Maui Surf Spots
Maui, also known as the “Valley Isle,” offers many different beaches with
waves suitable for all surfing skill levels. Here, all of the best breaks are
reef breaks, and the varying sizes and formations of the coral make for plenty
of shapely waves. There are a few available beach breaks, although they tend
to be mediocre in quality compared to the reef breaks.
Maui waters are, for the most part, crystal clear, and the reefs below will provide you with plenty of marine life to check out while you’re waiting for a wave. Be sure to wear booties or reef shoes, and watch your hands in the shallower areas during paddle out. Some other hazards include sea urchins, jellyfish and tiger sharks; if you get cut by reef or sharp coral, make sure to exit the water immediately.
On the southern and western shores of Maui, the summer waves consist of long, gently rolling sets, ideal for learning how to surf. There are some beautiful beaches along the west coast resort towns of Lahaina and Kaanapali, and a lot of good surfing schools. Many of the surfing schools on Maui guarantee stand-up surfing after the first lesson, and in some of the more shallow areas, you don’t even have to know how to swim to surf! Although tricky, as long as you’re comfortable being in the water, it’s possible to catch a long, easy wave close to shore. On the south coast of Kihei, at Maalea Beach, beginners can learn to surf at Buzz’s Wharf.
There is also plenty of experienced to professional world-class surfing on Maui, especially on the north coast and in the winter. Honolua Bay on the north shore is home to a mesmerizing right-hand point break, and Hookipa is known as the best place in the world to windsurf. Peahi, also known as Jaws, is where tow-in surfing originated, which is the only way to access this enormous wave when the right north winter swell is coming in. Surfed only by experts, Jaws is one of the biggest ridable waves on the planet, and can reach up to 50 feet overhead. During a southern swell, more experienced surfers flock to the Maalaea Pipeline, arguably the fastest right-hand break in the state.
Good surfing conditions can be found on Maui year-round. The water temperature remains in the 70’s and can reach the low 80’s in September and October.
North Central Shore Surf Breaks
Waiehu Beach Park |
| Surf Location |
On north central coast. From Lahaina, take Highway 30 east to Wailuku, take a right on Kaahumana Avenue, then a left on Lower Main Street, then another left On Waiehu Beach Road. Follow the signs from there. |
| Best Swell Direction |
North-Northeast |
| Best Tide |
Any |
| Best Wind Direction |
South-Southwest |
| Best Surf Season |
Winter |
| Wave Quality |
Very Consistent rights and lefts, that get hollow and powerful. |
| The Surfers |
Often crowded |
| Boards |
Shortboard, rounded-pin |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate |
| Skill Level |
All |
| Bottom |
Reef |
| Watch Out For... |
Sea urchins, riptide and undertow, locals, sharks |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
Kuau Pipes |
| Surf Location |
On the north shore, take Hana Highway, make a left turn at mile marker 8, at Kuau Cove |
| Best Swell Direction |
North, Northwest, West, Northeast |
| Best Tide |
All |
| Best Wind Direction |
East, Southeast |
| Best Surf Season |
Winter |
| Wave Quality |
Decent rights and lefts, most of the time. Works from small to big swells, so can be a good place for beginners, but watch out when it gets bigger. Can get hollow and powerful. |
| The Surfers |
Weekends can get semi-crowded |
| Boards |
Shortboards, rippers, rounded-pins |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate |
| Skill Level |
All |
| Bottom |
Reef |
| Watch Out For... |
Sea urchins, riptide and undertow |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
Kahului Harbor |
| Surf Location |
North central shore of Maui, in Kahului Bay, the harbor situated at Kahului in Wailuku |
| Best Swell Direction |
Northeast, Southwest |
| Best Tide |
All |
| Best Wind Direction |
Southwest |
| Best Surf Season |
Winter |
| Wave Quality |
A surf spot generally reserved for the more experienced surfers, Kahului Harbor gets heavy and powerful, and holds really big swells. Short fast rights and lefts. |
| The Surfers |
Locals |
| Boards |
Shortboard |
| Paddle Out |
Easy to Moderate |
| Skill Level |
Very Experienced to Professional |
| Bottom |
Reef and sharp rocks |
| Watch Out For... |
