Learning to surf is an exciting adventure, and Maui offers some of the best spots for beginners to catch their first waves. The island’s variety of beaches with gentle breaks and protected bays makes it an ideal destination for those just starting their surfing journey.
Maui is considered the best Hawaiian island for beginner surfing because it features numerous beaches with smaller waves, sandy bottoms, and consistent conditions perfect for learning. When I first started surfing, I found the welcoming atmosphere and beginner-friendly surf breaks in Maui to be exactly what I needed to build confidence.
From the popular spots in Lahaina to the hidden gems in Kihei, there’s a perfect wave waiting for every new surfer.
Ukumehame Beach Park
Ukumehame Beach Park is one of Maui’s hidden gems for beginner surfers. I found the gentle, rolling waves perfect for learning to catch my first rides. The beach offers consistent surf conditions that aren’t too intimidating for newcomers like me.
The water here is typically clearer in the morning before the wind picks up. I noticed several surf schools bringing their students here, which confirms it’s a great spot for beginners. The beach has enough space that it rarely feels crowded.
I appreciated the parking area right alongside the beach, making it easy to carry my board to the water. The beach park has basic facilities like restrooms, though they’re pretty simple. The offshore reef helps create those perfect small waves that are ideal for learning.
When I visited, I saw families with kids taking surf lessons together. The instructors seemed patient and the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly. The beach also offers beautiful views of neighboring islands that make paddling out even more enjoyable.
Rating: 4.5 (425 reviews)
Location: 615 HI-30, Lahaina, HI 96793
Contact: (808) 661-4685
Website: Visit Website
Kaanapali Beach
Kaanapali Beach is a stunning stretch of golden sand that offers gentle waves perfect for beginner surfers. I found the conditions here ideal for learning, with consistent smaller waves that break slowly, giving newcomers plenty of time to position themselves.
The morning hours at Kaanapali provide the calmest conditions for surf lessons. I noticed several surf schools operating here, offering rentals and instruction for first-timers. The instructors are friendly and patient, making the learning experience much less intimidating.
Beyond surfing, the beach has crystal clear waters that are great for cooling off between surf sessions. I love that there’s a beautiful beachwalk connecting the resorts, making it easy to grab lunch or refreshments. The beach is wide enough that it never feels crowded despite its popularity.
This beach also offers excellent amenities that beginner surfers appreciate. I found clean restrooms, outdoor showers, and plenty of shady spots for breaks. The lifeguards on duty add an extra layer of safety that’s reassuring when you’re just learning to surf.
Rating: 4.6 (551 reviews)
Location: Kaanapali, HI 96761
Pohaku Park
I visited Pohaku Park in Lahaina and found it to be a perfect spot for beginner surfers. The small 1-acre beachfront park offers consistent, gentle waves that aren’t intimidating for those just learning to stand on a board.
The beach has great amenities for a day of surf practice. I appreciated the outdoor shower for rinsing off after riding waves. There are also three picnic tables and a BBQ grill, making it easy to refuel between surf sessions.
What I love most about Pohaku Park is how beginner-friendly the surf break is. The waves typically aren’t too powerful or large, giving new surfers confidence to practice their skills. I noticed many surf instructors bringing students here because of the forgiving conditions.
The park offers good facilities with portable toilets and a parking area with 20 spaces. I recommend arriving early on weekends as spots fill up quickly with locals and tourists alike wanting to enjoy this surfing gem.
Rating: 4.6 (372 reviews)
Location: 4085 Lower Honoapiilani Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761
Contact: (808) 661-4685
Website: Visit Website
Kahekili Beach Park
I recently visited Kahekili Beach Park in Lahaina, and it’s a fantastic spot for beginner surfers. The waves here are gentle and consistent, making it perfect for those just starting out on a board. I found the water to be clear and relatively shallow near the shore, which helps build confidence for newbies.
The beach has great facilities that make spending the day here comfortable. There’s a nice boardwalk along the beach, covered picnic areas, and barbecue grills if you want to make a day of it. I appreciated the clean restrooms and shower facilities to rinse off after riding waves.
What I love most about Kahekili is how it’s less crowded than many other Maui beaches. This gives beginners more space to practice without feeling intimidated. The sandy bottom and generally calm conditions create a forgiving environment for learning surf basics.
During my visit, I noticed several surf schools operating here, which speaks to its reputation as a beginner-friendly spot. The beach also offers beautiful views of neighboring islands Lanai and Molokai on clear days, giving you something gorgeous to look at between waves.
