Is it better to learn to surf in Oahu or Maui?

Crystal clear turquoise water and coral reefs make Maui one of the most popular holiday destinations of the Hawaiian archipelago. Though Oahu is more popular among professional surfers, Maui still has lots of great surfing spots to discover and is a perfect place for beginners to catch their first wave.



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The 4 Best Hawaii Surf Spots for Beginners
  • Hanalei Beach Park, Kauai. Lynn Alapa of Hawaiian Surfing Adventures calls Hanalei Bay tops for surfing lessons on Kauai at any time of year. ...
  • Kahaluu Beach Park, Hawaii Island. ...
  • Ukumehame Beach Park, Maui. ...
  • Waikiki Beach, Oahu.


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Oahu is the proverbial heartbeat of surfing in Hawaii. The island's North Shore is the place to catch the perfect wave, regardless of your skill level.

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Take A Surf Lesson If You Are A Beginner For beginners, winter is a perfect time to take surf lessons and visit the southern shores as the waves are much tamer there. Hawaii has tropical warm weather with water temperatures of 22-27ºC throughout the year. And so, you don't need a wetsuit to surf in here.

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White Plains Beach Located on the west side of Oahu, this beginner surf spot encounters gentle and slow waves, which are consistent all year long. Here every newcomer surfer can enjoy a relaxing and fun feeling.

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Maui has the most beginner surf spots of all the Hawaiian Islands. Tips for beginner surfers: try to surf waves under 3 feet, avoid crowded spots, avoid surfing in stormy conditions, and choose spots that lack dangerous obstacles like reef, rocks and rip tides.

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O?ahu is considered by many as the surfing mecca of the world. From the heavy-duty breaks located on the North Shore—which has even been given the flashy nickname of the “Seven Mile Miracle”—to the pristine fun-sized surf on O?ahu's southern shoreline, there's plenty of surf to go around.

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Most newcomers to surfing stick to the area adjacent to the Hanalei Pier. As the youngest island in the chain, Hawaii Island has fewer sandy beaches than the others and not as many established surf locations. Kahaluu Beach Park south of Kona is one of the most popular spots for surf schools and beginners on the island.

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Molokai. Molokai is the best island for solitude, meaning few tourists and small town Hawai?i life. Additionally, Molokai is all about making your own adventure, easy but scenic hiking, and most of all, relaxing! If you like a slow vacation, then Molokai may be for you!

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Waikiki Beach is especially excellent if you're new to the sport and looking for friendly learning conditions. Like riding a bike or swimming for the first time, proper instruction and a bit of bravery will lead you to success. If your only goal is to stand up on your board, Waikiki waves can be very forgiving.

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Maui in a Nutshell It is a bit more relaxing and a lot slower, and the people who visit enjoy that pace. It's the second most visited Hawaiian island after Oahu. Maui's highlights include: the Road to Hana.

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Whereas Maui is quieter and more rugged, Oahu boasts stunning beaches and a bustling city life that gives you plenty to do no matter how you prefer to vacation.

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It may sound silly since Hawaii is synonymous with warm water surfing but it does get chilly sometimes. You won't need to pack your winter 4/3 full suit by any means but a nice 1 or 2mm wetsuit top will help keep your core warm and allow you to surf longer, especially if the trade winds start to pick up.

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Pipeline, Waimea Bay & Sharks Cove, all found on the North Shore, are home to some of the largest waves you can see on the island of Oahu or even in the entire state of Hawaii. Most big waves average about 6-12 feet, with the really big waves reaching 30-50 feet.

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–Kawela bay: This spot is located West of Turtle Bay and is protected from the giant waves that batter the North Shore in winter months. The shape of Kawela Bay, and the reef, diffuses the power and intensity of the swells making it an ideal spot for small rolling waves; perfect for beginners to enjoy.

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