A Hawaiian escape is at the top of many wanderlists for its ultimate vacation potential. Of all the beach bumming, rainforest hiking, and hula dancing you’re sure to enjoy, hanging ten in one of the world’s top surf meccas is definitely a must-do. Plus, being able to say, “I surfed in Hawaii,” sounds like pretty awesome bragging rights to us. If you’re a novice and don’t know the difference between a pipeline or break line, we’ve found the beaches with the best waves and amenities for learning how to surf.
Lahaina, Maui
The Valley Isle might be renowned as a top honeymoon destination, but newlyweds aren’t the only ones flocking here. Eco-enthusiasts, sun worshipers, and wannabe wave riders want in on the fun, too. If you want to learn how to surf, Lahaina is the place to go. The swells off the shores of this historic town are consistently gentle for both beginner and intermediate wave riders. It’s also home to some of the top surf schools in the islands, so you can take a lesson and learn from a pro.
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North Shore, Oahu
Many a surfer aspires to visit the birthplace of big wave surfing. While the monster waves of the winter months bring tides of daredevils ready to conquer these giants both in world competitions and just for fun, the smaller breaks in summer and spring offer the opportunity for learning to surf along this iconic coastline. From Turtle Bay to Chun’s Reef, you’ll find plenty of seaside shacks offering board rentals and friendly faces ready to teach you a thing or two about their favorite pastime. But on the rare occasion that a local isn’t around, there are a few surf schools in the area that would be happy to help.
Poipu Beach, Kauai
Earn two bragging points when you visit this beach: surfing in Hawaii and doing so at a recently named Best Beach in America. Located on the south side of Kauai, this beach benefits from easy flowing, surfable waves all year long. The Kauai and Poipu Surf Schools host lessons every day for all ages at any level.
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Waikiki Beach, Oahu
Arguably the most famous beach in the world, Waikiki is an urban oasis bordering the bustling city of Honolulu. Sunbathers, swimmers, and surfers alike flock in the thousands to this stretch of sand every year. You’ll never be more than a few steps away from surf shacks offering board rentals and lessons on this beach, and the lazy swells rolling towards shore are an excellent element for getting your feet and fins wet in the world of surfing.
Call your travel agent to start planning a sweet escape to Hawaii. Ask them to book you a surfing lesson or two and get your bragging rights ready.