Have you found yourself in Hawaii and ready to catch some epic waves? Maybe you’re a newbie looking for their first ride (careful, it’s addicting) or maybe you’re a seasoned pro ready to shred. Either way you may find yourself wondering...where is the best surfing in Hawaii? Well, Big Wave Dave is here to lead you through it.

Where is the Best Surfing in Hawaii and Why?

First things first, in order to answer the question: Where is the Best Surfing in Hawaii, you have to understand what makes for the best surfing in Hawaii

Hawaii Surf Seasons and Swell Chasing

You know how life is full of ups and downs? Surfing in Hawaii follows the same rhythm—only we call them “swell seasons.” Here’s the scoop:

Winter (November to March): The North Shore of each island goes absolutely bananas with massive surf. If you’ve watched any big wave footage recently—like Kai Lenny braving 50-foot waves—it probably came from this time of year.
Summer (May to September): The south shores heat up with more consistent but generally smaller swells. If you’re not into waves the size of small buildings, summer is your friend.
Spring and Fall: These transitional seasons offer a mixed bag. You can often find mellow waves on the north or south shores—ideal if you, like us, want to avoid the “washing machine” effect on bigger days.

Which Island is the Best for Surfing in Hawaii

Now that you know the seasons for Hawaii surf, we should go ahead and let you know what we think about all this where-is-the-best-surfing-in-Hawaii stuff. Our Opinion? That’s easy. Oahu! Oahu is a dreamland for all levels and kinds of surfers. You may be asking yourself…but why is Oahu the best place for surfing on Oahu? Man, you have a lot of questions. Well, let’s take a look at what (and where) makes Oahu so special for surfing. This is essential for answering the question, where is the best surfing in Hawaii. So now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of it—so you know where to expect embarrassing wipeouts and triumphant rides.

Oahu: Surfing’s Central Hub

Oahu is basically surfing’s Disneyland—minus the animatronic pirates. There’s a wave for everyone, from the brand-new newbie to the fearless pro.

North Shore (Pipeline, Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay)
Unless you’re a real pro, this is a spot better to watch in awe (and maybe a hint of terror) from the shore. Pipeline is like the prom queen of surf breaks: beautiful, popular, but intimidating. Expert-only territory.

Sunset Beach is more spread out, but it’s still powerful. If you don’t time your duck dives right, you’ll be doing more tumbles than a circus acrobat.
Waimea Bay is the birthplace of big wave surfing. On massive days, it hosts legendary contests like the Eddie Aikau Invitational. We’re not ashamed to say I prefer to watch from the sand when Waimea’s going off—20-foot plus waves are no joke!

South Shore (Waikiki, Ala Moana Bowls)

Waikiki is a great stepping stone to surfing in Hawaii and has some of the best longboarding waves IN THE WORLD. Picture gentle, longboard-friendly waves, stunning Diamond Head views, and a vibe so laid-back you’ll forget your troubles faster than you can say, “Hang loose!”
Ala Moana Bowls is more challenging, with hollow lefts that break over a reef shelf. On days when the swell hits just right, it’s like an aquatic playground—just with a few more bruises if you don’t watch the reef.

West and East Sides

Makaha on the west side has a strong local community. If you’re respectful and patient, you’ll be rewarded with some fantastic, uncrowded waves.
Kailua on the east side is typically windier, which is great if you enjoy a bit of a challenge—or you just need an excuse to practice your windsurfing skills.

Our Final Thoughts on Where to Surf in Hawaii

So, where is the best surfing in Hawaii? Depends on who you ask and what you’re craving. If you want iconic, competition-level waves with a side of bustling surf culture, Oahu’s North Shore is your best bet. If you’d rather hunt giant swells worthy of a Red Bull documentary, Maui’s Jaws might be calling your name. Prefer a chill, nature-immersed vibe? Kauai might steal your heart. And if you like laid-back sessions with fewer crowds, the Big Island or even Molokai and Lanai can scratch that itch.

Our personal vote? We love Oahu. It has everything going for it: big waves, small waves, long board waves, and short board waves. Plus they’re all easy to access. And for the extra cherry on top, Oahu has way more places for board rentals and lessons, so you can take your surfing to the next level.

Where Is the Best Surfing in Hawaii?