Surfs up! The Ultimate Guide to Beaches in Hawaii for Beginner Surfers

Surfing is one of the best things to do in Hawaii. The Aloha State is known for its crystal clear waters, fine sand, and awesome waves for surfing. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, Hawaii beaches are a must on your bucket list. And thanks to its rich surf culture and countless surf spots, it’s also considered the capital of modern surfing!  

Hawaii beaches are excellent places to start learning. If you want to get your feet wet (both literally and figuratively) with surfing, read on to know all about surfing in Hawaii for beginners:

Maui is the second-largest island in Hawaii, known for its glass-clear waters, where you can gaze upon the reefs and sealife as you paddle on your surfboard. Here are the best spots to surf in Maui for beginners:

Launiupoko Beach is a fantastic spot for first-timers in Maui, thanks to its long and easy waves that break right and left for consistent lines and lips. This Hawaii beach is also great for families! Why not pack a picnic and cheer on your loved ones as they catch their first waves?

Experience level: First-time surfers, beginners

Kalama Beach Park, a.k.a. The Cove, has shallow waters and gentle waves for beginners and first-timers. It’s popular among tourists and locals and is also one of Maui's go-to places for surfing lessons. The waves also break year-round so you can begin your surfing journey anytime!

Kihei is home to heaps of surf schools, so there’s no doubt that its long and slow waves are ideal for first-timers. You’ll also find BBQ and picnic areas so you, your friends, and the fam can treat yourselves after learning to surf for the first time!

Ka’anapali Beach: aside from being one of the most beautiful in the world, it also has consistent waves that are great for new surfers. You can also take surf lessons from Ka’anapali Surf Club, which caters to first-time surfers as young as 12! 

Want to explore more of the beautiful island? Check out our master list of the best things to do in Maui:

The North Shore of Oahu made a name for itself thanks to its seven-mile coastline with legendary waves. In fact, it’s known as the “Seven Mile Miracle”. Here are the best spots to begin your surfing journey in Oahu:

This surf spot got its name for having iconic views of  Diamond Head volcano. Its waves vary, making it suitable for advanced and beginner surfers. Tip: its calmest waves are usually early in the morning and after 4 PM. If you’re new to the sport, it’s best to go during those times.

Pua’ena Point near Haleiwa Beach Park is one of the most well-known in the world, not just on the North Shore. Its waves are gentle enough for both beginners and paddleboarders alike. This is a perfect spot for some family fun; we’re talking beach cricket, picnics and tide pools to explore!

Waikiki is one of the most renowned Hawaii beaches. It may be on Oahu's South Shore, but it’s still a gem for first-time surfers. You’ll also find a monument to Duke Kanahamoku, the Father of Modern Surfing, since he grew up swimming and surfing here. 

You can take surf lessons in Waikiki. Expert surf coaches will guide you, so you’ll be sure to ‘hang ten’ in no time! 

Waikiki is a neighbourhood in Hawaii’s capital Honolulu. If you want to take a break from catching some waves, check out the best things to do in Honolulu:

White Plains is located on the southwest shore of Oahu, with gentle and consistent waves year round. The beach is also a fantastic spot to learn how to surf, hang out with friends, and simply enjoy the sand and sea. It also has views of the historic Pearl Harbour. 

Surfing in Kauai is more of a seasonal affair, with the north part of the island being ideal for winter and the south end for summer. But it’s still a great option for newbie surfers. Here are surf spots in Kauai you can try:

Kiahuna is great for both beginners and more advanced surfers alike since the surf changes past the reef. Beginners can enjoy surfing in shallow areas, while the more advanced surfers can go past the reef to really test out their skills! 

Hawaii’s beaches are also known for being great snorkelling spots. Check out more amazing places to go snorkelling in Hawaii:

This gorgeous half-moon bay is a perfect spot for surfers of all skill levels! It has two miles of beach that are also ideal for swimming and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). After your surfing session, you can relax at nearby bars and restaurants. 

Hawaii has a tropical climate, so the weather and the waves are pleasant year-round. Waves can be more catered towards advanced surfers during mid-November and early February as they tend to be bigger and wilder. Beginners will enjoy the gentler waves for the rest of the year.