Best Maui Surf Spots

Ho’okipa

Located on the north shore of Maui off of the Hana Highway, Ho’okipa is a Maui Surf Spot that works best on North, Northwest, West and East swells. Making it one of the most consistent breaks on the island. Both a world-class windsurfing and surfing spot there a lot of options for both lefts and rights. Pavilions is the right just out to the east from the parking lot. Lanes, the peak furthest west offers up the occasional left and many options for both lefts and rights are in between the two. Time the paddle out on bigger days as there can be quite the riptide and multiple wave sets that seem to never end. There are some sharp rocks and reef to watch out for but mostly the reef is well covered.

QUICK TIPS: For Advanced surfers, Not for beginners, Respect the locals.

BEST SWELL DIRECTION: North, Northwest, West & East

BEST WIND DIRECTION: Southwest, South & Southeast

SKILL LEVEL: Beginner to advanced

BOTTOM: Reef and sharp rock, some sand pockets

HAZARDS: Sharp rocks, shallow reef, strong current, sea urchins, sharks, locals.

 

Lahaina Reefs

On the West coast of the island, off of Honoapiilani Highway you will find the town of Lahaina. Within the towns inner and outer limits there are many fun reef breaks for all skill levels. Kammies, located on the south end of town has fun right and left peaks. Shark Pit, also more towards the south end of town offers punchy right and left reefs on both ends of the boat channel and can get quite epic. The Breakwall reefs are the most popular in town and offer some great waves off both sides of the breakwall just to the south of the boat harbor. Lastly the harbor itself has a fun peak that comes out of deep water and throws both rights and lefts. Don’t be surprised to see a few of the resident pro’s on the island laying down some serious turns at this break in the summer months.

QUICK TIPS: Beginnner to Advanced, A step up from surfing in Kihei, Respect the locals.

BEST SWELL DIRECTION: West, Southwest, South

BEST WIND DIRECTION: North, Northwest, East

SKILL LEVEL: Beginner to advanced

BOTTOM: Reef and sharp rock

HAZARDS: Sharp rocks, shallow reef, current, sea urchins, sharks

Want to live near Lahaina Reefs? Nearby condos for sale can be found at: Lahaina Shores, Puamana.

 

Kahului Harbor

Located on the north central shore of Maui in the Kahului Bay, the Harbor is a wedgy barreling wave that works best on a northeast and southwest swell direction. You could be off the plane and into the surf within 20 minutes at one of the best surf spots in Maui. That is if you are an experienced surfer, as this place will hand out beatings and shouldn’t be taken lightly. The Harbor can hold really big swells. Short, fast and heavy lefts and rights that wedge off the jetties. Generally on large days there will be a lot of current to deal with. The bottom of the Kahului Maui Surf Spot is reef and there are a few sharp rocks to look out for when entering and exiting the water.

QUICK TIPS: Intermediate to Advanced, This wave is not for beginners.

BEST SWELL DIRECTION: Northeast & Southwest

BEST WIND DIRECTION: Southwest

SKILL LEVEL: Advanced

BOTTOM: Reef and sharp rock

HAZARDS: Sharp rocks, shallow reef, strong current, sea urchins, sharks, locals, pollution

Want to live near Kahului Harbor? Nearby condos for sale can be found at: Harbor Lights, Kahului Ikena.

 

Waiehu Beach Park

On the North central coast off of highway 30 is Waiehu Beach Park. A super consistent break that works on a North and Northeast swell. The wave breaks over shallow reef and can throw heavy barrels both right and left. When the waves are head high or bigger expect a strong rip current. Crowds can get quite large here when its working and when the winds turn onshore expect kit boarders to be out. There are a few sharp rocks to watch out for when entering and exiting the water.

 
QUICK TIPS: Can get really big. Advanced Surfers Only, Respect the Locals.

BEST SWELL DIRECTION: North, Northeast

BEST WIND DIRECTION: South & Southwest

SKILL LEVEL: Beginner to advanced

BOTTOM: Reef and sharp rock

HAZARDS: Sharp rocks, shallow reef, strong current, sea urchins, sharks, locals.

 

 Honolua Bay

Located on the West coast, off the North shore highway is Honolua Bay. Known as one of the best surf spots in Hawaii.

Honolua is a powerful hollow reef break point and works on North, Northwest and West swells. When it’s on you may catch the longest ride of your life. Especially when the three sections (the point, the cave and keiki bowls) connect. Entering and exiting the surf can be a challenge and paddle outs can be very difficult when it’s sizable. On flat days the bay offers some of the best snorkeling on the island.

QUICK TIPS: An Intermediate to Advanced Surf Spot in Maui, Mostly a friendly wave to surf but can be the opposite if you drop in on a local. SUP's or Stand Up Surf Boards are not welcome here.

BEST SWELL DIRECTION: North, Northwest, West

BEST WIND DIRECTION: Southeast & East

SKILL LEVEL: Experienced to advanced

BOTTOM: Reef and sharp rock

HAZARDS: Sharp rocks, shallow reef, current, sea urchins, locals, parking lot theft.

