Popular Surf Spots: Hawaii's Best Surf Breaks

If you're a surfer, Hawaii is likely on your bucket list. The Hawaiian Islands offer some of the best surf breaks in the world, with consistent swells and a variety of spots suitable for every level of surfer. From Maui to Oahu, the islands offer a range of surf breaks, from mellow beach breaks to massive, legendary waves that attract the best surfers in the world. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best Hawaiian surf breaks to explore on your next trip to the islands!

Oahu is home to some of the most famous surf breaks in the world, and for good reason. The island's North Shore is renowned for its massive waves, which can reach up to 50 feet during the winter months. If you're an experienced surfer, the North Shore is a must-visit destination. However, for beginners, there are still some great surf breaks on Oahu.

Waikiki Beach is the most popular surf break for beginners on Oahu, with a long, gentle, and consistent break that's perfect for learning to surf. The waves here are typically small, making it a great place to practice the fundamentals of surfing. If you're looking for a surf school, there are plenty of options in Waikiki that offer lessons for beginners. And nothing beats being out on the water with the beautiful Hawaiian landmark of Diamond Head in the background. 

Another great surf break for beginners on Oahu is White Plains Beach, located on the west side of the island. This beach offers a gentle break and is less crowded than Waikiki, making it a great surf spot to practice your skills without feeling overwhelmed by other surfers.

Maui is known for its scenic beauty, but it's also a great destination for surfers. The island offers a variety of surf breaks suitable for all levels of surfers, from beginners to experts. If you're just starting out, the best surf break on Maui is at the Cove at Kalama Beach Park. This spot is located in Kihei on the south shore of the island and offers a gentle, rolling wave that's perfect for beginners.

Maui has some great surf breaks for advanced surfers as well. Honolua Bay is one of the most famous surf breaks on the island, offering a challenging, powerful break that's best suited for experienced surfers. The waves here can be large, so it's not recommended for beginners.

Another great surf spot for experienced surfers on Maui is Peahi, also known as Jaws. This is one of the most famous surf breaks for big waves in the world, and it's only recommended for the most experienced surfers. Waves here can reach up to 60 feet, so it's not for the faint of heart.

Kauai is often called the "Garden Island" for its lush, green landscape, and it's also a great destination for surfers. The island offers a variety of surf breaks that cater to different skill levels. One of the best spots for beginners on Kauai is Hanalei Bay. This spot is located on the north shore of the island and offers a gentle, rolling wave that's perfect for learning to surf. The bay is also protected by a reef, which creates a safe environment for beginners.

If you're a more experienced surfer, Kauai has you covered with some exciting surf breaks. Tunnels Beach is one of the most famous surf breaks on the island, offering a powerful, barreling wave that's best suited for experienced surfers. The wave here breaks over a shallow reef, so it's not recommended for beginners.

Another great spot for experienced surfers on Kauai is Kealia Beach. This spot is located on the east shore of the island and offers a fast, hollow wave that's perfect for experienced surfers looking for a challenge.

The Big Island, also known as Hawaii Island, is the largest and most diverse of the Hawaiian Islands. The island offers a variety of surf breaks, from mellow beach breaks to powerful reef breaks. If you're a beginner, one of the best spots to learn to surf on the Big Island is at Kahalu'u Beach Park. This spot is located on the west coast of the island and offers a gentle, rolling wave that's perfect for beginners.

The Big Island has some great surf breaks for more seasoned surfers as well. Honoli'i Beach Park is one of the most famous surf spots on the island, offering a powerful, barreling wave that's best suited for experienced surfers. Similarly to Tunnels Beach on Kauai, the wave here breaks over a shallow reef, so it's not recommended for beginners.

One of our favorite surf breaks for experienced surfers on the Big Island is Banyans. This spot is located on the west coast of the island and offers a fast, hollow wave that's perfect for experienced surfers looking for a challenge.

Hawaii is a surfer's paradise, with a variety of surf breaks that cater to all skill levels. From Waikiki to Jaws, the islands offer some of the best waves in the world. If you're a beginner, there are plenty of surf breaks to learn to surf on each island, from gentle beach breaks to protected bays. We recommend checking out the best surf shops in Hawaii for guidance if you aren't sure where to start. If you're a more experienced surfer, there are plenty of challenging and rewarding breaks to test your skills.

Remember to always respect the ocean and the local Hawaii surf culture. Hawaii has a rich surfing history and culture, and it's important to be mindful of local customs and etiquette. 

 With that in mind, grab your board, hit the waves, and experience the magic of Hawaii's surf spots for yourself! To bring some of the Aloha spirit and surf culture home with you, add some Hawaii surf art or even surfboard art to your home. Not sure where to start? Check out our handy guide to collecting Hawaii art. 

Check out some of our favorite surf art below, or Shop The Surf Art Collection.