Hawaii, the birthplace of surfing, boasts world-class beaches that draw wave riders from across the globe, blending epic breaks with tropical beauty. From Oahu’s legendary Pipeline, where pros tackle hollow barrels, to Maui’s Honolua Bay with its long, peeling rights, the islands offer diverse surf for all levels. Kauai’s Hanalei Bay shines for beginners, while big-wave seekers chase Jaws’ monstrous swells. Winter (November-March) brings powerful North Pacific swells, perfect for advanced surfers, while summer’s gentler waves welcome novices. With vibrant surf culture, lush landscapes, and year-round warm waters, Hawaii’s top 10 surfing beaches—Pipeline, Waimea Bay, Jaws, Honolua Bay, Sunset Beach, Hanalei Bay, Ho’okipa Beach, Makaha Beach, Banzai Beach, and Poipu Beach—promise unforgettable sessions and island adventure.
Pipeline (Oahu)
Banzai Pipeline, on Oahu’s North Shore, is a global surfing legend, renowned for its perfect, hollow left-hand barrels that break over a shallow reef. Winter (November-March) brings powerful 6-12 foot waves, attracting pro surfers to the iconic Pipeline Masters contest. This spot is for experts only due to its intense currents and razor-sharp reef, but it’s a must-see for surf fans. The vibrant beach vibe and nearby food trucks add to the experience.
Address: Ehukai Beach Park, 59-473 Ke Waena Road, Haleiwa, HI 96712
Website: https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/oahu/things-to-do/beaches/ehukai-beach-park-banzai-pipeline
Waimea Bay (Oahu)
Waimea Bay, a North Shore icon, is the birthplace of big-wave surfing, with winter swells reaching 20-30 feet. Home to the prestigious Eddie Aikau Invitational, it’s a bucket-list spot for elite surfers tackling massive waves. Summer offers calmer waters for beginners, and the sandy beach is perfect for spectators. Its dramatic cliffs and vibrant surf culture make it a Hawaiian gem.
Address: Waimea Bay Beach Park, 61-031 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712
Website: https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/oahu/regions/north-shore/waimea-bay
Jaws (Pe’ahi, Maui)
Pe’ahi, known as Jaws, is Maui’s ultimate big-wave break, with waves soaring up to 60 feet during winter swells (November-March). This tow-in surfing mecca is for the world’s most daring surfers, offering heart-pounding rides over a deep reef. Spectators can watch from cliffs, but the remote location keeps crowds low. Jaws embodies raw Hawaiian surf power.
Address: Pe’ahi, Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708
Website: https://mauiguidebook.com/adventures/jaws/
Honolua Bay (Maui)
Honolua Bay, on Maui’s northwest coast, is a surfer’s paradise with its long, fast right-hand point break. Winter swells (November-April) deliver 4-10 foot waves, ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers seeking barrels and carves. The lush jungle backdrop and clear waters create a magical vibe, though the lineup can get crowded. Snorkeling shines in summer when waves calm.
Address: Honolua Bay, 7000 Hana Hwy, Lahaina, HI 96761
Website: https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/maui/regions/west-maui/honolua-bay
Sunset Beach (Oahu)
Sunset Beach, a North Shore classic, offers powerful, deep-water waves that challenge intermediate to advanced surfers. Winter (October-April) brings 6-15 foot swells, hosting the Vans World Cup of Surfing. Its shifting peaks demand skill, but the long rides and iconic status reward those who master it. Summer transforms it into a calm snorkeling haven.
Address: Sunset Beach Park, 59-104 Kamehameha Hwy, Pupukea, HI 96712
Website: https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/oahu/things-to-do/beaches/sunset-beach
Hanalei Bay (Kauai)
Hanalei Bay, on Kauai’s North Shore, is a versatile surfing gem with breaks for all levels. Winter (November-April) delivers 4-12 foot waves, from beginner-friendly beach breaks to advanced reef breaks like Pinetrees. Its crescent bay, framed by lush cliffs, offers a picturesque setting. Summer’s gentler waves are perfect for learning, with surf schools nearby.
Address: Hanalei Bay, 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
Website: https://www.hanaleibayresort.com/riding-the-waves-surfing-in-hanalei-bay/
Ho’okipa Beach (Maui)
Ho’okipa Beach, near Pa’ia on Maui’s North Shore, is a world-class surfing and windsurfing spot. Its consistent 4-8 foot waves, best in spring and summer, cater to intermediate and advanced surfers. Four distinct breaks (Pavilions, Middles, Green Trees, H’Poko) offer variety, while trade winds add thrill. The vibrant beach scene draws global surf talent.
Address: Ho’okipa Beach Park, 179 Hana Hwy, Paia, HI 96779
Website: https://mauiguidebook.com/beaches/hookipa-beach-park/
Makaha Beach (Oahu)
Makaha Beach, on Oahu’s West Side, is a year-round surfing haven with 4-15 foot waves in winter (November-March). Its right-hand point break suits intermediates and experts, offering long rides over a reef. Summer’s smaller waves welcome beginners. The laid-back local vibe and fewer crowds make it a refreshing alternative to the North Shore.
Address: Makaha Beach Park, 84-369 Farrington Hwy, Waianae, HI 96792
Website: https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/oahu/regions/leeward-coast/makaha-beach
Banzai Beach (Oahu)
Banzai Beach, adjacent to Pipeline on Oahu’s North Shore, delivers heavy, fast waves for advanced surfers. Winter swells (November-March) of 6-12 feet create thrilling barrels, often linked to the nearby Backdoor break. Its proximity to Ehukai Beach Park makes it a hotspot during the Triple Crown of Surfing. Spectators love the close-up wave action.
Address: Ehukai Beach Park, 59-473 Ke Waena Road, Haleiwa, HI 96712
Website: https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/oahu/things-to-do/beaches/ehukai-beach-park-banzai-pipeline
Poipu Beach (Kauai)
Poipu Beach, on Kauai’s sunny South Shore, is a beginner-friendly surfing spot with reliable 3-6 foot waves in summer (May-September). Its sandy bottom and gentle breaks make it ideal for learning, with surf schools like Poipu Surf Academy nearby. Experienced surfers enjoy the occasional bigger swells. The beach’s resort backdrop adds convenience and charm.
Address: Poipu Beach Park, 2371 Hoone Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
Website: https://www.kauai.com/poipu-beach