 

Jaws

Located on the North shore in the Peahi Valley off the Hana Highway is Jaws beach Maui. This wave only breaks on huge North swells and is strictly for professionals only. Surfed only a few times without the power of PWC, Jaws is the most powerful surf spot in Maui, hollow right hand reef break holding up to 50 plus feet. When conditions allow, professional surfers from all over the world get behind the ski, let go of the tow rope and risk their lives to get a taste of the most impressive wave on earth.

 
QUICK TIPS: Don't try to go surfing here. Experienced Big Wave Surfers Only Accompained by Jet Ski. Best to watch when the North Swells come through in the winter.

BEST SWELL DIRECTION: North

BEST WIND DIRECTION: South

SKILL LEVEL: Professionals only

BOTTOM: Reef and sharp rock

HAZARDS: Sharp rocks, shallow reef, strong current, sea urchins, big gigantic waves.

 

Puamana Park

Located on the western coast just south of Lahaina is Puamana. This is one of the best places to surf in Maui. It's a mellow wave out in front of Pumana park that offers both rights and lefts and can be quite lengthy if the conditions are good. Further north are a few other peaks that predominantly go right and can also get super fun on a south or southeast swell. At Puamana you should watch for shallow reef and sharp rocks. Best to surf on a mid to high tide once the reef is less exposed.

 
QUICK TIPS: A Friendly Break, Beginner to Advanced, Can be head high or higher during a good storm. Sharks are seen here often.

BEST SWELL DIRECTION: West, Southwest, South

BEST WIND DIRECTION: North, Northwest, East

SKILL LEVEL: Beginner to advanced

BOTTOM: Reef and sharp rock

HAZARDS: Sharp rocks, shallow reef, sea urchins, sharks

Want to live near Puamana Park? Nearby condos for sale can be found at: Lahaina Shores, Puamana Homes.

 

Kaanapali Beach

 

Located on the West coast of Maui, Kaanapali is more known for its high-end luxury hotels and golf resorts then it’s surf but when there is swell Kaanapali can be a very fun wave. Working on North, Northwest and Southwest swell directions there is both a left and a right that breaks over a reef. The wave is pretty soft when its small but a nice wedgy right apprears when the swell is head high and up. This makes it on the list of the best Maui surfing beaches for beginners. Combine all the tourist and locals that work or live in the area and this place can get crowded when it’s on.

QUICK TIPS: Fantastic beginner surfing beach if the waves are coming in, Surfboard rentals and  stand up surfboard rentals can be found up and down Kaanapali beach.

BEST SWELL DIRECTION: North, Northwest, Southwest

BEST WIND DIRECTION: East

SKILL LEVEL: Begginner to advanced

BOTTOM: Reef and sharp rock

HAZARDS: Sharp rocks, shallow reef, sea urchins, locals, beach theft

Want to live near Ka'anapali Beach? Nearby condos for sale can be found at: The Whaler I, The Whaler II.

 

Kihei Cove

On the south shore of Maui is the town of Kihei. Kihei offers a lot of fun slopey waves built for all skill levels. This is one of the best places to surf in Maui considering you don't have to be a pro to fit in here. Most popular is the Kihei Cove surf spot off of south Kihei Road. The wave is predominantly a long mellow right but also offers a good left. With a good Southwest or straight West swell the right can roll in for over 100 yards. Best for a longboard even with size. Just to the north of the cove you will see a few other peaks that have great set ups for long peeling rights. Closest is Kalama Bowls. Kihei is very popular with beginning surfers and surf lessons, as there is Maui Wave Riders for rentals or lessons just across the street from the soft peeling waves. The Kihei Cove is one of the best surfing beaches in Maui.

QUICK TIPS: The perfect place to learn to stand up surf or traditional surf in Maui. With Maui Wave Riders right across the street from the Kihei Cove, you can take surf lessons everday of the week. (Except for Sundays)

BEST SWELL DIRECTION: West & Southwest

BEST WIND DIRECTION: East & Northeast

SKILL LEVEL: Begginner to intermediate

BOTTOM: Mostly sand but some sharp rocks

HAZARDS: Sharp rocks (wear surf booties) Available online or across the street at Maui Wave Riders

Want to live near Kihei Cove? Nearby condos for sale can be found at: Island Surf, Punahoa, Maui Vista, Kihei Kai Nani, Hale Pau Hana, Royal Mauian.

The Dumps/La Perouse

Driving towards the southern tip of the island on a narrowly paved road you will come to La Perouse Bay. (The end of the road) The Dumps is one of the few Maui surf spots that has a small parking area just north of the End of the road. A mostly exposed reef break that works on south ground swells and windswells. The wave is a fun slopey lefthander. Some people say that you get the best waves in Maui, on a good day. Watch for sharp rocks both on the paddle out and in the lineup. This wave is predominately a longboard wave but can hold lots of size under the right conditions and north northeast offshores.

 

QUICK TIPS: Advanced, for Locals only. It's best not to go here unless accompanied by a local surfer.

BEST SWELL DIRECTION: South & Southwest

BEST WIND DIRECTION: Northeast

SKILL LEVEL: Experience to advanced

BOTTOM: Reef and sharp rock

HAZARDS: Sharp rocks, shallow reef, sea urchins

Want to live near The Dumps or La Perouse? Nearby condos for sale can be found at: Na Hale O' Makena

 

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