Simply put, the best time of day to surf is in the early morning and late evening. The surf is the best at these times because the winds are calm during the beginning and end of the day.
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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.
Waikiki has good waves for all skill levels year round, but you'll find the most consistent and large waves (i.e., over 3 feet) in the summertime, usually from June through September. In terms of time of day, it's generally considered better to surf early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
While the waves are biggest, best, and most consistent during summer, June-September, Waikiki has the potential to see surf at any time during the year. Whether you are a longboarder, a shortboarder, experienced, a novice, or a first-timer, Waikiki has a number of breaks that suit all abilities.
Honolii Beach ParkThe Island of Hawaii's best surfing spots are found on the east and west side, and Hilo's Honolii Beach Park is a classic east-side hangout. Novice wave-riders, beware; it takes an experienced surfer to navigate the rips and roiling swells.
Take A Surf Lesson If You Are A BeginnerFor 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It gets crazy crowded, and a lot of surfers in the water means more obstacles to hit and more people vying for the same wave. And it doesn't matter how good the waves are if you can't get a couple for yourself. An alternative not far from Waikiki is the surf at Diamond Head.
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.
Hawaii's hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov.30. This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts more cyclone activity in the central Pacific than usual, due to it being an El Nino summer. NOAA predicts that there will be four to seven cyclones this year.
With two days of travel, it is great to have 8 or more full days to explore the island you're staying on. If you are looking to hike, snorkel, or camp, we recommend taking even 14 days for your vacation.
This uniform is usually boardshorts, surf t-shirts (t-shirts with surf designs or motifs on), Hawaiian shirts, jeans and particular brands and styles of shoes, sandals or flip-flops.
The Banzai Pipeline (North Shore, Oahu)Pipeline is arguably the world's most famous and heaviest wave. A steep, intense left and right (when the sands right) it still to this day hosts the final event on the WSL tour and decides world champions.
Big wave season in Hawai?i happens roughly between November and February on Hawai?i's north shores. You can watch surfers on every island, but some of the best surfing competitions in the world are held on O?ahu's North Shore in November and December, including the biggest them of all, the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.
Waves in Hawaii can include powerful surf, crushing shorebreaks and even tsunamis. These waves can create even more dangerous situations with jagged rocks and reefs, and strong currents along remote, unguarded beaches.