Sea urchins, riptide and undertow, sharp rocks, locals, pollution, sharks. |
| Water Condition |
Moderate to dirty |
Paukukalo Beach |
| Surf Location |
Near Wailuku City, north central coast |
| Best Swell Direction |
North, Northeast |
| Best Tide |
Mid |
| Best Wind Direction |
Southwest, South |
| Best Surf Season |
Winter |
| Wave Quality |
Another one of the gems in the area, this surf spot gets really good. Can be very hollow and fast, and works in all types of swells. |
| The Surfers |
Can get crowded |
| Boards |
Rippers, pin-tails |
| Paddle Out |
Easy |
| Skill Level |
Experienced and up |
| Bottom |
Reef |
| Watch Out For... |
Sea urchins, riptide and undertow, sharp rocks, locals |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
Jaws (Peahi) |
| Surf Location |
On the north central shore, at the end of Peahi Valley. About three miles north of Paia, on Hana Highway. |
| Best Swell Direction |
North |
| Best Tide |
All |
| Best Wind Direction |
South |
| Best Surf Season |
Winter |
| Wave Quality |
Jaws is probably the most famous big wave tow-in surfing spot in the world. It’s the place where it all started. During big winter swells, Jaws is a super fast and hollow right that only works for tow surfing. Can hold waves well over 50 feet tall. |
| The Surfers |
World-class surfers only |
| Boards |
Tow boards, jet-skis |
| Paddle Out |
Tow-in only |
| Skill Level |
Very Experienced to Professional |
| Bottom |
Reef and sand |
| Watch Out For... |
Strong riptide and undertow, waves can be deadly, sharp rocks |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
Jaws (Peahi), Maui - Surf Video
Ho'okipa Beach Park |
| Surf Location |
On the north shore, take Hana Highway north until you reach Hookipa Beach Park |
| Best Swell Direction |
North, Northwest, West, East |
| Best Tide |
All |
| Best Wind Direction |
Southwest, South, Southeast |
| Best Surf Season |
Winter |
| Wave Quality |
Large, well-shaped waves. Furthest east is Pavillions, then Middles, two fast and ledgey right point reef breaks. In between these two are less frequent breaks called Girlie Bowl or Green Trees. Then there ís H-Poko (Point), a right break that is world-renowned for windsurfing. Furthest west is Lanes, an occasional left. |
| The Surfers |
Not too crowded |
| Boards |
Shortboard |
| Paddle Out |
Easy |
| Skill Level |
All levels; winter may be unridable |
| Bottom |
Reef and sharp rock |
| Watch Out For... |
Sea urchins, riptide and undertow, sharp rocks, localism, sharks |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
Ho'okipa Beach Park, Maui - Surf Video
Sunrise, Sunrises |
| Surf Location |
On the north shore, take Hana Highway, make a left turn at mile marker 8, park at Mamaís Fish House, paddle out from rock point |
| Best Swell Direction |
North, Northwest, Northeast |
| Best Tide |
Low and Mid |
| Best Wind Direction |
Southwest, South, Southeast |
| Best Surf Season |
Winter |
| Wave Quality |
A fun right reef break that can be powerful and ledgey, best on a middle sized swell. |
| The Surfers |
Not crowded |
| Boards |
Shortboards |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate |
| Skill Level |
All |
| Bottom |
Reef |
| Watch Out For... |
Sea urchins, riptide and undertow, locals, sharks |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
Turtle Bay |
| Surf Location |
Coming from Paia, the bay after Ho'okipa |
| Best Swell Direction |
North, Northwest |
| Best Tide |
All |
| Best Wind Direction |
South, Southeast |
| Best Surf Season |
Winter |
| Wave Quality |
A fast, powerful and ledgey right and left reef break |
| The Surfers |
Semi-crowded on weekends |
| Boards |
Shortboard |
| Paddle Out |
Easy to Moderate |
| Skill Level |
Experienced |
| Bottom |
Reef |
| Watch Out For... |
Sharp rocks |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
Honomanu Bay |
| Surf Location |
Northeast coast, on Hana Highway, between mile markers 13 and 14 |
| Best Swell Direction |
Northwest, Northeast |
| Best Tide |
All |
| Best Wind Direction |
Southwest, South, Southeast |
| Best Surf Season |
Winter |
| Wave Quality |
A hollow right and left reef coral break |
| The Surfers |
Can get crowded in the winter months |
| Boards |
Shortboard |
| Paddle Out |
Easy to Moderate |
| Skill Level |
Experienced and up |
| Bottom |
Reef and sharp rocks |
| Watch Out For... |
Sharks, localism |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
West Maui Surf Breaks
Honolua Bay |
| Surf Location |
