Surfing in Kauai, Hawaii
This Surfer's Mecca Includes the North Shore, Hanalei Bay and Po'ipu
Whether watching the waves from the shore or riding them, surfing Kauai is a memorable experience. Spend time to learn Kauai's traditional pastime.
In Sony's animated feature, "Surf's Up", sparkling visuals pay tribute to Hawaii and the sport of surfing. Enjoy the real thing, the sport of Native Kings, is celebrated in Kauai, sometimes called 'The Land of Waves'.
Kauai is the ultimate escape for the active surfer. Where there are impressive waves, they shall gather. Scattered groups of surfers in congregations. Surfing on the reefs. One with the board their backs to the Pacific's horizon. Some of them proven and talented. Others ready to soar among the eagles. Generations of surfers have been riding the waves of Kauai. Since the natives first mastered the shores, surfing has become an exhilarating rite of passage. Contemporaries Andy Irons, Bruce Irons, Keala Kennely, Laird Hamilton, Sena Seramur, Dustin Barca all contributed to Kauai's legendary surf community.
Hidden gems
Kauai has many surf spots on the islands, most of which remain a secret. The more well-known waves are Hanalei Bay, Cannons and Tunnels. Surfing in Kauai means summer breaks in the south and winter breaks in the north. Generally, surfing is best on the North Shore, especially Hanalei Bay, Tunnels or Cannons and the south coast in summer where popular Po'ipu Beach crowds up. Pakalas, near Waimea, is the Westside's hottest break. Transitional swells happen on the Eastside, when surfers hit Kealia Beach or Wailua Bay behind the Kapa'a Sands Hotel.
Surfing conditions at the Po'ipu beaches are usually gentler than on the other side of the island. But if you're qualified, you might want to take on challenging North Shore beaches like Hanalei. Keep in mind that conditions can be extremely dangerous during the winter months. Experts only.
What do you need?
A wave and a board. That's all it takes. Many surf schools will guarantee that you'll at least stand up on one wave before your session is over. Balance and upper body strength for paddle power is the key, along with a professional instructor.
Begin on gentle, rolling waves like those in Po'ipu next to the Marriott Waiohai, the Wailua River's mouth, or Hanalei Bay beach breaks. The preferred board for training has always been a long board, 9 feet or longer.
Some tips:
- Ride equipment you can trust. So much in catching and riding big waves comes down to confidence. And having a board you trust is the first step.
- Know where you are. You have to hold your spot when everyone else is scrambling.
- Take an extra stroke. The thing about big waves is that they do everything to keep you off them. There's so much water and wind that it'll flick you off if you don't give yourself that extra insurance.
- Don't look down. When it's real big, it never looks like you can make it when you look down this long vertical face. But you'll surprise yourself as long as you believe you can.
- Always check for a report on weather and tide conditions. Surfing lessons and board rentals are available in Hanalei, Kapa'a, Wailua and Po'ipu. To find the swells, call the surf hotline (808-335-3720)
Surf's Up!
