Last updated on March 3rd, 2024 at 06:13 pm
If you plan to surf in Oahu, you came to the right place. In this surf guide, you will find all the information you need for your next surf trip, including surf seasons, surfer tips, and the best surf spots in Oahu, Hawaii.
* Honest disclaimer- Reef Break is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
About Surfing in Oahu, Hawaii
Oahu is, by far, the best surfing island in the Hawaiian Archipelago. With much respect to Kauai from the north and to Maui and the Big Island from the south, Oahu’s North Shore is the true “surf Mecca”, and home to some of the most famous breaks in the world, such as Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and more.
It all started many years ago at Waikiki Beach, when the ancient locals discovered the “sport of the kings” and revealed it to the foreigners visiting Hawaii. Then, big-wave surfing was founded at Waimea Bay for the first time. Therefore, it is fair to say that Oahu is the birthplace of surfing and where the sport has developed the most.
Nowadays, surfers from all over the world come to surf in Oahu. In fact, it became a very popular destination for surf trips and established itself as the world’s surfing capital. Advanced surfers usually come to face the massive barrels of the North Shore during winter. However, beginners can also surf in Oahu, usually during summer on the South Shore. Moreover, there are plenty of surf spots in Oahu where you can take surf lessons and rent surfboards.
Due to its reputation as the perfect surf destination, surf competitions take place in Oahu regularly. From the annual “Vans Triple Crown of Surfing” to the big-wave exclusive event “The Eddie”, the best surfers on the planet come to compete in Oahu each winter. This is the playground of the pros, and being in the water with them is a real privilege.
Surf Seasons in Oahu
Similarly to the other Hawaiian Islands, you can surf Oahu all year long. While the north swells hit the north-facing beaches during winter, the south swells send waves to the south-facing beaches during summer. Therefore, the surf is always up in Oahu, and you only need to choose the beach that suits your skill level.
The winter, between November and April, is when the North Shore is absolutely epic. This season is the best time to surf in Oahu due to large swells and excellent consistency. If you can handle big waves and massive barrels, this is the ideal time to be in Oahu.
In summer, between May and October, the southern beaches receive the south swells. During this time, the waves are smaller than in winter, but the surf conditions are still fun and perfect for beginners and intermediates.
As for the weather in Oahu, it is always warm and tropical. The water temperature ranges from about 22°C (72°F) in winter to 27°C (82°F) in summer. Therefore, a pair of shorts is all you need during summer and a spring suit or vest in winter.
Surf Spots in Oahu
When surfing in Oahu, you can choose between many different surf breaks. While the North Shore produces big and challenging waves, the South Shore is more beginner-friendly. So, in detail, these are the main surf spots in Oahu:
Surf Spots on Oahu’s North Shore
Sunset Beach:
An iconic beach at Oahu’s North Shore produces epic waves during winter. The waves at Sunset Beach are usually big and break far in the deep water. Even though there are several peaks on both sides, the right-handers work better.
Backyard:
A bit north of Sunset Beach, this hollow wave breaks over a very shallow reef and, therefore, is suitable for experts only. On big winter swells, this spot can be really dangerous.
Rocky Point:
An aggressive break with hollow barrels and strong currents. This spot is very challenging and recommended for advanced surfers only. The waves break to both sides over a shallow reef.
Gas Chambers:
A high-quality wave breaking over a shallow reef to both right and left. This spot is very consistent and suitable for advanced surfers.
Pipeline:
This is the most famous surf spot in Oahu and one of the most respected waves on the planet. Pipeline is well-known for its massive barrels over a very shallow reef. The break is hollow, powerful, and dangerous. Therefore, Pipeline hosts the most prestigious surf competition in the world, “Billabong Pipe Masters Pro”.
The break at Pipeline consists of two peaks. The right one is called Backdoor, and the left is Banzai. Both of them produce perfect tube rides and are suitable for experts only.
Off the Wall:
Just next to Backdoor, this spot offers a pure tube ride. The waves are extremely fast and hollow, and open up to both directions. Good surfers are always in the lineup, which is usually very crowded.
Waimea Bay:
This is one of the most popular big-wave spots in the world. It requires a big north swell to start working, but giant waves break far into the deep water once it does. Surfing big waves at Waimea Bay is a different game. You will need a suitable surfboard and sometimes a jet ski to pull you in. If giant waves are what you are after, this is where you want to be.