West coast, near Kapalua, off of the North Shore Highway |
| Best Swell Direction |
North, Northwest, West |
| Best Tide |
All |
| Best Wind Direction |
Southeast, East |
| Best Surf Season |
Winter |
| Wave Quality |
The site for the final event of the ASP Woman’s World Tour, and one of the best waves in Hawaii. A hollow and powerful right point reef break, with many different sections that all link together on the right days. Also the best snorkeling on Maui when the waves are flat. |
| The Surfers |
Can get crowded on weekends |
| Boards |
Shortboard, pin-tail |
| Paddle Out |
Can be difficult |
| Skill Level |
Experienced and up |
| Bottom |
Reef and sharp rocks |
| Watch Out For... |
Sea urchins, riptide and undertow, parking lot theft |
| Water Condition |
Murky at the shoreline, clear as you go further out |
Honolua Bay, Maui - Surf Video
Ironwood Beach |
| Surf Location |
On the northern point of west Maui, between Kapalua and Napili |
| Best Swell Direction |
North, Northeast |
| Best Tide |
All |
| Best Wind Direction |
Southeast, East |
| Best Surf Season |
Winter |
| Wave Quality |
Occasional right and left beach break. This surf spot can get pretty hollow and fast, and holds in pretty big surf. |
| The Surfers |
Not crowded. |
| Boards |
Shortboard, Rounded-pin |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate |
| Skill Level |
All |
| Bottom |
Reef with sand |
| Watch Out For... |
Rip currents and sharp rocks. |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
Napili Bay |
| Surf Location |
On the northwest shore, take Highway 30, turn off at Kapalua Drive, 20 minutes north of Lahaina Town |
| Best Swell Direction |
North, Northwest, Northeast |
| Best Tide |
Mid and High |
| Best Wind Direction |
South, Southeast, East |
| Best Surf Season |
Winter |
| Wave Quality |
A hollow, powerful and fun right and left reef break |
| The Surfers |
Can get crowded on weekends |
| Boards |
Shortboard, pin-tail |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate |
| Skill Level |
Experienced |
| Bottom |
Sand with rock |
| Watch Out For... |
Sea urchins, ritide and undertow, sharp rocks |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
Little Makaha |
| Surf Location |
On the northwest shore, take Highway 30, between Napili and Kapalua, 20 minutes north of Lahaina Town. |
| Best Swell Direction |
Northwest, West |
| Best Tide |
Mid |
| Best Wind Direction |
Southeast, East |
| Best Surf Season |
Winter |
| Wave Quality |
A long right surfable from 2 to 15 feet, and hollow left that breaks from 6 to 15 feet |
| The Surfers |
Can get crowded on weekends |
| Boards |
Longboard or funboard |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate to difficult |
| Skill Level |
Experienced |
| Bottom |
Reef |
| Watch Out For... |
Riptide and undertow, sharp rocks, locals, sharks |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
Olowalu |
| Surf Location |
Driving from Lahaina from Maalaea, past Olowalu town on the Makai side, breaks are visible off of the side of the road |
| Best Swell Direction |
South, Southeast |
| Best Tide |
Low and Mid |
| Best Wind Direction |
North and Northeast |
| Best Surf Season |
Summer |
| Wave Quality |
Medium in length, section-y, can be hollow, fast and powerful, fun lefts and rights |
| The Surfers |
Locals, boogie boarders |
| Boards |
Longboard, boogie board |
| Paddle Out |
Easy |
| Skill Level |
Beginner to Intermediate |
| Bottom |
Reef |
| Watch Out For... |
Sharp coral |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
Kaanapali Beach |
| Surf Location |
On the west coast, head west on Highway 30, two miles north of Lahaina |
| Best Swell Direction |
North, Northwest, Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Any |
| Best Wind Direction |
East |
| Best Surf Season |
Winter |
| Wave Quality |
A short and weak left reef break |
| The Surfers |
Can get crowded. |
| Boards |
Longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Easy |
| Skill Level |
Beginner |
| Bottom |
Reef and rocks |
| Watch Out For... |
Sharp rocks, localism, beach theft (high volume of tourists) |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
Grandmas |
| Surf Location |
West coast, in Papalaua Park, take State Route 30 (Honoapiíilani Highway) to Lahaina. It's the first beach you come to after passing through the tunnel. |
| Best Swell Direction |
Northwest, Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Mid |
| Best Wind Direction |
East |
