Maui.

The breaks

Recognised, publicly known surf spots around Maui. Suitability depends on the day's swell, wind and tide, so treat the level as a guide, not a guarantee.

Full profile: Jaws (Peʻahi).

Two seasons on one island

Maui's surf is split by direction. In winter, storms in the North Pacific send swell to the north and north-west shores, which absorb the most energy between roughly November and March. In summer, smaller south swells arrive on the south and west sides, but the neighbouring islands and Maui's own bulk can block some of that energy, so summer is typically gentler.

That split is useful. If the north shore is huge and unrideable, there is often a sheltered bay on the other side of the island. If the south is flat, Honolua Bay and Hookipa may be working. The practical approach is to look at the swell direction in the forecast before deciding where to drive, and to be ready to switch coasts.

The north shore: Hookipa and Peʻahi

Hookipa Beach Park, on the north shore near Paia, is among Maui's most famous surf and windsurf spots. It breaks on most swell directions except south, with several reef sections, and during big winter swells it attracts skilled surfers and large crowds of onlookers. In the afternoons, the trade winds usually bring windsurfers and kites out on the same bay.

Peʻahi, known as Jaws, is a few kilometres east. It is a big-wave break that works only on the largest north swells and is not a place for visitors to paddle out. Tow-in teams and a small group of expert paddle surfers ride it, and spectators watch from the cliffs. Treat it as a spectacle, keep a safe distance from cliff edges and follow any local access rules.

West Maui and Honolua Bay

On the island's north-west corner, Honolua Bay is a famous right-hand point that lights up on winter north-westerly swells. It is part of a marine conservation area, with coral and clear water, and the take-off can be crowded with strong surfers. When there is no swell the bay is a snorkelling destination.

Further south, Launiupoko, near Lahaina, is a gentler beach with a protected area for beginners and a few intermediate waves. Ukumehame, along the highway towards Maalaea, picks up south swell in summer. Lahaina itself was largely destroyed by fire in 2023, and parts of the town have been closed, so check current conditions, local advice and respectful guidelines before visiting.

South Maui: Kihei and the gentle waves

Kihei, Wailea and Makena are on the leeward side, drier and sunnier than the north, and they are the usual base for visitors. The Cove in Kihei is known as a good first-wave break, with a mild, rolling wave and a sandy bottom in places. Other breaks in the area work on south swells in summer, from March or April through to roughly October.

Because of island blocking, the south shore is not a high-performance wave zone. What it offers is warm water, mellow waves and a relaxed atmosphere. Learners, longboarders and families make up much of the crowd. Be aware of shallow reef under some peaks and of busy beach parking.

Trade winds and early mornings

Trade winds blow mainly from the north-east and build through the day. They are what make the north shore a windsurfing capital, with Kanaha Beach Park near the airport a focal point for wind and kite sports. For surfers, the trade winds are generally offshore on the north-west and west sides, but cross-shore or onshore on the north shore.

In practice, the best surf is early in the morning, before the trades kick in. A dawn patrol at a leeward break is often glassy, and by midday the wind can be strong enough to blow out many spots. On days with big winter swells, a wind-sheltered bay can be the only option.

Reef, urchins and respect in the water

Most Maui breaks are over reef, and many of them are shallow. Fall off and you can graze coral, so wear reef-safe sun protection and consider booties or a rash vest. Sea urchins and Portuguese man-of-war occasionally appear, and rip currents run along channels beside reef passes.

Hawaiian waters have a strong local culture. Locals who surf these breaks daily expect newcomers to be patient, take turns and avoid the main peaks on big days. Green sea turtles often rest on beaches such as Hookipa, and they are protected, so keep your distance. Whales visit between about November and April, so keep clear of them in the water, too.

Getting around: car, Kahului and the Hana road

Most visitors land at Kahului Airport (OGG) in central Maui and rent a car. The drive from the airport to Paia and Hookipa takes about 15 to 25 minutes, to Kihei about 25 to 35 minutes, and to West Maui around an hour. A car is effectively required, as public transport is limited and the breaks are spread across several coasts.

The Hana Highway follows the east coast through rainforest, waterfalls and black-sand beaches, and it makes a classic day out when the surf is off. The highway is narrow and winding, so allow a full day. Haleakalā, the dormant volcano that dominates the island, rises to over 3,000 metres and is popular for sunrise and for stargazing.

Maui surf season month by month

A broad planning picture, not a forecast. Swell, wind and water temperature vary from year to year.

Learning to surf on Maui

Maui has a long list of surf schools, most in Lahaina, Kihei and the south shore, where the waves are small and the water is warm. The Cove and Launiupoko are common teaching beaches, with soft waves and sandy patches among the reef.

Lessons usually last around two hours, with a soft-top longboard and a rash vest. Ask how many students share an instructor and where the school teaches in winter, when the south shore can be flat and the north is too powerful. Good operators have a plan B.

Once you can ride small waves on your own, look for coaching to learn about reef etiquette and safety. Never paddle out at Hookipa or Honolua on a big day just because it looks good in photos.

Comparing options across the country? Read our guide to surfing in the USA.