10 Best Surf Spots In Maui, Hawaii, USA

surf spots in maui
Manjiri
Manjiri 
Updated
| 4 min read

Blessed by exquisite beaches, spellbinding scenery, a tranquil climate, and great surfing spots, Maui is one of the most popular islands in Hawaii. It’s the second-largest island you can find on the Hawaiian archipelago. A sprawling 120-mile (193-kilometer) shoreline adorns its border, and the mountainous landscape enhances its natural beauty. Haleakala National Park, Maui Ocean Center, Waianapanapa State Park, and Kaanapali Beach are some of the top attractions in Maui that greet tourists year-round. And it makes Maui the most visited Hawaii island after Oahu. The fun of surfing on its beaches is something that you simply can’t afford to miss when vacationing here. If you’re planning to surf on your Maui holiday, make sure that you stay in one of the seaside hotels or beachfront rentals so you’ll have time to check out each surfing spot. Read on to learn about the best surf spots in Maui, Hawaii, USA.

1. Lahaina Harbor

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Source: Photo by Flickr user Kirt Edblom used under CC BY-SA 2.0

A stay at a beach resort isn’t the only thing to look forward to in Maui. Those planning to visit the historic town of Lahaina can enjoy surfing in two prime spots at Lahaina Harbor.

If you’re planning to take surf lessons or you’re a beginner looking for small, consistent waves, head to Breakwall. This spot is quite popular with the beginner crowd though, so expect it to be busy from morning to mid-afternoon. Intermediate and advanced surfers usually take their boards to Lahaina Harbor. With a shallow reef, you can expect bigger and more challenging waves.

Lahaina Harbor

Address: 37 Canal St, Lahaina, HI 96761, United States

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2. Pe’ahi

Pe'ahi Challenge 2017
Source: Photo by Flickr user BirdsEyePix used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Expert surfers should not miss out on Pe’ahi when holidaying in Maui. Situated on North Shore, Pe’ahi is a great surf spot that’s also known as Jaws. The massive, fast-moving waves and great swells are strictly for professional surfers. The surf is made more challenging by the strong currents, sharp rocks, and shallow reefs. In favorable conditions, professional surfers from all over the world come here to experience the thrill of surfing the largest wave on the Pacific.

Pe’ahi or Jaws

Address: Pe’ahi or Jaws, Haiku-Pauwela, HI 96708, USA

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3. The Cove

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Source: Photo by Flickr user Forest and Kim Starr used under CC BY 2.0

If you’ve never surfed before and you’re looking for a beginner-friendly surf spot in Maui, the Cove is perfect for you. Cove Park is situated in Kihei on the south coast of Miami. It’s usually crowded due to its small but consistent waves that surf schools take advantage of. You can also sign up for lessons and try your hand on these waves!

The Cove

Address: 2126 Iliili Rd, Kihei, HI 96753, United States

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4. Honolua Bay

Honolua Bay Maui
Source: Photo by Flickr user Hawaii Savvy used under CC BY 2.0

Surf’s up at Honolua Bay! You’ll find this surf spot on the west coast of Maui, and it’s known as one of the best surf spots in Hawaii and the best in Maui. It’s a hollow, dominant reef break with west, north, and northwest swells. Surfers may find entering and exiting the surf quite challenging at times. You can also get the best snorkeling experience at the bay on flat days.

Honolua Bay

Address: Honolua Bay, Hawaii 96761, USA

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5. Launiupoko

Launiupoko Beach Park Panorama 2
Source: Photo by Flickr user Kirt Edblom used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Are you looking forward to enjoying the fun of surfing with your family when vacationing in Maui? If so, you should try riding on the waves at Launiupoko. You’ll find this beginner surf break in West Maui, about 10 minutes from the south end of Lahaina. Launiupoko is an ideal spot for longboarders, beginner surfers, and stand-up paddleboarders. Waves here are long, rolling, and slow breaking both right and left, thereby making it suitable for beginner lessons. You’ll likely find the beach here crowded, particularly on the weekends. People also find it enjoyable to surf here at sunset.

