Hawaii Beginner Surf Spots

Hawaii has many world famous surf breaks that are considered hazardous even for professional and experienced surfers. When choosing your surf spot look for one that fits your level and ability.  Beginners should start at the smaller and gentler breaks. Remember any surf spot at any time can be or get too big and too rough, always ask the lifeguard questions. Consider surf lessons to advance to the next level and go into surf shops to ask about local spots.

Here are a few suggested spots to get you started.

South Shore Waikiki

Canoes: Paddle out between the Moana-Surfrider and the Duke Kahanamoku Statue.

Vibe: Plenty of aloha, beginners, tourist and beach boys.
Wave: Smooth right and left break, ideal for learning, short paddle.

Tonggs: Park at Kapiolani Park nearest Diamond Head, paddle out from the right away next to gingerbread houses.
Vibe: Generally chill.  Newbies and seasoned surfers alike on canoes, kayaks, stand ups, long and short boards. Couples & family friendly.
Wave: Some rights depending on tide, mostly lefts. Sets are generally rolling and gentle, inside breaks if it is too big outside.  

Sandbar: Park and paddle out from Kaimana beach.

Vibe: Smattering of seasoned surfers, locals and beginners, best for long boards and stand up paddle.

Wave: Mostly left, smooth mild wave can get bigger in summer.

East Shore Waimanalo

Bellows: Drive into Bellows Air Force base which is only open to public on weekends. On the "windward" side of the island about 20 min out of Waikiki.

Vibe: Fun, beautiful private beach, lots of beginner surfers.

Wave: Sandbar break left and rights, sweet rides.

Bellows Field Beach Park is one of the more popular ocean recreation areas on Oahu. During summer it is full of swimmers, beginning board surfers, body surfers and campers. It has shallow waters and a small consistent shorebreak. Surfing is not allowed in the area between the two lifeguard towers, but this beach is a great place to practice surf boarding and body surfing where permitted. Please observe posted signs stating beach rules, which prohibit alcoholic beverages, pets, open fires, soliciting, camping without a permit, parking in a nondesignated area, driving on the beach and dumping of any kind.

West Shore Near Ewa

White Plains: About 40 min from Waikiki off the H-1 west. Formerly part of Barbers Point Naval Station, now open to the public. Follow signs to Shore Shack.

Vibe: Cool, families, safe and friendly.

Wave: Reef break left and rights, usually easy gentle waves, a lot like Canoes in Waikiki but not as crowded.

North Shore

While the waves are beautiful especially in the winter months, it is not an appropriate surf spot for new, beginner or even intermediate surfers! Take many lessons from a professional instructor first, put in your water time and always get advice from the life guards before ever considering surfing the North Shore. All professional and experienced surfers ask, please make sure you do. read more