Is surfing better in Oahu or Maui?

If you're looking for an epic, big-wave surf trip (and you've got the experience to handle it!), Oahu is probably your best bet. However, you'll find plenty of surf breaks all around Maui to enjoy for all levels of surfers.



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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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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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But, there are important differences between Maui and Oahu vacations. If you're looking for a typical Hawaiian tourist vacation, Oahu offers Waikiki Beach, historical memorials and modern culture. Meanwhile, travelers should head to Maui to enjoy outdoorsy adventures, from snorkeling to hiking volcanic peaks.

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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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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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In fact, Oahu is the cheapest of the Hawaiian islands for lodging, coming in behind both the Big Island and Kauai. Add to this its lower costs for food and transportation, and Oahu becomes a much more affordable option than Maui.

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Hawaii's Ten Best Beginner Surf Spots
  • 'Thousand Peaks' Location: Ukumehame (Maui, SouthWest) ...
  • 'Pops' (aka 'Populars') Location: Waikiki (O'ahu, South Shore) ...
  • 'Breakwall' Location: Lahaina (Maui, West) ...
  • 'The Cove' Location: Kihei (Maui, South) ...
  • 'Pu'ena Point' Location: Hale'iwa (Oahu, North Shore) ...
  • 'Lemon Drops' ...
  • 'Castles'


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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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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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Located on the North Shore of Maui, Jaws is the biggest, heaviest, gnarliest wave in Hawaii. Winter storms bring waves as big as 100+ feet, creating insane conditions for the brave souls who paddle out.

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April thru June and mid-August thru mid-September are Hawaii's low seasons, and airfares are lower then. No matter what time of year you travel, you may be able to score better deals if you travel midweek.

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The average visitor to Maui spends 8.1 days on the island. How long you should stay depends on what you want to do, but you should plan to spend a minimum of five days on Maui.

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Both are lovely but it really depends on what you like to do on vacation. Many consider Maui to be the prettiest island. There is a world class golf course in Kapalua. Oahu is the most developed island - there is a downtown area along with history (visiting Pearl Harbor).

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If it's your first time in Hawaii, your ideal island will depend on your travel style and to-do list. For most travelers visiting Hawaii for the first time, the Big Island of Hawaii should be the winner because it offers the most diverse experiences.

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It's generally accepted that winter is the best time of year to surf in Hawaii. From late October to early March, mighty winter storms form in the Artic send swell towards the Hawaiian island chain.

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The months between November and February are the best times to see big wave surfing. The massive waves can sometimes swell up to thirty feet or more—dangerous even for experienced surfers—so always heed warning signs.

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