Surfing Maui doesn’t have to mean doing battle with XL behemoths like Jaws. The island’s long coast offers snippets of sheer quality that have none of the crowds of Oahu, with breaks that work both summer and winter. The downside has to be those swell-blocking islands to the north and west, plus sky-high prices.
An introduction to surfing in Maui
Maui’s surf scene is like Kenneth Branagh period drama. It has a sprinkling of A-list stars that drive the narrative, and backup crew of solid performers that can take over when he headliners start to falter.
So, who are the A-listers? You’ve heard of Jaws, right? That’s deadly Pe’ahi in the local tongue; a sleeping-giant of a break that comes alive on N swells in midwinter, throwing 50-foot beasts onto the jagged lava reefs of the northern shore. Then there’s Honolua, where barreling right points peel off vine-strewn headlands. And there’s Maalaea, a reverse-Uluwatu that powers up on S swells in summer.
Truth is, most humble fly-in surf travelers (that’s us, and probably you) won’t ever surf spots like that. They’re patrolled by seasoned pros and are fricken hardcore. No worries. Maui might have to deal with some swell shadows cast by Molokai in the north and Kahoolawe to the west but there are ample places to escape the spotlight and score all sorts on varying swell directions.
Oh yea, and Maui is gorgeous! Ranging from the Mars-like wastelands of the Haleakalā National Park in the east to the coconut-strewn sands of the east, the island is a delightful one to explore whenever there does happen to be a dip in the swell…
We’d go as far as to say that it’s one of the most idyllic and sublime in the chain – and that’s saying something since this is Hawaii! One moment you’ll be cruising between lava-carved bays on the Hana Highway, the next you’ll be scaling the West Maui mountains between thickets of fragrant hibiscus.
We might use affiliate links in this post. Basically, you click em’ and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. So, thanks for that!
This guide is just one part of our complete guide to surfing Hawaii and surfing in the USA
Surfing in Maui at a glance
The good…
The bad…
What’s in this guide to surfing Maui?
Where is Maui?
Maui is tucked between the Big Island and Oahu at the eastern end of the aloha chain. As with the rest of the state, that puts it some 2,300 miles from the edge of California – the nearest state on the US mainland.
Importantly for surfers, there are three smaller islands that dot the coastline around Maui – Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe. They block quite a bit of the swell – the first in winter, the latter in summer. That’s not ideal, but there’s still plenty of exposed coast to get through.
How to get to Maui?
Flying is the easiest way, of course. The main Kahului Airport (OGG) is good for that. It’s got links to loads of mainland US cities. There are even low-coster connections with carriers like Southwest Airlines that come in from Vegas, LA, and Phoenix. Plus, you’ve got premium carriers with links to Vancouver, Seattle, San Fran and way more.
Sometimes, you might find it’s cheaper or more convenient to book flights to Maui via Honolulu. Loads more arrivals go there and then it’s a quick onward hop of 45 minutes on Hawaiian Airways to Maui.
We think the best way to weigh up flight options, airlines, and dates is to use Skyscanner. They’ve got this nifty calendar tool that will show you the cheapest flights in any given month, which is handy when you’re planning strike missions to Hawaii, arguably the most expensive place to surf in the USA.
Arrivals into Kahului Airport are actually great from a surfing point of view. You’ll almost certainly need to rent a car from there, but the drives aren’t long and they are spectacular. You’re looking at about 50 minutes around the great volcanos to the right-hand points of Honolua and a mere 20 minutes to the best breaks on the Maui North Shore.
Car rentals vary in price A LOT in Hawaii. On average, we’d say you’re looking at about $400/week for a ride here. We’ve always found that RentalCars.com has the best prices overall, plus pretty user-friendly cancellation policies all round. Search below…
Maui surf spots
You’ll notice that there are two main surf zones on Maui: The west and the north.
The north, as in Oahu, is the most famous but suffers badly here on account of endless crosshore trades. Why’s it famous, then? Jaws. Enough said.
The west, which includes the curving coast below the West Maui Mountains, is sheer quality when the swells allow. It’s got epic spots like the right barrels that come off the point at Honolua Bay.
Beginners might prefer to stick to the south and come in summer. The region has sandier beaches and smaller waves, and the season is much better for finding your water feet.
Jaws/Pe’ahi
Every surf guide to Maui should start at Jaws. For a long time people looked and people dismissed. Then visionary and Mavericks Big Wave veteran Chris Bertish came and paddled into the wave, surfing it for the very first time back in 2001. It’s fair to say that since then hardly a big-wave season has gone by without Jaws hitting the front pages.
This wave is a beast worthy of its name, no doubt about that. Around December to the end of January, when huge low-pressure storms are cooking around the Adreanof Islands and the Bering Strait, they suck strong winds down in a N-NW channel to add real moxie to long-period groundswell. That’s all channeled into deep canyons just like in Nazare, jacking up into those famous 30-foot+ walls you see the pros hitting.
You almost certainly won’t surf Jaws. Few do. The lookout point above is hallowed ground. Go there to watch legends being made.
