June 14, 2022 8 min read

If you want to see some great surf and hear cool surf lingo, travel to the southernmost part of the island. Here, you can watch the best waves in Ma'alaea. Off the Wall is an A-frame peak that breaks right in front of the harbor wall. It only breaks in the morning and before the afternoon trade winds come up.

You can park here for just $0.50 an hour and paddle over to the surf spot. Off the Wall is known for its short, fun rides, but it's far from being the best break on South Maui. Keep reading if you want to know more about Maui surf spots and where to watch the best surfing in Maui, Hawaii.

The Greatest Maui Surf Spots for Watching - Honolulua Bay

The northwest side of the island is home to Honolulua Bay, one of Maui's most popular surf spots. This right-hand point break peels from the far outskirts of the bay and forms a long wall with multiple barrel sections. It is one of Maui's most popular surf locations because of the waves' huge size and barrel sections. The area is also known for its fast offshore winds and razor sharp reef.

If you are an avid surfer or simply love watching the sport, Honolua Bay is the perfect spot to check out the action. The cliffs here are great for viewing the waves and there are hiking trails leading to a flat grassy area nearby.

This area is often crowded, so you should wear protective clothing and watch for potential waves before heading out. When it comes to surfers, you will often see girls wearing cool surf girly gear, but also guys with interesting ocean men's gear.

A good spot to watch the surfers is on the eastern cliffside of Honolulua Bay. The view here is spectacular! If you don't have the energy for surfing, you can always stay on land and look at the pros. If you have time, you can snorkel here. It's also a great place to go scuba diving or hiking.

Kaanapali Beach

You can see some of the best surfing on Maui from Kaanapali Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. While there aren't many places to surf in Maui, you can still watch the action.

Body surfing is one of the best ways to enjoy this tropical sport, especially if you're staying at a hotel. In body surfing, you'll wait for the breaking waves while matching your speed with the wave. You'll be trying to catch the wave on your stomach with outstretched arms and fingers, and you'll have to match their speed with yours.

The waters off Maui are warm year-round, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to catch a wave. Even if you don't surf, you'll be able to enjoy the stunning reef and tropical fish. During whale season, you can even catch a glimpse of one. Despite the small waves and unpredictable ocean conditions, the beach is a great place to watch surfing in Maui.

If you want to catch a wave, you'll have to go to the north-central coast of the island. The waves here are ideal for intermediate and advanced surfers. They're also known to be the largest on the island. Be aware, though, that it is a very popular place for kiteboarders, so make sure to get there early! You might even spot a sea turtle or two.

watching surfer

Paia Bay - The Ideal Surf Spots for a Beginner Watcher

There are many reasons to watch surfing in Paia Bay. Despite its small size, the bay is ideal for beginners and families.

There are shallow waves perfect for kids to learn to surf, and there is no reef to contend with. If you are not a pro surfer, you can watch from the beach while you learn how to surf or get back in shape.

Locals flock to this spot to swim, fish, and surf, so you will find some experienced surfers there.

During winter, Paia Bay is known for consistently clean waves. This surf town offers clean waves about 23% of the time. During December, waves here are rideable for 38% of the time. While this may not sound like much, it is still a great place to watch Maui surfing. This beach is also close to two world-class surfing beaches, Honolulu Bay and Jaws.

If you want to watch surfing in Paia, you can always visit the beach. It has a very long beach, and there is a near-shore break for experienced surfers. The park can get dirty and attract vagrant types. While the park is a great place to watch surfing in Maui, it is not the best place to practice surfing. Paia Bay has some great breaks nearby but beware of the toilets.

Ho'okipa Beach

The surfers are more likely to be beginners if you watch them at Ho'okipa Beach. Beginners should consider the rip currents and the shallow reef before trying it out. Inexperienced surfers should seek out a local guide who can show them the best routes in and out. Moreover, you can see green sea turtles at this beach if you have any luck with surfing. But be careful while approaching sea turtles; they are sensitive animals and should not be approached!

One of the best places to watch surfing in Maui is the upper parking area, where you can enjoy stunning sunset views while watching the surfers. The surf break below the cliff is called Pavilions. When the waves get bigger, it becomes known as Middles. The far leftwestern section of the park is home to Windsurfing. These sports are popular in this area. Wind surfers launch from the far lifeguard tower.

