Best Beginner Surfing Spots: Big Island, Hawaii

Hawaii is known to have some of the best views, waves, and water temperatures. It’s no wonder it’s one of the hottest surfing spots in the world. Oahu, Kauai, and Maui are the main islands to have the best surfing, but more so for the advanced surfers and pros. Now, if you’re a beginner like me and are looking for a place that has small crowds, no competition for waves, and the space to feel comfortable and confident while out in the water, the Big Island could be for you. Many of the known surfing spots here can and should be tried out by beginners…but where are the best learning spots? Don't worry, we got you covered. Below are the three best beginner surfing spots on Big Island, Hawaii:

Honoli'i (Hilo)
Credit: @wagner.veronica

       1. Honoli'i (Hilo)- Though I only surfed Hilo once, Honoli'i was by far my favorite place to surf in Hawaii as a beginner. Not only was it was wide open with many great areas to surf (ranging from beginner to advance), but there seemed to be far less rock and reef underneath me compared to some of the other surfing spots in Hawaii. With more space and less rocks, it was easy to get that confidence boost needed to try again and again…and again. In Honoli'i, I was able to get the best and the most practice than anywhere else. With a little determination, I was able to stand up on my board for the first time. That hour and a half drive from Kona was worth it. 

      Side Note: While you're there, do some exploring in Hilo. It's a cool town with far less tourists than Kona. It's a great place to still experience Hawaii, but with out all the hustle and bustle. 

Honoli'i (Hilo)
Credit: bigislandnow.com

       2. Kahalu'u (Kona)-Kahalu'u was my second favorite surfing spot on Big Island. The water was deep with little rock around in the main surfing area, so falling off my board wasn’t a concern. Also, the waves here were big enough to ride, but small enough to not be too intimidating for a beginner. If needed, catch a lesson. Lessons take place here almost everyday. Kahalu'u is arguably the best surfing spot for first time triers.

 I Side Note: I can't mention Kahalu'u with out bringing up that it has some of the best snorkeling on Big Island. May I suggest snorkeling early in the morning and surfing early in the afternoon? These are the best times for these activities at Kahalu'u...meaning you're about to have one of the best and most memorable days in Hawaii.

Kahalu'u (Keauhou)
Credit: konaboys.com

 3 . Pine Trees (Kona)- A short drive from the Kona airport, this could be one of the first spots and last spots you visit on your trip. The beach is huge with some great spots to snorkel, surf, and even lounge in a hammock in the shade (hence the name). Beware of the rock and reef in many parts of this beach, however. Many areas have rock on shore and even more when you step into the water. Have I mentioned gnarly sea urchins? They're everywhere in the water at this beach. Water socks would be a great idea, even if you come to surf here (trust me). Nevertheless, once you have found that perfect spot to surf where you are away from the rocks and far out enough where the water is deep (but not too deep), you will experience some of the best beginner surfing in Hawaii.

 

Pine Trees (Kona)
Credit: best-big-island-hawaii-.com

Safe Travels,

Veronica

 Afterthought:

Catching a wave for the first time was one of the most exhilarating feelings I’ve ever had in my life. It paid off that I educated and prepared my mind and body for the task well before arriving in Hawaii. However, I found that  being successful at surfing takes more than motivation, skill practice, and basic knowledge about how to ride a surf board. It takes observation, patience, and awareness. It's true that surfing is one of the toughest sports with a lot of risk. Injury can occur, regardless of physical skill level if you are not careful. Take it from me, my surfing lessons came to a halt on my Hawaii trip when I stuck my foot in sea urchin while surfing all because I wasn't aware of my surroundings in the water. I realized that surfing is far more than the physical aspect of it. It takes mental preparedness as well as awareness of the area.

Make sure you listen to your gut, observe the waves and locals, and take the time to look underneath, and all around you even before attempting to catch your first wave. If you're not comfortable, surfing lessons are the way to go. Your instructor will make sure you stay safe and are able to ride a wave before the end of it (hopefully). With or with out an instructor, stay smart and safe. Once you have this down, you'll be sure to be on your way to catching a wave and having one of the best feelings in your lifetime.