RESERVATIONSAs one of the top surfing destinations in the world, Maui attracts surfers from everywhere to experience the Valley Isle’s favorite asset. Maui’s year-round surfing is like no other and offers the best surfing of all the islands in the Aloha State. If you’ve surfed here before, you know why we can say that with confidence.
Surfers who have been here before are eager to return. Even if you’ve never even seen a surfboard up close, Maui is still a great place to learn and perfect your surfing skills. Don’t own a surfboard, or don’t want to wrangle one on the plane? Rent one on nearly any Maui beach site.
The primary surfing “season” is from November through March because of the consistency of the swells, or waves for surfing. The swells regularly reach as high as nine feet as the heavy north swells are driven to Maui. The swells are from five to seven feet from May through October, and consistent but easy swells are located on the south side of Maui. You can also get an online surfing forecast anytime.
For Beginning Surfers
Of all the Islands, Maui has the most surf breaks that are great for beginners. The waves rarely get too large because they are blocked by the Big Island, Molokai, and Lanai. Ideally, beginners should stick to surfing on waves that are less than 3 feet away from stormy conditions and crowds, and avoid places with rocks, reefs, rip tides, or other hazards.
The best spots for beginners to learn include:
• Breakwall in Lahaina (just off Front Street)
• Grandma’s, near Papalaua Park (with a campground)
• Kaanapali Beach
• Launiupoko in West Maui (family friendly)
• Paia Bay at Paia, in the north-central part of Maui
• Puamana Beach Park (south of Lahaina)
• The Cove at Kalama Beach Park in Kihei
• Thousand Peaks, at Mile Marker 12 in the Ukumehame Beach Park, off Honoapiilani Highway
Of course, it’s wise to get a surfing lesson or two before you head out to the waves for your own safety as well as the safety of others, including right-of-way on the water and surfing etiquette. Windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding are also options if you’re not yet sure about a surfboard.
For Experienced Surfers
If you know your way around a surfboard, you’ll be happy to visit:
• Ho’okipa Beach
• Honolua Bay
• Lahaina Reefs
• Olowalu Beach (beware of the high shark population here)
• Pe’ahi, also called “Jaws Beach”
Because these areas are so popular, they may be more crowded, too. But the best waves are found on Maui’s North Shore.
Safe Surfing
If you see a spot with no one around, there’s probably a good reason why nobody’s there. Dangerous currents, very shallow reefs, and even sharks are just some of the dangers that you won’t see until you get into the water.
Know where the shallow spots are, and don’t take any needless chances. Understand that you may not catch every wave. Make sure to check the surfing conditions before heading to the beach, too. Better to leave it alone and ask for a good place to surf. Ask us, we know!
Surfing in Maui? Hana Kai Maui Is Ready!
If you’re reading to come surfing in Maui, call to book your next reservations at 1-800-346-2772, or book directly online. We’re open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Hawaii time to answer all of your questions. Get in touch today to begin reserving your visit to Hana Kai Maui.
Maui Wildfire:
In light of the Maui wildfire crisis, please keep our beautiful island state of Hawaii in your thoughts. If you wish to donate, here is Good Morning America’s story “How to help Maui fire victims from afar” (August 16,2023) with information and links including the Aloha United Way, Maui Mutual Aid Fund, and Maui Food Bank. – Thank you
