The sport of surfing has its origins in Polynesia, and nowhere else in the world has an environment that is more conducive to this activity than Hawaii. With its warm water, plentiful sunshine and consistent waves, it’s no surprise that many of the greatest surf locations on Earth are found here. When you visit Hawaii, you have to check out at least a few of these spots:
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Honolua Bay
If you’re going to do one thing in Maui, go learn to surf. Honolua Bay is a great place to do just that. This spot is located on the windward side of Maui, and it is known for its consistent waves (which means they break all year round). The waves at Honolua Bay are generally smaller than other spots on the island—but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s not worth checking out! It’s so popular with locals and visitors alike because no matter what kind of surfer you are, there’s something here for everyone: beginners can learn how to ride their first wave without getting tired and experts can find challenging rides they’ll want to share with their friends back home.
Ho’okipa Beach Park
One of the best places for beginners to learn to surf is the Ho’okipa Beach Park on Maui. The beach is located just west of Paia town and has a 20-foot high sandbank that breaks right along its length, making it perfect for surfing.
The waves in this area are consistent, which makes them perfect for beginners who want to practice without having to worry about getting stuck in a lull between swells. The waves are also relatively small and not too powerful, so they don’t pose much risk of injury if you happen to fall off your board!
If you love surfing but don’t want anything too challenging or intense, then head over here next time you visit Hawaii!
Jaws
Jaws is a world-famous surf spot located on the North Shore of Oahu. It’s known for being a powerful wave that breaks on a shallow reef, which makes it one of the most dangerous waves in Hawaii. But despite its intimidating reputation, Jaws draws thousands of visitors each year to witness its greatness.
If you’re interested in catching some big waves while surfing in Hawaii, Jaws should definitely be on your list of places to check out!
Wai’anapanapa State Park
Wai’anapanapa State Park is a great place to go for a hike and see some of the most beautiful scenery in Hawaii. Located on the north shore of Maui, this beach has black lava rock formations that jut out into the ocean and make for great photo opportunities.
The park also offers camping opportunities if you want to stay overnight in this scenic area. Make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen as well as water because there isn’t much shade from trees at Wai’anapanapa!
Off The Wall
Off The Wall is a surf spot on the North Shore of Oahu. It’s considered a big wave spot, and many professional surfers have made Off The Wall their home.
Off The Wall has been around for decades, though it was only recently that anyone was brave enough to challenge its heavy waves. Because of its size and power, this right-hand reef break can be dangerous for beginners and even experienced surfers alike—but if you’re willing to take on the challenge, Off The Wall will provide you with one hell of an experience!
Velzyland Beach
Velzyland Beach is a beach break that works best with a south swells. It’s located in the North Shore of Oahu and offers great surfing conditions as well as an all-around fun day out. With beautiful scenery, this spot is perfect for fishing enthusiasts, families and those who just want to relax by the water.
Whether you’re looking for a good place to go fishing or just want to spend some time on the beach, Velzyland Beach is one of many spots along the North Shore that are worth checking out during your trip to Hawaii!
Laniakea Beach (Turtle Beach)
The north shore of Oahu offers some incredible surf spots, including Laniakea Beach (also known as Turtle Beach). The waves here are powerful and can reach up to 20 feet during winter storms. It’s a popular spot for surfers worldwide as well as locals looking for a fun day out in the sun.
The beach itself is located on the east side of Waimea Bay and is composed of volcanic sand mixed with coral fragments, which makes it ideal for snorkeling—you’ll see all kinds of marine life while under water! If you’re lucky enough to visit during sunset hours in summertime, you’ll be treated with an amazing view: two waterfalls cascade into the ocean from Kamehameha Highway above along with green hills that surround this beautiful stretch of coastline.
Makaha Beach Park
Makaha Beach Park is a great place to surf. It also has beautiful beaches where you can go swimming, take pictures, and relax.
Makaha Beach Park is located on Oahu’s west side in Makaha. The name means “the place of the red dirt.” That’s because the sand here consists of iron-oxide crystals that tint it reddish gray. It’s a popular spot for beginners who want to learn how to surf or even just get up on their feet. There are lifeguards on duty here, so if you’re planning on swimming in the ocean at this beach park be sure that they’re there before taking your dip!
Kaluahine Point and Baby Makapu’u
Kaluahine Point and Baby Makapu’u is a right-hand reef break that works on all tides. This spot is not too crowded, even though it’s a popular break. The best swell direction is from the west southwest, with an average wave height of 2 feet (0.6m). Waves at Kaluahine Point and Baby Makapu’u tend to be consistent and can be ridden inside or out on both sides of the peak. Surfers should watch for rocks when paddling out to either side of the main break.
Surfers should check current weather conditions before going out in order to get an accurate idea of what type of waves are being produced by wind interactions with surface water temperatures, topography, bathymetry and other factors that affect wave generation at this location due to its unique oceanographic characteristics
Kalehuawehe Surf Spot and Surf Break
Kalehuawehe is a surf spot on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. It’s located between Waimea Bay and Dukes Reef. Kalehuawehe is known for its left-hand reef break and can be a difficult wave to paddle out to if you don’t know what you’re doing. The best time to surf at Kalehuawehe is from June through mid September when the waves are large and powerful. The waves at this spot vary in size from 2-6 feet high, so if you want to catch some big waves then this would be a good place for you!
Pipeline and Backdoor Surf Spots
Pipeline and Backdoor are two surf spots on the north shore of Oahu in Hawaii. The two spots are considered to be among the best in the world, but they also have a reputation for being extremely dangerous.
Pipeline is a famous surf spot that is considered to be the most dangerous surf break in the world. Surfers take on massive waves here, sometimes as high as 10 feet (3 meters). To get this height, swells must travel across 500 miles of ocean before they reach Pipeline—and when they do, they don’t come alone: winds blow them into shore at speeds up to 50 miles per hour (80 km/h). The force of these waves combined with strong currents can create an unpredictable environment for inexperienced or un-properly equipped surfers; even experienced ones have been known to lose their lives here!
Conclusion
Surfing is a global phenomenon, with most parts of the world having their own version of the sport. But no place in the world can claim to be a more essential hub for surfing than Hawaii. This list only represents a portion of the surfing spots in Hawaii, but it’s a great starting point if you’re visiting and want to take up surfing as an activity on your trip.