Want to know more about this epic XXL spot? We’ve got a complete guide to Jaws surf right here (coming soon)
Hookipa Beach Park
not just Hookipa Beach Park but also the long sections of rock-ribbed cliffs that flank it, are known for their almost ceaseless year-round trade winds. That’s helped them become the kitesufing and sailing capital of the island, and – therefore – mostly out of bounds to us guys.
But not always. Kona cyclone systems can switch the wind direction to W-SW and that will completely glass up the sets that hit the boulder reefs all around the north shore, Hookipa included.
For more consistency you can look right under the cliffs. There, sections like Pavilions and Middles have enough natural protection from the trades to work throughout longer seasons. They’re decent waves, if unruly, and rarely clean. Navigate sloppy, slappy sections well enough and you can rip off the lip a couple of times. Good hotdogging.
Sprecklesville
We rank the mosaic of reef breaks at Sprecklesville as the best intermediate playground on Maui. They’re much, much better with SW winds when Kona systems push through to the west of the islands, but are usually showing something nice when swell is in the 2-6 foot range. Strong trades sometimes make it windsurfers or nothing. There’s some localism. Sugar Cove is the region’s hidden gem, thanks to its multi-peak setup and small crowds.
Honokohau
If you don’t mind a long walk from the carpark to the wave and want to dodge the biggest crowds that enjoy the winter swells of North Maui, check Honokohau. It’s a strange wave that’s got that you-never-really-know-until-you-see-it sort of vibe.
Some days it can be a punching closeout. Others it will provide neat, steep walls off the lava reefs on its eastern side. This is the first spot along this part of the coast that gets any real major exposure to NW swells that come past Molokai. Also works with any N and NE swells. SE trades are the best.
Honolua Bay
Honolua Bay is one of those A-list stars we spoke about. Its considered one of the most perfect point break setups not just in Maui, but in the whole of Hawaii. Set in a big theatre of a bay, the whole place gets whacked by steady ESE trade winds for basically the whole year.
Solid exposure to N-NE swell channels means steady sets of rights as they come off the main cliff face, sectioninig through pitching faces and then hollower runs before ending on the cobbles nearer the beach. It’s a glorious place to surf but a real thigh-buster and technical challenge, so leave it to the advanced crowd. Locals are protective too.
We have a complete guide to surfing in Honolua Bay (coming soon)
Osterizers
Ah, Osterizers is such a fun wave. A punchy A-frame setup with rippable rights and short, sharp lefts, it’s used by everyone from hotdogging groms to traveling surfers on the improve. With good N pulses it can hollow out to give duck-in barrel sections before finishing on an open shoulder that loves to be snapped and turned.
Rainbows
Rainbows usually has a very big following since it sits smack dab in the heart of the vacation haven of Kaanapali, on the doorstep of the cocktail-swilling Kaanapali Beach Club, no less. It’s made up of a patchwork of reefs with varying parts able to harness N swells by winter and S swells by summer (the same as pretty much all the breaks down this western portion of the isle).
We think Rainbows works nicest on S direct swells with some good size in them. It mellows and softens a touch then, giving bowly rides that are perfect for folks brining a couple of extra foot at the end of the board. The biggest winter days will see a right barrel fire off here. Beware that, it’s hard and the reef is shallow and with resident urchins aplenty!
Mala Wharf
There’s a reef that meets the wharf at Mala that can create some lovely mellow waves for pocket riding and trimming on something a bit longer during the summer SW swells. When N hit in the winter, there’s the chance of long-period refractions that give nice chest-high hotdogging waves that are really playful. Mainly lefts. Usually busy.
Lahaina
The stand-out here is the Lahaina Breakwall, which works on both S and N swells. It’s got an outside section that can peak at 8-10 foot on good SW swells that make it through outlying islands, shooting off nice, hollow, performance lefts into a channel. The inside is usually much smaller and mellow. In fact, it’s a playground for surf schools.
Also in the area are the fizzing left handers that work in summer at Shark Pits, and the same spot’s rights, which get going in the winter on the opposite-direction swells. They’re fatter, heavier, and can handle some wind.
Lahaina is very busy on account of just how accessible many of the waves are. On the plus side, it’s home to some of the best surf schools on Maui and is a great place to learn.
We have a complete guide to the Lahaina surf right here – with tips on the top local surf stays and hotels
Olowalu Beach
The shark-infested western edge of northwestern Maui isn’t the most tempting spot to surf here. But despite the bulls and great whites, there are a series of great A-frame reefs that work right beside the gorgeous Honoapiilani Highway – we’re talking like 5 minutes from car to peak. Fun on decent N pulses. Also work in the summer but are usually more intermediate and beginner.
Maalaea
Under the gaze of the West Maui Mountains but facing southeast towards the Wailea-Makena, Maalaea is a chilled harbor town that’s mainly known for its whale watching and sports fishing. Well, that…and the fastest right point break in the whole world.
It comes off the concrete boulders that form the main harbor breakwater right out front of Maalaea town. It’s super duper rare that it all lines up to work, mainly because you need just the right refraction in the swells to navigate between Lanai island and Kahoolawe.
