Hawaii: the best surf spots are all over the islands | Photo: Red Bull

The US State of Hawaii has eight main islands: Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, Kahoolawe, Lanai, Molokai, Kauai, and Niihau. The most popular Hawaiian surf spots are located on The Big Island (Hawaii), The Valley Isle (Maui), The Garden Isle (Kauai), and The Gathering Place (Oahu).

Hawaii is the capital of modern surfing. This group of Pacific islands gets swell from all directions, so there are plenty of pristine surf spots for all.

Beginners, as well as advanced riders, can surf almost all 365 days of the year.

Transparent water, glassy waves, tubular or slower rides, reef or sandy bottoms: you can surf all types of waves in Hawaii, as long as you've got a board.

Ground swells are the key to the Hawaiian surf breaks.

Are you a fan of the Hawaiian culture? Take a look at a few things you didn't know about Hawaii.

Oahu

Adrenaline will be running high when you try one of the Triple Crown of Surfing spots on Oahu's North Shore.

If you can handle the wave, the take-off, and the surf line, then this is the ultimate surf destination. Locals call it the Seven Mile Miracle.

Here, you will find Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Haleiwa Beach Park. They are some of the best-known surf spots in the world.

A good alternative is Backdoor, also known for its "rights on the other side of Pipeline." Oahu's North Shore is constantly testing your skills.

Here, you can expect fast drops, tough locals, and a sharp, shallow reef. Learn how to surf - or teach others - at White Plains Beach and Waikiki Beach.

Big waves are also seen in Waimea Bay, one of the most recognized surf sanctuaries in the world of wave riding.

Sandy Beach is a superb surf spot, too.

Canoes is also great for beginners but not exactly perfect for relaxed surfing. Despite the long rides, it is always very crowded.

 

Big Island

The Big Island is a great surf destination for those willing to learn how to surf. Pine Trees is a wonderful surf break just south of Nelha. Try it on the incoming mid-tide.

The Kohala Lighthouse is also a very nice surf spot, suitable for all surfing levels, but watch out for the rocks at low tide.

Kauai has produced some of the best surfers in the world, so it's a good option.

Hanalei Bay offers the best conditions on the island. It's consistent, beautiful, and offers surf for the entire family.

Kalapaki Beach, Kealia Beach, and Shipwreck Beach should be checked out and surfed, too.

 

Maui

Maui is the windiest of the Hawaiian islands.

This is why it is also one of the best windsurfing and kitesurfing spots in the world. When swell and wind match their best qualities, the result is breathtaking.

Peahi/Jaws pumps one of the most dangerous waves on the planet.

Hookipa Beach Park is a wave windsurfer's mecca, while Honolua Bay can offer small, fun rides, as well as super-fast overhead barrels.

 

Oahu Surf Spots

Sandy Beach
White Plains Beach
Banzai Pipeline
Backdoor
Waimea Bay
Haleiwa Beach Park
Sunset Beach
Canoes
Backyards
Waikiki Beach

Big Island Surf Spots

Pine Trees
Kohala Lighthouse

Kauai Surf Spots

Hanalei Bay
Kalapaki Beach
Kealia Beach
Shipwreck Beach

Maui Surf Spots

Hookipa Beach Park
Honolua Bay
Peahi/Jaws

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