session. Most healthy adults can ride a wave in Waikīkī on their first attempt with instruction.

On Maui, Lahaina and Kāʻanapali offer beginner lessons with similar gentle conditions. On the Big Island, Kahaluu Beach Park in Kailua-Kona is the main learn-to-surf area, with an accessible reef break ideal for beginners. On Kauaʻi, Hanalei Bay has a gentle summer wave that works for beginners under proper instruction.

Surfing on other islands

Every main island has surfing. Maui's north shore (Hoʻokipa Beach Park) has world-class waves and is internationally known for windsurfing and kiteboarding as well as traditional surfing. Ho'okipa is an intermediate-to-expert break; it is excellent for watching. Kauaʻi's north shore around Hanalei Bay and the Tunnels reef area have some of Hawaii's best waves in summer; winter conditions on the north shore can be extremely large and dangerous.

The Big Island has a dispersed surf scene. Pine Trees (Kohanaiki Beach Park) near Kona is the most popular break for locals, a consistent reef break that works for intermediates. Kapoho and Pohoiki on the east coast were significantly altered by the 2018 lava flows; some breaks that existed before no longer do, while others were created.

Surf safety and etiquette

Never surf a break beyond your ability level. Hawaii's reef breaks can produce serious injuries: lacerations from reef, held-down wipeouts in large surf, and collisions with other surfers and boards. Respect the surf lineup: wait your turn, do not drop in on another surfer's wave, and communicate if you are new. Many North Shore locals have little patience for tourists who paddle into breaks they cannot handle. If you are not sure if a wave is appropriate for your level, it probably is not. See our ocean safety guide for general Hawaii water safety.