Launiupoko

Address: Launiupoko, Honoapiilani Hwy, Lahaina, HI 96761, USA

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6. Kaanapali Beach

Maui-150
Source: Photo by Flickr user Brian Lauer used under CC BY 2.0

Don’t miss the mesmerizing surfing experience at scenic Kaanapali Beach during your excursion in Maui. You’ll find it outside Kaanapali Alii on the west coast of Maui. It’s not just an awe-inspiring beach, but it’s also one of the best surf spots in Maui to learn and practice surfing. It offers consistent, gentle waves which break left, thereby enabling beginners to enjoy short but fun rides. This pleasant beach is also an ideal spot to practice standing up. Apart from the Kaanapali Surf Club, there are dinner cruises offered in the vicinity and one of them departs from Kaanapali Beach.

Kaanapali Beach

Address: Kaanapali Beach, Kaanapali, HI 96761, USA

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7. Paia Bay

Surfs Up!
Source: Photo by Flickr user Kirt Edblom used under CC BY-SA 2.0

If you’re an avid surfer or bodyboarder and you’re visiting Maui for the first time, head to Paia Bay. Surfers can try their skills at this spot, where waves break right and left. The best place to start is on the eastern side of the beach. Do note that if you’re planning a winter trip to Maui, surfing here may not be ideal for beginners since rip currents tend to form.

Paia Bay

Address: Paia, HI 96779, USA

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8. Thousand Peaks

Papalaua Wayside Park
Source: Photo by Flickr user Kirt Edblom used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Instead of getting holed up in one of the luxury resorts, ride on the waves amid seemingly endless peaks at the incredible Thousand Peaks Beach, one of the splendid surf spots in Maui. You can find it at mile marker 12, just off Honoapiilani Highway at Ukumehame Beach Park. This jaw-dropping stretch of surf break features a plethora of peaks, which gave it the name “Thousand Peaks”. Waves here break right and left. If you’re a beginner, it’s advisable to paddle out with an experienced surfer if the waves rise too high.

Thousand Peaks

Address: Thousand Peaks, at 12th-mile marker, 615 Honoapiilani Hwy, Lahaina, HI 96761, USA

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9. Olowalu

West Maui surf spot Olowalu
Source: Photo by Flickr user dronepicr used under CC BY 2.0

Olowalu is located just off the scenic Honoapiilani Highway, and you can reach the beach for surfing in a two-minute drive via the highway. This spot is known for being beginner and intermediate-friendly. Summer is the best time to take surf lessons here since visibility tends to be really good, but do note that intermediate surfers also flock to the area due to the larger swells that arrive during the summer. Snorkeling can also be enjoyed at this spot.

Olowalu

Address: Olowalu, Hawaii 96761, USA

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10. Ho’okipa Beach

Best surf spots in Maui, Hawaii, USA
Source: Photo by Flickr user dronepicr used under CC BY 2.0

Adorning the North Shore of Maui, Ho'okipa Beach is a great surfing spot that you shouldn’t miss out on if you’re an avid surfer. It works best on west, north, east, and northwest swells. Besides this, Ho'okipa Beach is also known for being an outstanding windsurfing spot. Surfers should be careful and watch out for sharp rocks, riptides, and relentless waves. This exquisite beach is best suited for advanced and professional surfers.

Ho’okipa Beach

Address: Ho'okipa Beach, Hawaii 96708, USA

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Enjoy the thrill of surfing in Maui

These marvelous surfing destinations offer the best surf experience on the island. Beginners can try their hand at surfing while experienced surfers can scope out the best spots to practice their skills. There is an endless array of things to do in Maui. For for a thrilling water sports experience, check out any of these best surf spots!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Manjiri Kochrekar is a travel blogger from India. She loves exploring and learning various destinations, their history, culture, and peculiarities. Writing is her passion, which means she enjoys...Read more

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