Last updated on November 21st, 2023 at 12:35 pm
In this post, you will find the best surf spots in Hawaii for beginners, where you can learn, practice, and improve your surfing skills.
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About Beginner Surf Beaches in Hawaii
The Hawaiian Islands are the birthplace of surfing. It is where traditional surfing was invented, developed, and continues to be the most popular surf destination in the world.
Due to its location right in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the Hawaiian Coastline receives consistent swells all year long. While the wintertime can be huge and aggressive, the summertime, from May to October, is the best time for beginners to surf in Hawaii. There are waves for all skill levels around here. Although most waves break over a reef, there are also excellent beginner surf beaches in Hawaii.
In detail, these are the best surf spots in Hawaii for beginners:
A List of Hawaii’s Best Beginner Surf Spots:
Waikiki, Oahu
The iconic Waikiki Beach is the beating heart of Oahu Island. It is situated on the South Shore just next to Honolulu, one of the world’s most popular summer holiday destinations. Apart from being a tourist attraction, Waikiki offers a great variety of surf spots. In fact, it is one of the best beginner surf beaches in Hawaii. Along the beach strip of Waikiki, there are several beautiful breaks for suitable novice surfers. Canoes and Queens, for instance, offer soft and gentle waves right in the center of the beach. The wall is another great spot for learning due to its shelter from the big waves. Finally, if you want to get away from the heavy crowds, go to Publics and Pops, where you can ride mellow waves with fewer people in the lineup.
For details about surf camps for beginners in Oahu, please click here.
Chun’s, Oahu
On the North Shore of Oahu, just on the opposite side of Waikiki, Chun’s is another user-friendly surf spot. Unlike most of the breaks in the area, which are fast and aggressive, Chun’s is slow and forgiving. Although there is a reef at the bottom, it is a deep one, and not from the dangerous kind. Moreover, the paddle out through the channel is super easy, so even if you are out of shape, you can still have fun here. Due to the comfortable surf conditions in Chun’s, most of the surf lessons on the North Shore take place on this beach.
For details about surf camps for beginners in Oahu, please click here.
The Cove, Kihei, Maui
Unlike most waves in Hawaii, which break over a reef, the Cove is a typical beach break. The soft sandy bottom and the mellow waves turned The Cove into the most popular spot to learn surfing in Maui. Actually, on a good day, you can get here some pretty long rides to both the left and right sides. Due to the quality of this wave, it is always packed with longboards, paddleboards, and newbies. However, don’t let the crowds intimidate you, as it is a beginner-friendly beach, and usually, the surfers here are novices just as much as you are.
For details about surf camps for beginners in Maui, please click here.
Kalapaki Beach, Kauai
Kauai, the Garden Island, is another excellent surf island in the Hawaiian Archipelago. It got its reputation for the incredible beauty of its landscape. On top of that, it offers perfect surf conditions for all skill levels. The best beach for beginners is definitely Kalapaki, on the South East Coast of Kauai. This beach is “user friendly” due to the harbor wall, which blocks most of the swell. The result is a mellow right-hander with a slow ride and easy paddle back. In other words, Kalapaki Beach is a beginner’s paradise.
For details about surf camps for beginners in Hawaii, please click here.
Kahalu’u, The Big Island
The Big Island of Hawaii is the ultimate summer surf destination, as it is mainly exposed to south summer swells. Most of the breaks here are beginner-friendly, and the surf conditions are easy to handle almost regularly. Kahalu’u Beach, on the South Coast of the island, is the most popular one, both for its beauty and the great waves it produces. Close to the shore, you will find small waves for learning and practicing, and if you are after some bigger challenge, you can paddle to the outer reef for some better waves.
For details about surf camps for beginners in Hawaii, please click here.
What is the Best Time of Year for Beginners to Surf in Hawaii?
Hawaii offers incredible surf conditions year-round. However, for beginners, the best time to surf in Hawaii is during summertime, between May and October. In these months, the weather is sunny, the water is warm, and the swells are a bit smaller than in winter.
How to Identify Good Surf Spots in Hawaii for Beginners?
There are many surf beaches in Hawaii and a great variety of breaks. However, as a beginner, how will you know which breaks suit your skill level? To answer this question, there are 3 parameters to check before jumping in the water:
1. Sandy bottom– As a novice surfer, you will probably fall many times. Therefore, ensure there are no sharp rocks below you that can cause cuts and injuries.
2. Mellow break– While some waves are steep and powerful, others are soft. Look for a spot where the foam of the waves pills itself gently and gradually. These kinds of waves are more forgiving and easier to ride.
3. Friendly crowd– You can tell a lot about a surf beach just by looking at the people sitting in the lineup. If you see aggressive surfers riding shortboards and shouting at one another, it is probably not the right spot for beginners. So, look for a beach with a majority of longboards and soft boards in the water, as they usually ride more beginner-friendly waves.
Online Surf Training to Prepare Your Body for a Surf Trip
As a beginner going on a surf trip to Hawaii, you will face physical challenges. The waves crashing on your head, the currents, and the unstable surfboard can sometimes be hard to manage. Therefore, to make it easier on yourself, preparing your body and mind for the challenge is crucial. Here is what you can do to ensure you are in perfect shape and ready to face the ocean:
1. Sign up for a surf camp– Why deal with the ocean alone when you can get feedback from a professional surf coach? To find the best beginner surf camps in Hawaii, click here.
2. Take an online surf course– You can improve your surf fitness drastically by working on specific muscles used for surfing. Check out Surf Strength Coach and Surfing Made Simple; both are great online surf programs that can help get you ready for your surf trip to Hawaii.
What Should You Bring to a Beginner Surf Trip?
Here is a complete gear list for the perfect beginner surf vacation:
1. Sunscreen– For tropical sun, use no less than EltaMD UV.
2. Surfboard Bag– If you bring your own surfboard, you must have a good bag to protect it. Check out UCEDER, for example, which offers great value for money.
3. Surf Hat– To keep your head in the shade, try O&E Ocean and Earth Surf Hats.
4. Travel Insurance– For the best insurance by World Nomads, please click here.
5. Surf Shorts/Surf Bikinis– Check out Hurley for new shorts and CUPSHE for surf Bikinis.
6. T-shirts and beach wear– Look for the new collection at Hurley.
7. Rash Guard– Protect your body with a good rash guard like BALEAF for men and AXESEA for women.
8. Surfboard Wax– Check out Sticky Bumps on Amazon.
9. Surf Booties– You will need a good pair of surf boots only if you surf over a sharp reef or in really cold water. Check out O’Neill Split Toe Booties.
10. Surfboard Leash– It is always good to have an extra leash just in case. Check out Ho Stevie Surf Leash.
11. Towel/Poncho– If you want a nice poncho, look at SUN CUBE Surf Poncho.
For more gear options and greater selections, look for our surf gear guides.
Conclusion- Final Thought
To sum up, these are the best surf spots in Hawaii for beginners. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg, as there are many other breaks around this incredible Archipelago. Since the landscape is so diverse, and the swells are so consistent, you can find all types of waves for any surfer. Hawaii is a true “surf Mecca”, and it is a spectacular destination for a surf trip.
Before you leave, don’t forget to check out our post about the best surf camps in Hawaii, or the one about surf resorts in Hawaii.
