Surfing in Hawaii

Want wave after wave than head to the north shore of Oahu. Desire uncrowded beaches? Head over to the Big Island.

Sunset Beach, North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii

The north shore of Oahu is beautiful, to say the least. Here you will find awesome waves, tranquil waterfalls, abundance of sea turtles, and miles of white sand beaches. The north shore is also home to world famous surf breaks like the Banzai Pipeline and Sunset Beach.

Sunset Beach is for the intermediate to advanced surfer (unless you sign up for a lesson led by an instructor in one of the grottoes). The waves at Sunset Beach vary depending on the weather and tide conditions. The water is deep and the changing conditions even need to be a concern for the advanced surfer. This is the only surf spot in the area that produces a sprawling lineup. You can experience anything from a massive ski-slope drop to an inside barrel to a bona fide big-wave. The huge channel creates room for this expansive line-up which gives surfers unlimited possibilities to have some fun and catch a wave. The waves break differently on every swell which is sure to give you a different ride each time.

One of my favorite surf schools on the north shore would be Sunset Suzy's.

A day tour with Sunset Suzy includes:

$150 per person

2 Hours of Surfing

All of your surfboard equipment

A tour of the north shores famous surf spots like Pipeline and Waimea Bay

Swimming with Sea turtles

Lunch

Private lessons $120 per person

Semi-private lessons (two or more people) $95 per person

Group of 3 to 5 $75 per person

Group of 6 or more $65 per person

Turtle Bay Resort

Nightly rates starting at $300

Situated on 880 acres this resort is surrounded by the ocean, over 5 miles of beach, and 5 different bays. With little development in the area, Turtle Bay is the only resort located within four miles of both the Banzai Pipeline and Sunset Beach. Take lessons at the on site surf school or head out on your own.

Other on-site activities, like horseback riding or a helicopter tour of the island, can be arranged. Enjoy leisure activities such as the health spa with fitness center, 18-hole golf, beach front hiking trails, or utilize one of the pools (children's novelty pools and the main pool with a waterfall and slide). Rent boogie boards, floats, and rafts right from the hotel.

With plenty of on site dining options there is no need to leave the resort. 24-hour room service, a casual buffet restaurant, a fine-dining restaurant, poolside bar and grill. Every Friday evening there is a Luau, The Legends of the North Shore Luau (tickets can be purchased for an additional charge.)

Down the highway from Sunset you will find the dangerous waves of the world famous Pipeline. Incredibly beautiful these waves seem to pick up out of nowhere. Pipeline is meant for the pros, but any surfing fan needs to check out the power and beauty. Pipeline is a series a reefs. When the swells are big this is known to be one of the most difficult and dangerous in the world.

When the swells are big this is known to be one of the most difficult and dangerous to surf in the world.

Now the Big Island is not known as much for its killer waves, but hey its Hawaii so you will not be disappointed. Your best bet is to rent a 4wd Jeep and drive up and down the coast chasing waves. However, if time is of the essence than head on over to Kahalu'u Beach Park. This family beach offers up both white and black sand and is excellent for both snorkeling and surfing.

Here at this beach you will find Ku-emanu Heiau (which means religious site). This is the only one known in the Hawaiian Islands that is dedicated to surfing. The legend states that ancient Hawaiians use to come to this place to pray for good weather and good surf.

You can take surf lessons right here at the beach. Hawaiian Lifeguard Surf Instructors offer surf lessons daily for both individuals and groups.

Kona Surf and Racquet Club Resort

Beautiful beach front condos....surf, snorkel, swim in the outdoor pool, or play tennis. Each condo offers private lanais, colored TVs, private telephones with unlimited calls, barbecue areas, and nearby laundry facilities.