Chun’s Reef:
Unlike most surf spots in Oahu’s North Shore, this one is actually great for beginners. Since the waves here are always soft and mellow, many surf lessons take place at this beach.
Leni’s:
Also called “Laniakea”, or “Turtle Beach”, this spot is very consistent and can pick up any swell. The waves open up to both directions over a flat reef and are suitable for all skill levels. Due to the easy access to this beach, it often gets crowded.
Puaena Point:
This spot is suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers close to shore. However, those looking for more action can paddle to the outer reef, where the waves are much bigger.
Haleiwa:
On an average swell, this beach offers some great walls for any skill level. However, when the swell gets bigger, it is recommended for experienced surfers only. The waves tend to open up to both sides, and hollow sections are also available for those looking to get covered.
Surf Spots on Oahu’s South Shore
Waikiki:
Next to Honolulu, Waikiki Beach on the South Shore of Oahu is a great attraction for beach vacationers and surfers. Along this famous beach strip, you can find several different breaks. Canoes and Queens offer mellow waves, which are ideal for beginners, longboards, and paddleboards. Publics, on the other hand, break more aggressively over a shallow reef, and offers great consistency. Finally, Tree’s, on the other side of the bay, produces very hollow rides to the right side.
Kaisers:
A bit further from Waikiki, Kaisers is a powerful reef break. While the right peak is hollow and fast, the left is mellow and more user-friendly. Due to the quality of this break, it is almost always crowded.
Ala Moana:
Also called “Bowls”, this left-hander is one of the best surf spots in Oahu. The waves here are long, fast, and hollow. The reef is shallow, and the lineup is competitive; therefore, this spot is recommended for advanced surfers.
Makaha Point:
At the western part of Oahu, Makaha is a beautiful right-hand point break. This wave has several different sections, and each one of them performs differently depending on the swell. This spot is known as a swell magnet and produces good waves even on the smallest days.
Diamond Head:
Can Beginners Surf in Oahu?
The Island of Oahu offers spectacular waves for surfers of all skill levels, and beginners are no exception. For instance, Chun’s Reef on the North Shore and Canoes and Queens on the South Shore offer gentle waves, ideal for those who want to take surf lessons or simply practice. In contrast, the waves on beaches like Pipeline and Ala Moana are more challenging and require higher surfing skills. To sum up, there is a vast selection of surf spots in Oahu to satisfy any surfer.
Surf Camps in Oahu
If you are a beginner taking your first steps in the surfing world or even an intermediate seeking improvement, you can explore the surf beaches of Oahu at a surf camp. These are the most recommended ones on the island:
1. Go Nuts Hawaii
2. Pata Sudaka Surf Camp
3. StokeDrift, Surf lessons in Waikiki
4. Ty Gurney Surf School
5. Siren Surf Adventures
For more information about surf camps in Oahu, please click here.
Surf Hotels in Oahu
When coming to surf in Oahu, you obviously want to stay as close as possible to the best waves. So, these are some of the most recommended surf hotels on the Island:
1. Beach Side Studio by Shark’s Cove– Situated in Haleiwa, a few steps from Pupukea Beach Park and 50 m from Ke Iki Beach, Beach Side Studio by Shark’s Cove features accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning, free bikes, and a garden. Boasting free private parking, the apartment is in an area where guests can engage in activities such as hiking, diving, and tennis.
2. Waimea Bay Cottage– Located in Haleiwa, 200 m from Waimea Bay Beach and 300 m from Three Tables Beach, Waimea Bay Cottage offers a garden and air conditioning. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony, free private parking, and free WiFi.
3. Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head– Experience a different side of Waikiki, tucked away under Diamond Head. The luxurious Lotus Honolulu offers walking paths to two nearby beaches and amazing views of Diamond Head.
For more surf hotels in Oahu check out the best deals on Booking.com.
Oahu- Travel Information
Language– Hawaiian, English.
Population– over 1 million.
Currency– U.S dollar.
Calling code– +1 808.
Time zone– GMT -10.
Pros– perfect waves, beautiful nature.
Cons– overcrowded.
Conclusion- A Final Few Words
To sum up, Oahu is the homeland of surfing. This is where you can see the best surfers in the world riding massive barrels, but also newbies on a surf lesson taking their first steps in the ocean. For anyone who loves surfing, Oahu is definitely the place to be.
We hope you enjoyed reading this surf guide to Oahu. Have a great surf trip!
