Surfing Guide to Kauai, Hawaii

• Summary

• When to go

• Where to stay

• Getting there

• Safety/things to know

• Surf spots

Summary

When it comes to surfing, Kauai, is probably Hawaii’s best hidden gem. Most northern of the 4 major islands, the surf in Kauai is obviously still exposed to the same perfect swells as its neighboring islands, while being more quiet and raw. With a population of about 75,000 people on Kauai, it is said that there actually are more surfboards than people on the island.

 

Known as “The Garden Isle”, Kauai is the island for adventures and great outdoors. The Napali Coast, on Kauai north shore, is an absolute natural beauty and deserves a visit at least once in your lifetime. There is not much happening in Kauai after dark and this is how we like it.

 

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

 

When people think of surfing in Hawaii, the names of Oahu’s Pipeline or Maui’s Pe’ahi (Jaws) always come on top of everyone’s mind. However, while it is not as publicized, the surf on Kauai is just as flawless and rewarding.

 

Surfing in Kauai is for everyone!

When surfing in Kauai, beginners will find their fix near the pier at Hanalei Bay or at Poipu while more advanced surfers will head out to Tunnels, Hanalei point or Polihale. The south side is usually drier especially in the rainy winter months compared to the north side where we can find one of the world’s rainiest spot.

 

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

 

On top of having incredible surfing conditions, Kauai provides spectacular hikes that are known to be some of the best in the world. The Kalalau trail, for instance, attracts tourists from all around the globe every year because of its unique coast line.

 

 

When to surf in Kauai

The best time to surf on the island of Kauai, Hawaii is mostly through the winter months from November to April. During this time, big and consistent swells push through the north Pacific and send perfect waves on Kauai’s west and north shores.

During the summer months, from May to October, Kauai still receive amazing waves from the south Pacific which will turn on surf spots like Poipu and Pakala.

 

 

Where to stay in Kauai

Kauai is relatively small and it is easy to get around. Therefore, no matter where you will be based, you can reach any part of the island within a two hour drive maximum.

Kauai’s North Shore, including Hanalei and Princeville offers the prettiest setup on the island with great beaches and amazing mountain views. In winter, that is also where most of the surf is located and although this area is rainier, it remains extremely pretty with numerous waterfalls and lush rainforest.

On the east side, the historic town of Kapa’a can be a great place to settle due to its strategic location. It is half an hour from Hanalei, 10 minutes from the airport and about an hour and a half from Polihale and Waimea.

Down south, Poipu is a very popular holiday town with numerous hotels, resorts and home rentals to chose from. While being “touristy” and developed, Poipu remains a beautiful spot.

 

Browse our interactive map to find the best accommodation deals in Kauai!

 

Best Surf Hotels in Kauai 

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay and The Westin Princeville are located on the north shore close to the best surfing spots on Kauai and just steps away from majestic Hanalei Bay.

Further south, in Po’ipu,  Ko’a Kea Resort is a great option as well as Sheraton Kauai Resort.

 

Camping in Kauai

Accommodation in Kauai is very expensive. Many budget travelers decide to camp in order to experience the island’s natural beauty as well as saving a good amount of money. There are many campsites located around the island but beware, you need to buy a permit for every night that you are camping. Park rangers do go around and give fines to people who are illegally camping around.

Permits are easy to obtain online for around $3 for stake parks and a bit more for national parks.

 

 

Getting there and around

The best way to get to Kauai is obviously by air. Fly into Lihue airport from any of the Hawaiian island or from the mainland or Canada. Flights from Asia will most likely transit in Honolulu.

Once on the island, the best way to get around is by renting a car. There is one highway going all around the island, except for the Na Pali Coast stretch. It is also very easy to hitchhike on Kauai and you will get picked up fairly fast. Local buses run around the island and are very reliable.

 

 

Safety/things to know

-In winter, waves in Kauai can be very big and mean with sets coming from nowhere. Be very careful. If in doubt, don’t go out.

-The hurricane season in Hawaii runs from July to November.

-Camping is a very nice way to discover Kauai with several campgrounds all around the island. Make sure you acquire the right permit to avoid being woken up by a ranger.

 

 

Kauai Surf spots

Hideaways

Located in Princeville, not too far from 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay resort, Hideaway is a beautiful spot with an exposed reef break. On a good NW swell, this wave is a nice and hollow A-frame with very little crowds. Watch out for the sharp reef, especially on low tide.

Wave direction : Left and right
Bottom : Reef and sand
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : S
Optimal wind direction : NW

 

Hanalei Bay

Hanalei Bay is a very easily accessible beach located just next to Princeville, on Kauai’s north shore. It has different waves to suit all skill levels. Pavilion and Pinetrees are both beach breaks located right in the bay while Hanalei point is a reef break located in front of 1 Hotel. On a good NW winter swell, the point is one of the longest and most consistent waves on Kauai. Hanalei can get very crowded on better surf days.

Wave direction : Left and right
Bottom : Reef and sand
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : NW
Optimal wind direction : SE

 

 

Waikoko’s

On the other end of Hanalei Bay is a secluded and beautiful beach called Waikoko’s. There is a beautiful left breaking right in front of the beach over a pretty shallow reef. On a pure NW swell, you will want to head out to Hanalei point. However, when the swell switches more north, the point will not line up as well and this is when Waikoko’s become a good option. There is also a shorter right ride but the main option is going left.

Wave direction : Left and right
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Mid to high
Skill level : Advanced
Optimal swell direction : N
Optimal wind direction : SW

 

Kealia beach

Kealia is a classic beach break located just outside of Kapa’a. With easterly winds being dominant in Hawaii, Kealia is often onshore and messy. However, summer or winter, waves can be found here which makes it a fun place to play around. Beginners are welcome but waves can be quite dumpy and currents can be strong.

Wave direction : Left and right
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
Optimal swell direction : E
Optimal wind direction : W

 

 

Poipu

Poipu is another good spot for surfers of all levels. It is a horseshoe reef located on the south-east side of Kauai that catches most of the summer swells. In winter, there are still some swells coming in from the south and Poipu will work on some days. It is a very popular tourist destination with many resorts and accommodation in the area.

Wave direction : Left and right
Bottom : Reef and sand
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : S
Optimal wind direction : NW

 

 

Rock Quarry

Located near Kilauea, on the north shore of Kauai, Rock Quarry doesn’t get really good all that often but when it does, it becomes a great left-hander with many different sections. Starts with a smooth takeoff and builds up into a nice barreling and maneuverable section further into the bay. When the point doesn’t work, Rock Quarry is still an overall good beach break for all levels of surfers.

Wave direction : Left and right
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : NE
Optimal wind direction : W

 

 

Polihale

Not so easy to access but worth all the effort, Polihale is literally at the end of the road on the west side of the island. It is one of the most beautiful beaches on Kauai and it is the widest beach in the whole state of Hawaii. Polihale starts pumping on the winter NW swells and becomes a magical beach break with multiple peaks and an empty lineup.

Wave direction : Left and right
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Advanced
Optimal swell direction : NW
Optimal wind direction : SE