Surf’s Up – Maui Edition
Whether you are a novice or a pro, Maui is one of the most beautiful places in the world to catch waves. Hawaii is the birthplace of surfing, so it is easy to feel the soul of this wonderful sport in the blue Hawaiian waters.
With warm water year-round, surfing in Maui is a fun activity that anybody can enjoy! You will probably do more waiting than surfing if you are a beginner, and part of the joy of the sport is just being out in the water, taking in the landscape and beautiful sea around you. The ocean waters are crystal clear, allowing you to see tropical fish and even Hawaiian Sea turtles in between waves.
If you're surfing during whale season, basically the winter months, you might even glimpse humpbacks breaching in the water and playing nearby. Many of those spots are also home to sea turtles, making this experience truly unforgettable!
If you are planning a trip to Maui, make time to catch some waves! With many gentle breaks and surf schools, everyone can enjoy this Hawaiian cultural pastime.
Surfing History
Although Tahitians are said to have occasionally stood up on the boards, Hawaiians are credited with inventing the art of surfing upright on longboards!
The first written account of surfing was made by Lieutenant James King, who became the First Lieutenant of The Discovery after Captain James Cook was killed by Hawaiians (he made a misguided attempt to kidnap their high chief to force the return of a stolen boat!). Lieutenant King was tasked with completing the narrative portion of Cook's journals, where King devoted two pages to a description of surf riding…
"But a diversion the most common is upon the Water, where there is a very great Sea and surf breaking on the Shore. The Men, sometimes 20 or 30, go without the Swell of the Surf, & lay themselves flat upon an oval piece of plane about their Size and breadth, they keep their legs close on top of it, & their Arms are us'dus'd to guide the plank, they wait for the time of the greatest Swell that sets on Shore, & altogether push forward with their Arms to keep on its top, it sends them in with a most astonishing Velocity, & the great art is to guide the plan so as always to keep it in a proper direction on the top of the Swell, & as it alters its direct.
If the Swell drives him close to the rocks before he is overtaken by its break, he is much prais'dprais'd. On first seeing this very dangerous diversion, I did not conceive it possible but that some of them must be dashed to mummy against the sharp rocks, but jus before they reach the shore, if they are very near, they quit their plank, & dive under till the Surf is broke, when the piece of plank is sent many yards by the force of the Surf from the beach. The greatest number are generally overtaken by the break of the swell, the force of which they avoid, diving and swimming under the water out of its impulse. By such like exercises, these men may be said to be almost amphibious.
The Women could swim off to the Ship, & continue half a day in the Water, & afterwards return. The above diversion is only intended as an amusement, not a tryal of skill, & in a gentle swell that sets on must I conceive be very pleasant, at least they seem to feel a great pleasure in the motion which this Exercise gives."
From 1778 to today, not much has changed in the way of surfing! Even though Waikiki and the North Shore of Oahu are known as the surfing meccas, Maui has its own famous surf spots to share with the world.
Whether you're looking to learn or watch the pros do their thing, Maui has plenty of options no matter where you are staying.
For first-time surfers, you will want to head to less intimidating spots generally located in West and South Maui; Exotic Estates has several condos and vacation homes available in these areas.
Another fun option is to try standup paddleboarding or (SUP). You'll see SUP boarders out in surf, and sometimes just paddling around in the calm sea.
If you are a first-timer, we highly recommend you take a lesson to ensure you stay safe. There are plenty of excellent schools on Maui that can safely introduce you to the sport.
Experienced Surfers
For those with surfing experience, be sure to do your research before you check out the break. You'll find the biggest and most formidable breaks on the North Shore of Maui, but some of these areas are for advanced (expert) big-wave surfers only, as the waves can be massive, currents strong, and the reef sharp and dangerous.
One such wave is Peahi, also known as Jaws. This is one of Hawaii's biggest breaks and earns its ferocious name each time the North Pacific sends a big swell towards Hawaii.
|
Whenever you surf in a new location, you should always respect local surfers, who can be protective of their breaks (localism).
If you are new to the sport, stick to smaller breaks that cater to beginners and surf schools (in Hawaii or anywhere). A big issue is that inexperienced surfers can be a danger to themselves and others in Hawaiian waters, as the power of the ocean there is often much stronger than their home breaks.
With the increase in surfing traffic, locals are not happy about crowds. But, if you bring plenty of Aloha spirit to the water and respect the basic rules of surfing in Hawaii or elsewhere (e.g., no dropping in), you should not have any issues.
This is another reason to go with a surf instructor or guide: They usually know the breaks and are well-respected surfers themselves. Check out our friends at Maui Surfer Girls and Waves Hawaii, each offering lessons from experienced local surfers.
Now that you're ready to catch some waves, here are a few of Maui's beginner-friendly surf breaks!
Popular Surf Breaks
The Cove - Kihei
The Cove at Kalama Beach Park in Kihei is the perfect spot for beginners! Surfers will love the consistent yet small waves that break most of the year, both right and left. The paddle out from the beach is short, and you can rent foam-top longboards across the street from a few vendors. You can also find lessons and gear rentals nearby! The only drawback for this area is that it can become a little crowded, but there are only a few days of the year when the waves are too big for first-timers.
Parking is available along the ocean side of the street and in a small lot on the south end of the break. Restrooms, showers, a grassy park, and a skate park are also available. Bring a picnic to avoid the crowded restaurants and shops, and watch out for sea urchins in the water (booties can be easily rented nearby).
Launiupoko - West Maui
Located in West Maui, this surf break is easily accessible from Honoapiilani Highway. The waves are perfect for beginners, with long, slow-rolling brakes ideal for learning how to catch waves! However, this beach can become crowded, so parking might be difficult.
Launiupoko is one of the most popular family beaches. It's great for longboarding, SUP boarding, and even boogie boarding. There is also a small tide pool, which is perfect for kids to play in.
Kaanapali Beach - West Maui
One of the most famous beaches in Maui, Kaanapali Beach is well known for its sandy coastline and gorgeous sunsets! There are very few rocks, making this one of our favorite spots for family beach outings. It's not known as a surf spot, but gentle waves usually break left and make for short but fun rides. You are also within walking distance of Whaler's Whaler's Village, where you will find plenty of restaurants and shops.
Enjoy your time on Maui and get out on the water!