In winter, Ho'okipa Beach is renowned for its large waves and great winds. While the waves at Ho'okipa are generally too small for beginners to surf, you can still get a glimpse of the local culture. In addition to watching surfers, you can also spot monk seals and green sea turtles. Although it's a great place to watch surfing in Maui, it's not a good place to go swimming or enjoy other activities.

Kahului Harbor

watching surfer on waves

Whether you are a beginner or an advanced surfer, you will love watching the local surfers at Kahului Harbor. The harbor's unique swells are perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers alike. Parking is plentiful and you can watch the local surfers while you dine and shop. The waves are large and powerful, which makes them an excellent place for beginners and intermediate surfers to practice.

The North Shore is home to some of the world's best waves, making it a prime spot for watching the waves and catching some surf lessons. On winter swells, the outer reefs of Maui are a popular destination for world-class surfers. The waves at Kahului Harbor are large enough to accommodate plenty of surfers. However, parking can be a bit crowded, so plan your trip accordingly.

Another popular surfing spot near Kahului Harbor is "Kuau Pipes." This is a great place to watch surfers and is located on the north shore. Take Hana Highway to the north shore and take a left at mile marker eight. This location is easy to find, and the surfers are usually not too competitive. You can catch a glimpse of the action at Kahului Harbor on a chilly morning.

For intermediate and advanced surfers, there are a couple of great spots nearby. Puamana is a long righthander that can be very long. Puamana is close to Pumana park and other peaks. The surf here is best on the south or southeast swells, and the reef is shallow and can break head-high in the right conditions. Sharks also frequent the area.

surfer in maui

Launiupoko

If you are looking for a beautiful surf break on Maui, Launiupoko is the place to go. This long sandy beach is home to 3 distinct surf breaks, which form within 100 yards of shore.

The waves are long and the water is always refreshing. It also has outdoor showers and restrooms. Surfing enthusiasts come here to watch the action, while families can enjoy the beach and wading pool.

For beginners, this is the place to go. The water is shallow, making it perfect for young kids to learn how to surf.

The surf is great for intermediate level surfers, but it can get crowded if the swell is too big. There are plenty of food trucks and an easy entry. You can also watch a pro or two, although it can get crowded on big days.

The north-central shore of Maui is home to some of the island's best waves. Hookpia Beach Park, located just off the Honoapiilani Highway, is an excellent place to watch surfing in Maui. With its consistent swells, this beach is an excellent destination for kites and windsurfers. Alternatively, you can check out the surfing on the island at Launiupoko.

Conclusion

Surfing is one of the most popular activities in Maui, and there are plenty of great spots to catch some waves. Some of the best places to surf in Maui include Kanaha Beach Park, Ho'okipa Beach Park, and Lahaina Breakwall. Kanaha Beach Park is a great place for beginners to surf, as the waves are typically small and mellow. Ho'okipa Beach Park is a bit more advanced, as the waves can get pretty big. Lahaina Breakwall is a great place to surf when the waves are really pumping. Considering that this is a very famous place with a lot of surfers, there used to be surf fatalities, but rarely. 

FAQ

Where is the best surfing in Maui?

Maui is well-known for its surfing, and there are many great spots to surf on the island. The best surfing in Maui can be found at Honolua Bay, which is a world-famous surf spot. Honolua Bay is located on the northwest side of Maui, and it is known for its big waves and beautiful scenery. Other great spots for surfing in Maui include Hookipa Beach, which is a popular spot for professional surfers, and Ka'anapali Beach, which is a great spot for beginners.

Which side of Maui has the biggest waves?

Surfing is one of the most popular activities on Maui, and wave size is an important factor for many surfers. So, which side of Maui has the biggest waves? The answer may surprise you. The north shore of Maui typically has the biggest waves, but the south shore can also see some large waves during the winter months.

Can you surf at Kaanapali Beach?

Ka'anapali Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Maui. Located on the west side of the island, this beach is known for its white-sand beaches and clear blue waters. Many visitors come to Ka'anapali Beach to surf, as the waves here are some of the best in Maui. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced surfer, you'll find that the waves at Ka'anapali Beach are perfect for surfing.

Author - Fred Felton
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fred Felton          

Content Creator / Editor

Fred Felton is a copywriter, editor and social media specialist based in Durban, South Africa. He has over 20 years of experience in creating high end content. He has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world. Currently Fred specialises in the adventure watersports space, focussing on surf, kayak and rafting. He is also a keynote speaker and has presented talks and workshops in South Africa.


Sign up for our Newsletter

Spin to win Spinner icon