Rating: 4.7 (1138 reviews)
Location: 65 Kai Ala Dr, Lahaina, HI 96761
Contact: (808) 270-7230
Website: Visit Website
Hamoa Beach
Hamoa Beach is a stunning spot for beginning surfers visiting Maui. I found the waves here to be perfect for those just starting out, with sizable but manageable surf that’s forgiving for learners. The clear blue water makes it easy to spot incoming waves, which was super helpful during my recent visit.
The beach itself is absolutely gorgeous, with a crescent shape that creates a somewhat protected area for newer surfers. I noticed that while the currents can be strong at times, they’re typically gentler in the morning hours, making it an ideal time for beginners to practice.
What I loved most about surfing at Hamoa was the supportive atmosphere. Local surfers were friendly and offered tips when they saw me struggling with my technique. The beach isn’t usually crowded compared to some of Maui’s more famous surf spots, giving beginners plenty of space to wipe out without feeling embarrassed.
I recommend checking conditions before heading out as the surf can change quickly. On calmer days, Hamoa provides the perfect learning environment with enough challenge to help you improve but not so much that you’ll feel overwhelmed.
Rating: 4.7 (547 reviews)
Location: Hamoa Beach, Hana, HI 96713
Website: Visit Website
Po’olenalena Beach
Po’olenalena Beach is a hidden gem for beginner surfers on Maui. I found the gentle waves perfect for those just starting to catch their first rides. The beach has a sandy bottom and typically smaller surf, making it less intimidating than other Maui spots.
The water here is crystal clear, which helped me see what was happening beneath my board. On calmer days, I could practice my paddling and pop-up technique without worrying about getting slammed by massive waves. Morning sessions tend to offer the smoothest conditions for beginners.
I noticed fewer crowds here compared to more famous surfing beaches, giving newbies plenty of space to learn without feeling pressured. The beach also has enough sand for relaxing between surf attempts, and I appreciated having shade from nearby trees when I needed a break.
When I visited, friendly locals were happy to share tips about the best spots to paddle out based on the day’s conditions. The mellow vibe makes this an excellent place to build confidence on a surfboard while enjoying Maui’s beautiful scenery.
Rating: 4.7 (188 reviews)
Location: 96 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753
Ho’okipa
Ho’okipa Beach is a stunning spot on Maui’s north shore. I visited recently and was amazed by its picturesque white sand and crystal-clear waters. The beach is well-known for windsurfing and surfing, but it can be challenging for beginners.
When I arrived in the morning, the waves were gentler, making it a better time for novice surfers to practice. As the day progressed, the wind picked up, and I watched experienced windsurfers tackle the impressive swells. If you’re just starting out, I’d recommend getting some lessons before trying to surf here.
One of my favorite experiences was seeing sea turtles come ashore in the evening. It’s truly magical to watch these creatures rest on the beach as the sun sets. Just remember to keep a respectful distance and never touch them.
For beginner surfers, I’d suggest starting at the southern end of the beach where the waves are typically smaller. The northern section can get pretty intense, especially during winter months. Always check local conditions before heading out.
Rating: 4.8 (321 reviews)
Location: Hawaii 96708
Cove Beach Park
I recently visited Cove Beach Park in South Maui and found it perfect for beginner surfers! The calm, clear waters protected by a coral reef create gentle waves that are ideal for learning. The beach has a relaxed atmosphere that helps new surfers feel comfortable trying out this exciting sport.
Many surf schools operate at Cove Beach, offering lessons for all skill levels. I watched several beginners successfully catch their first waves here, which is always exciting to see. The instructors are patient and knowledgeable, making it a great learning environment.
Beyond surfing, the park offers nice amenities including picnic tables, restrooms, and showers to rinse off after your session. I appreciated being able to relax at one of the tables after spending time in the water. The beach isn’t usually overcrowded, giving beginners plenty of space to practice.
When you’re not surfing, the clear waters make for excellent snorkeling too. I spotted colorful fish swimming around the reef, which was a fun bonus to my visit. Paddle boarding and kayaking are also popular activities if you want to try something different.
Rating: 4.6 (381 reviews)
Location: 2126 Iliili Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Contact: (808) 229-4246
Website: Visit Website
Maluaka Beach
Maluaka Beach is a hidden gem for beginner surfers on Maui. I found the gentle waves and soft sandy bottom perfect for newbies trying to catch their first rides. The water is typically calm in the mornings, making it an ideal time for surf lessons.
What I love about surfing at Maluaka is the space. Unlike more popular surf spots, this beach rarely feels crowded. I had plenty of room to practice without worrying about colliding with other surfers or swimmers.
The beach offers stunning views of Kaho’olawe Island, which makes paddling out even more enjoyable. When you need a break from surfing, the beach is also known for its amazing snorkeling. I spotted sea turtles swimming near the reef on the south end.