If it does come together then you’re looking at speedy gonzalez walls that are like a wave pool on crack. Triple overheads and peeling isn’t rare, and it’s super quick. The drop is like miliseconds then you’re onto the shoulder, fizzing 50 mph across the shallow boulder bay.
Worth it for the applause from the beach? Maybe.
Learn more about the Maalaea right handers with our complete guide (coming soon)
Surf camps in Maui
Maui is well-known as a learner surf destination, largely for the multi-level reef breaks that span the Lahaina wharfs and jetties. It’s only just emerging as a major surf camp spot, so options for fully-fledged packages on the island are still kinda limited.
You can search for every surf camp that’s available on Maui, or check out our specific recommendations below…
- Maui Surf And Soul 7 Day Couple’s Surf and Yoga Retreat in Maui – Designed with Maui’s steady stream of honeymooners in mind, this one promises a post-wedding trip with a difference. You’ll stay in one of five cottages, which range from cozy boltholes tucked into the bamboo forests to coastal cabanas that overlook the shoreline. Each day except for the arrival day there’s a surf lesson, plus you’ll do meditation and yoga classes together.
- Maui Surfer Girls – These guys run very highly rated surf camps that are all-inclusive, solely for women, and based in seafront accommodations.
A note on why we partner with BookSurfCamps.com: Book Surf Camps are probably the biggest online aggregator of surf camps and surf-yoga packages in the world. We sounded out a quite a few potential partners before we affiliated with them. But, in the end, the abundance of choice for beginners, intermediates, and female-only surfing sealed it. We also love the simplicity of their booking system and the trusted brand name, along with the focus on connecting with homegrown local businesses on the ground.
Want more [yoast_kw] camp options? Search the whole shebang below right now and book in a few clicks.
Where to stay in Maui?
Where to begin? There are so many options going on this island that it’s difficult to pick out the top places to stay. Naturally, surfers will want to be close to the coast, and close to the better surf spots.
Thing is, we’d always say it’s best to have a car here, so you can drive around to catch the right swell on the right wind. So, the best option is to base yourself somewhere near the major surf regions, making the towns of Lahaina and Kaanapali probably the best picks.
With that in mind, consider these top surf hotels…
- Lahaina Shores Beach Resort ($$$) – For the proper Maui resort experience, pick the Lahaina Shores Beach Resort. A Hyatt hotel, it’s got ocena-view condos that look right over the peeling reef breaks. Suites are big and comfy, most with balconies. To organize a surf lesson, just hit reception and they’ll sort you out.
- The Guest House ($$) – This adult’s only spot is perfect for solo and couple surfers who want to be in the midst of the main west-coast surf area. It’s got cozy, Polynesian styled rooms that ooze character (especially compared to the major resort hotels that dominate). A saltwater pool is a welcome treat for post-surf lazing.
- Hakuna Matata Maui Hostel ($) – A rare budget choice in the Aloha State, this one’s a cracking option for beginner surfers who want a nice crowd to paddle out with. It’s located near the Lahaina reefs, close to loads of top surf schools. The cheapest rooms are from $50/night in shared dorms.
Want more hotel choices on Maui? Check out the whopping 2,000+ of them on Booking.com right now!
Step-by-step guide to planning your [yoast_kw] trip right now
Step one: Book flights to the [yoast_kw]…Lately, we like Omio for searching flights. It’s a nice interface and has lots of airline options. We also use Skyscanner because that sometimes offers deals that even beat going direct to the carrier!
Step two: Book your surf camp Book Surf Camps is the numero uno online booking platform for fully-fledged surf-stay packages on the internet right now. Then there’s Booking.com. That has consistently unbeatable rates for hotels and a nifty map feature that lets you check EXACTLY how close your hotel is to a surf break.
Step three: Get insuranceThis is kinda’ important. Not just for surf trips but for any trips. SafetyWing is great for nomad travelers. They offer rolling contracts that cover amateur surfing.
Step four (optional): Rent a car If you’re surf camping then you might not need wheels. If you’re not then we’ll just say this: We’ve never been on a surf trip that wasn’t improved by having our own car. Use RentalCars – they’re the best.
Step four: Enjoy!
When to surf in Maui?
There’s surf in Maui all year round. Generally speaking, the summer is better for beginners and lower intermediates while the winter is for more advanced surfers and big wave chargers.
It’s the huge storms that move through the northern Pacific that really make Maui rumble. That happens in the winter, from around November to March, hitting a peak in December and January, which is when the pro XXL wave circuits hit Jaws. These low-pressure systems typically push west to east from Russia towards Alaska and create huge wind currents that combine with the long-distance groundswell to activate the northern beaches and any breaks that hoover up swell in West Maui. The result? This is the best season for intermediate and advanced surfers.
Intermediates will also surely love the summer months, as will starters. Between May and August, the swell switches almost 180 degrees to originate from the S-SW. That also changes up the action on Maui because it means the western shoreline and West Maui works better overall, especially when you add in the dominant E trade winds that will be making the north a mush fest for windsurfers during the same months. Waves are smaller at this time and the scene is better for beginners and learners overall.
We might use affiliate links in this post. Basically, you click em’ and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. So, thanks for that!
