What is the best time to surf in Hawaii?

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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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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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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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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Surfing is a famous island pastime for Hawaii locals, especially on the island of Oahu. It has been described as an almost spiritual experience, which intrigues many tourists who come from all over to attempt this difficult sport.

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Everyone surfs in Hawaii. But you'd think otherwise if you watch any show or movie that takes place in Hawaii (like Lilo and Stitch). Most of those movies involve surfing. Hawaii has great weather year-round and has great waves for surfing, but not everyone that lives in Hawaii grew up around surf.

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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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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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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.

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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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Hawaii: Hawaii is often regarded as the birthplace of modern surfing, and it's a global surfing mecca. The islands offer world-class waves, warm water, and a deep historical connection to the sport. While California has its share of great surf, Hawaii remains a top-tier destination for experienced surfers.

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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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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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Because in pro surfing Hawaii is a sovereign nation, separate from the United States, and each of its citizens carries the proud suffix after his or her surname: HAW. While there is an actual reason for this designation, sometimes it does seem like a free-for-all in the global pro surfing community.

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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.

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Large winter storms moving south of Alaska send waves to Hawaii. These waves travel a shorter distance than from the storms in the southern hemisphere. There are also no islands between Hawaii and these storms, meaning Hawaii gets all the big waves.

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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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