Surfing Guide to Big Island, Hawaii

 

• Summary

• When to go

• Where to stay

• Getting there

• Safety/things to know

• Surf spots

 

Summary

The island of Hawai’i, more commonly known as the Big Island, is the largest Hawaiian island. It also is the least popular of the 4 major islands for surfing although we still find a few high quality breaks. Therefore, someone looking to get away from the big Waikiki crowds could very well find its paradise on Big Island.

 

Read: Which Hawaiian island should you chose for a surf trip?

 

Going around from side to side takes much more time than on any other island so the two major surfing regions are located around Kona (west side) and Hilo (east side). Both cities have their own airport and driving from one side to the other will take a bit less than 2 hours.

 

To find the best surfing destination for you, try our WaveFinder search engine!

 

Whether it’s looking down at stunning Waipi’o Valley or on a tour to see actual lava flows, the Island of Hawai’i has so much to offer on top of the quality of its waves. It truly is a gem that is often overshadowed by Maui or Oahu and ends up being shamefully forgotten by many travellers.

 

 

 

When to surf Big Island, Hawaii

The best time to surf Big Island (Hawai’i) is from November to April for heavy north-westerly swells to which Kona is exposed.

The summer months, from April to November will offer decent southern swells.

 

 

 

Where to stay on Big Island, Hawaii

Typically, there are two main areas where people decide to settle down on Big Island. Kona, on the west side and Hilo on the east side. Both cities have an airport since driving from one side to the other of the island can take a little while.

 

 

Best Surf Hotels in Kona

Royal Kona Resort

Courtyard by Marriott Kona

 

 

Best Surf Hotels in Hilo

Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo

SCP Hilo Hotel

 

Browse our interactive map to find the best accommodation deals on Big Island!

 

 

Getting there

Fly into Kona or Hilo airport from any of the Hawaiian island or the mainland. Flights from Asia will transit in Honolulu.

 

 

Safety/things to know

-Hawaii has its reputation for a reason. The waves can be very big and mean with swells coming from nowhere and doubling in size in a matter of minutes. Be very careful. If in doubt, don’t go out.

-Hurricane season from July to November

-Kilauea erupted in 2018, make sure to check activity

-Big Island is home of 10 out of the existing 14 different climate zones

 

 

Surf Spots on Big Island

Kahalu’u

This is one of Kona’s most popular beaches both for swimming and surfing. Works better in summer with the SW swell and should be good for surfers of all skill levels.

Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : SW
Optimal wind direction : E

 

 

Banyans

A decent and hollow reef break working all year round. Winter’s north west swells will provide a short and hollow right-hander while a summer southern swell will offer a longer left. 

Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
Optimal swell direction : NW
Optimal wind direction : E

 

 

Pine trees

Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
Optimal swell direction : NW
Optimal wind direction : E

 

 

Honoli’i

Located on the Hilo side of Big Island, Honoli’i is a decent surf spot very consistent throughout the year. However, with the prevailing onshore east wind, conditions are rarely clean. There are several breaks to chose from with a rivermouth, a beach break and a reef.

Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Reef and sand
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : N/A
Optimal wind direction : E