Surfing Guide to Maui, Hawaii

• Summary

• When to go

• Where to stay

• Getting there

• Safety/things to know

• Surf spots

   

Summary

The island of Maui is amongst the best surfing islands in the world due to its great swell exposure and the quality of its surf breaks. Maui is a very versatile island which isn’t quite as busy as Oahu, but still offers a bit more social life than Kauai or Big Island.

 

Although Hawaii is mostly known for its huge waves, the surf on Maui can be very convenient for beginners, with spots like Lahaina Harbor or Kihei. Experienced surfers can obviously also have a blast in Maui at surf spots like Honolua Bay, Ho’okipa or Pe’ahi (jaws).

 

On top of its great surf, Maui will take your breath away either on top of Mt. Haleakala for a charming sunrise or while driving through the winding road to Hana.

 

A unique surfing destination

The great thing about Maui is its swell exposure. In fact, like most Hawaiians islands, Maui will receive all swells, whether they come from the north, south, east or west. Therefore, for any swell or wind direction, there will be a surf spot that is firing somewhere on the island.

In winter, the west and north sides of the island are absolutely firing at surf spots like Honolua Bay, Ho’okipa and Jaws while the summer months will work better on the south side in Lahaina.

 

As soon as you step on Maui, you feel the true Hawaiian Aloha spirit taking over. The island is a very special place on Earth which will greatly enrich anyone making the trip. Remember to always respect this piece of land and its people.

 

Of course the best way to get around is by hiring a car as all these spots are at a fair distance from each other. This will also give you the freedom to do all the other activities the island has to offer.

When to go

The best time to surf Maui, Hawaii depends on what kind of conditions you are looking for. November to March is the big surfing season on Maui as heavy north swells are consistently push towards the islands. There are also some nice and mellow south swells to be found on the south side of Maui during this season.

 

April to October will offer decent south swells and almost nonexistent northern swells. This season will also be drier and warmer.

 

 

Where to stay on Maui

On the north shore, the historic town of Pa’ia is an awesome place to stay giving you access to beautiful beaches and it also happens to be the departure point of Road to Hana. This town is charming, quiet and has several nice cafés and restaurants.

The Pa’ia Inn is a great hotel in the heart of Pa’ia with awesome rooms and reviews.

On the west side, the island is more developed and you can find a lot of great higher end resorts as well as smaller vacation rentals. Kaanapali is sort of midway between Honolua Bay and Lahaina and has some great places to stay like the Whalers Resort.

It is also possible to visit Maui on a tight budget. There are a few campsites which are much cheaper than hotels or vacation rentals. Make sure to acquire the right permits as free camping not allowed on the island.

 

 

Surf spots on Maui

Honolua bay

Honolua Bay is Maui’s gem when it comes to surfing. It is a long and perfect wave breaking from the point and peeling right into the bay producing some amazing barrel opportunities on good days. Crowds are definitely a factor here so make sure to have the right surfing etiquette and respect the locals.

Wave direction : Right
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Advanced
Optimal swell direction : N
Optimal wind direction : SE

 

 

Ho’okipa

Located on Maui’s north shore, Ho’okipa is known as the world’s best kite surfing and wind surfing spot with its insanely consistent crosswinds. However, regular surfers can also have a blast at Ho’okipa when the wind fades a bit or by going to the point which is quite sheltered. Ho’okipa is just a short drive away from Pa’ia on the way to Road to Hana.

Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Reef and sand
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
Optimal swell direction : N
Optimal wind direction : S

 

 

Pe’ahi (Jaws)

Pe’ahi doesn’t need any presentation being one of the world’s most known big wave surfing spot. For most people, watching is gonna be the best option on a large north swell. Simply park at the end of Pea’hi road and walk to the top of the cliff which will give you the best view of the spot.

Wave direction : Right
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Experts and big wave surfers only
Optimal swell direction : NW
Optimal wind direction : SE

 

Lahaina

Located on the southwest end of Maui, Lahaina is a nice little trendy surf town with a few nice longboard spots. It is also an ideal, if no the best place for people to learn how to surf on Maui.

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

 

 

 

Getting there

Fly into Kahului airport from any of the Hawaiian island or the mainland. Flights from Asia will transit in Honolulu. There is an airport in Kapalua for domestic Hawaiian flights only.

 

 

 

Safety/things to know

Waves in Hawaii can be very big and mean with swells coming from nowhere and doubling in size in a matter of minutes, especially in winter. Be very careful. If in doubt, don’t go out.

Respecting the locals is important wherever you go but even more so in Hawaii. Make sure you have a good surfing etiquette.