Facilities at Maluaka include restrooms and showers, which are super convenient after a salty surf session. I recommend bringing your own water and snacks as there aren’t any concession stands nearby.
Rating: 4.7 (1689 reviews)
Location: 5400 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753
Wailea Beach
Wailea Beach is one of my favorite spots on Maui, but I should mention it’s not ideal for beginner surfers. This gorgeous sandy beach is more suited for swimming and snorkeling than catching waves. When I visited, the waters were typically calm with gentle waves that don’t provide the right conditions for surfing practice.
I found the beach to be well-maintained with clean public restrooms and shower facilities. The sand is soft and golden, perfect for relaxing after time in the water. The beach tends to get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons, but its spacious shoreline usually accommodates everyone comfortably.
For beginners looking to surf, I’d recommend checking other beaches like Cove Park or Kalama Beach instead. Wailea Beach excels at offering protected swimming areas and excellent snorkeling opportunities where I spotted colorful fish near the rocky areas at either end of the beach. The waters are crystal clear when conditions are good.
The beach is part of the upscale Wailea resort area, so you’ll find luxury hotels nearby. Parking can fill up quickly in the morning, so I suggest arriving early to secure a spot. The views of neighboring islands Kaho’olawe and Molokini make for stunning sunset photos.
Rating: 4.7 (2014 reviews)
Location: Kihei, HI 96753
Contact: (808) 879-4364
Website: Visit Website
Understanding Maui’s Surf Conditions
Maui offers varied surf conditions that change with seasons and locations around the island. Knowing what to expect helps beginners find safe, enjoyable waves that match their skill level.
Wave Patterns and Tides
In Maui, surf conditions follow predictable patterns that make planning easier for new surfers. Summer months (May to October) bring smaller, gentler waves that are perfect for beginners. During this time, south-facing beaches catch manageable swells.
Winter (November to April) brings bigger swells to north-facing shores, which I recommend avoiding if you’re just starting out. These powerful waves are better left to experienced surfers.
Tides also affect wave quality significantly. I’ve found that incoming mid-tides often create the best learning conditions. Low tide can expose reef and rocks, while high tide might make waves less defined.
The time of day matters too! Early mornings typically offer calmer winds and cleaner waves, making them ideal for beginner surf sessions before the afternoon winds pick up.
Ideal Weather for Beginners
When you’re new to surfing, you’ll want sunny days with light winds under 10 mph. These conditions make for smaller, more manageable waves that break more predictably.
I always check the local surf report before heading out. Look for forecasts showing:
- Wave heights under 2-3 feet
- Light offshore or no winds
- Long wave periods (time between waves)
Kihei and Lahaina areas often have protected breaks where The Cove and other beginner-friendly spots offer gentle, rolling waves rather than powerful, crashing ones.
Avoid surfing during or after heavy rains, as runoff can affect water quality. Similarly, stay out of the water if you notice unusually strong currents or winds suddenly picking up.
Essential Surfing Tips for Beginners
Before hitting Maui’s waves, you’ll need to know a few key things about gear selection and proper surfing behavior. I’ve been teaching new surfers for years and have found these tips make all the difference in having a fun, safe experience.
Choosing the Right Gear
When I start teaching new surfers, I always recommend a longer surfboard for beginners. These boards offer more stability and make it easier to catch waves. Look for foam boards (sometimes called “soft tops”) that are at least 8-9 feet long with plenty of width.
Wetsuits aren’t usually necessary in Maui’s warm waters, but rash guards are a must! They protect your skin from board rashes and harmful sun exposure. I recommend SPF 50+ for Hawaiian sun conditions.
Don’t forget to use surf leashes! They keep your board attached to your ankle and prevent it from becoming a danger to others when you wipe out.
For beginners, surf wax is essential to provide grip. Apply it in a crosshatch pattern on the top of your board where you’ll be standing.
Safety Guidelines and Beach Etiquette
I always tell my students that understanding wave conditions is your first safety step. In Maui, spots like The Cove in Kihei are perfect for beginners because of their gentler waves and sandy bottoms.
When you paddle out, stay clear of the main surfing line where others are riding. I recommend using the “channel” – the area where waves aren’t breaking regularly.
Remember these key etiquette rules:
- The surfer closest to the peak has right of way
- Don’t “drop in” on someone already riding a wave
- Don’t “snake” by paddling around someone to take priority
- Apologize if you make a mistake – we all do!
Watch experienced surfers before entering the water to understand the flow of that particular beach. I suggest starting your session during less crowded times, typically early mornings.
