Whether you’re the next pro surfer or a boogie board champ, it’s no secret that Hawaii is the spot for catching waves. And if you’re just starting out, the Big Island is a great place to try surfing because it offers classes and conditions for all levels of experience.
Here are three areas you need to check out if you want to ride a few waves.
Kahualu’u Bay
Kahalu’u Bay is widely regarded as the Big Island’s best surfing spot for beginners.
The bay is protected by a breakwater built by ancient Hawaiians called Pa o ka menehune (literally meaning “wall of the ancients”). The remains of this ancient structure mean you won’t encounter waves too big to handle when you’re just starting out.
Plus, there are tons of options for surf lessons!
Stationed on Kahalu'u Beach Park, Hawaii Lifeguard Surf Instructors offer exclusive private surf instruction, taught by Native Hawaiians. These sessions offer personalized tips, designed to train you at whatever level you may be at. Team HLSI are family owned & operated and certified by the American Red Cross. Who better to teach you how to surf?
And if surfing isn’t your jam, Kahalu’u Bay is also known as one of the Big Island’s best places to snorkel!
Pine Trees Beach
Once you’ve got a few waves under your board, test your surfing skills at the more remote Pine Trees Beach. Despite the beach’s name, there are no pine trees here — just some mangroves once mistaken for pine trees by local surfers! The tides at Pine Trees Beach offer consistent lefts and rights, conditions excellent for beginner to intermediate surfers.
The beach’s pristine white sand and relative seclusion also make it a great spot to enjoy a barbeque!
Why not check out one of our properties at Kohanaiki Private Club Community? With views toward Pine Trees Surfing Beach, here you could enjoy a hard-earned Mai Tai while admiring the waves you’ve just surfed.
Honolii Beach Park
As you hone your surfing skills, check out Honolii Beach Park where you can catch wave action year round. Beginner surfers should visit during the summer months, when Honolii sees calmer waves. During the winter, the surf gets wilder which makes it the perfect place to watch the local pros if you’re not yet a pro yourself.
Set in a picturesque cove with an attractive black sand beach and plenty of tree cover, Honolii Beach Park is also a great spot to have a picnic when you need to refuel.
Local tip: if you want to beat the heat with a more chilled out swim, take a dip in the small pond that forms at the mouth of the river.
Hang ten, then hang out
Like with any sport, the more you surf, the better you’ll get. No one knows this better than a local. Why not check out some of our properties near the Big Island’s best surf spots and become a local yourself? That way you can hang ten and then hang out in your exclusive oceanfront property.
Aloha, and welcome to Hawaii.