| Best Surf Season |
Winter |
| Wave Quality |
A sloppy beginner wave that goes left and right over reef. |
| The Surfers |
Can get crowded, especially on weekends |
| Boards |
Longboard, shortboard |
| Paddle Out |
Easy |
| Skill Level |
Beginner |
| Bottom |
Reef with sand |
| Watch Out For... |
Crowds |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
Mala Wharf |
| Surf Location |
Take Highway 30 to Lahaina Town. At the point where the highway runs along the ocean, look for Front Street, turn off and drive 5 blocks, look for Mala Wharf Road. |
| Best Swell Direction |
Southwest, South |
| Best Tide |
All |
| Best Wind Direction |
South, Southeast, East |
| Best Surf Season |
Summer |
| Wave Quality |
A long left reef break, can be fast |
| The Surfers |
Can get crowded on weekends |
| Boards |
Shortboard, pin-tail |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate |
| Skill Level |
Experienced |
| Bottom |
Reef |
| Watch Out For... |
Sharp rocks, riptide and undertow, sea urchins, localism |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
Puamana |
| Surf Location |
On the western coast, at the southern edge of Lahaina Town off of Honoapiilani Highway. Look for the sign. |
| Best Swell Direction |
West, Southwest, Southeast |
| Best Tide |
Mid and High |
| Best Wind Direction |
West |
| Best Surf Season |
Summer |
| Wave Quality |
A fun, easy right and left reef break that can be very long on a good day |
| The Surfers |
Semi-crowded |
| Boards |
Shortboard |
| Paddle Out |
Easy |
| Skill Level |
All |
| Bottom |
Reef |
| Watch Out For... |
Sea urchins, sharp rocks |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
Windmills (Punalau Beach) |
| Surf Location |
On the very north coast, off of Honoapiilani Highway at mile marker 34, down the hill |
| Best Swell Direction |
South, Southeast |
| Best Tide |
Mid |
| Best Wind Direction |
South, Southeast |
| Best Surf Season |
Winter |
| Wave Quality |
A hollow, fast, powerful and ledgey left reef break. Holds waves up to 16 foot plus, and can get pretty heavy. |
| The Surfers |
Can get crowded on weekends |
| Boards |
Shortboard, pin-tail |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate |
| Skill Level |
Experienced |
| Bottom |
Reef |
| Watch Out For... |
Sharp rocks, locals, sharks, theft |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
Sharkpit |
| Surf Location |
A Lahaina break, south of the intersection of Shaw Street and Front Street, before you reach the closed off street connecting to Kauaula Road. Access is just north of the break, look for the boats. |
| Best Swell Direction |
South |
| Best Tide |
Mid and High |
| Best Wind Direction |
West |
| Best Surf Season |
Summer |
| Wave Quality |
Powerful rights and lefts that get totally epic. With the right swell you can get really long rides. |
| The Surfers |
Can get crowded on weekends |
| Boards |
Shortboard, rounded-pin |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate paddle out to boats |
| Skill Level |
Experienced |
| Bottom |
Reef |
| Watch Out For... |
Sea urchins, sharp rocks, locals, sharks |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
Kammies |
| Surf Location |
West coast, located at the south end of Lahaina |
| Best Swell Direction |
Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Mid tide |
| Best Wind Direction |
East |
| Best Surf Season |
Summer |
| Wave Quality |
A fun right and left reef break, normal in length |
| The Surfers |
Not too crowded |
| Boards |
Shortboard |
| Paddle Out |
|
| Skill Level |
All |
| Bottom |
Reef and sand |
| Watch Out For... |
Sharp reef, rocks, sharks |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
Kanaha |
| Surf Location |
On west Maui, in Lahaina, between Kahului Bay and Spreckelsville beach, off of Hana Highway |
| Best Swell Direction |
North, Northwest |
| Best Tide |
All |
| Best Wind Direction |
Southwest, South, Southeast |
| Best Surf Season |
Winter |
| Wave Quality |
Can be long on good days, a fun right and left reef break |
| The Surfers |
Can get crowded on weekends |
| Boards |
Shortboard |
| Paddle Out |
Long, 10-15 minutes |
| Skill Level |
All |
| Bottom |
Reef with sand |
| Watch Out For... |
Sharp rocks and coral, sharks |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
Lahaina Harbor - Break Wall |
| Surf Location |
At the Lahaina boat harbor, access is either from the beach next to the marina break wall or off the rocks of the breakwall itself |
| Best Swell Direction |
West, Southwest, South |
| Best Tide |
Low and Medium |
| Best Wind Direction |
North, Northwest, East |
| Best Surf Season |
Summer |
| Wave Quality |
A fun left reef break, can be long on a good day |
| The Surfers |
Can get crowded on weekends |
| Boards |
Shortboard |
| Paddle Out |
Easy |
| Skill Level |
All |
| Bottom |
Reef |
| Watch Out For... |
Sharp rocks |
| Water Condition |
Moderately Clean |
Lahaina Harbor, Maui - Surf Video
Launiupoko Wayside Park |
| Surf Location |
At mile marker 18, on Honoapiilani Highway just south of Lahaina |
| Best Swell Direction |
South |
| Best Tide |
Mid |
| Best Wind Direction |
East |
| Best Surf Season |
Summer |
| Wave Quality |
An easy, right and left reef break, can get very long on good days |
| The Surfers |
Can get crowded on weekends |
| Boards |
Longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Easy |
| Skill Level |
Beginners |
| Bottom |
Reef |
| Watch Out For... |
Sharp rocks |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
1000 Peaks |
| Surf Location |
Ukumehame Beach Park, 5 miles south of Lahaina, on the Honoíapiilani Highway between the Pali and Lahaina |
| Best Swell Direction |
|
| Best Tide |
Mid and High |
| Best Wind Direction |
East |
| Best Surf Season |
Summer |
| Wave Quality |
Powerful and fun right and left reef break, lots of people out surfing, and lots of waves to surf. Decent beginner surf spot. |
| The Surfers |
Semi-crowded on weekends |
| Boards |
Longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate |
| Skill Level |
Beginner to Intermediate |
| Bottom |
Reef with sand |
| Watch Out For... |
Sharks |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
South Maui Surf Breaks
Cove Park - Kihei |
| Surf Location |
Off of South Kihei Road, near the Maui Vista Resort |
| Best Swell Direction |
West, Southwest |
| Best Tide |
All |
| Best Wind Direction |
East, Northeast |
| Best Surf Season |
Summer |
| Wave Quality |
An easy right and left reef break |
| The Surfers |
Can get crowded on weekends |
| Boards |
Longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Easy |
| Skill Level |
Beginner to Intermediate |
| Bottom |
Reef with sand |
| Watch Out For... |
Sea urchins and sharp rocks |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
Maalaea Freight Train |
| Surf Location |
Off of South Kihei Road (Highway 350), on the east side of Maalaea Harbor |
| Best Swell Direction |
South |
| Best Tide |
Mid |
| Best Wind Direction |
Northeast |
| Best Surf Season |
Summer |
| Wave Quality |
One of the world's fastest rights, breaks off of a jetty and over a shallow reef, only during large southern swells |
| The Surfers |
Can get crowded on weekends |
| Boards |
Rounded-pin, pin-tail |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate |
| Skill Level |
Experienced |
| Bottom |
Reef |
| Watch Out For... |
Sharp rocks |
| Water Condition |
Moderate |
Big Beach (Makena Beach) |
| Surf Location |
Drive to Kihei, continue down the Piíilani Highway (State Route 31) to the end, the road curves to the right and turns in Wailea Iki Drive. Take this to the bottom of the hill and turn left onto Wailea Alanui Drive, which turns into Makena Alanui Drive, take that to Makena State Park. |
| Best Swell Direction |
Southwest, South, Southeast |
| Best Tide |
Any |
| Best Wind Direction |
Northeast |
| Best Surf Season |
Summer |
| Wave Quality |
A hollow, fast and powerful right and left beach break |
| The Surfers |
Not crowded, mostly locals and some tourists |
| Boards |
Shortboard, pin-tail |
| Paddle Out |
Easy |
| Skill Level |
All levels, but beginners should use caution |
| Bottom |
Sand and rock |
| Watch Out For... |
Sharp rocks, sharks |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
La Perouse Bay |
| Surf Location |
On the southeast shore of Maui, take Makena Alanui Road south out of Wailea, through Makena, to the end of the road |
| Best Swell Direction |
South, Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Any |
Best Wind Direction |
Northeast |
| Best Surf Season |
Summer |
| Wave Quality |
A short, left reef break. This spot gets pretty heavy with a solid south swell, and can hold up to 16 feet. |
| The Surfers |
Semi-crowded on weekends |
| Boards |
Rounded-pin, pin-tail |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate |
| Skill Level |
Experienced and up. |
| Bottom |
Reef |
| Watch Out For... |
Sharp rocks |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
