The four largest of the eight main islands, Oahu, Kauai, Maui and the Big Island (Hawai'i) all boast multiple surfing opportunities. Because the most consistent and larger swells tend to reach Hawai'i from the north, the best surf spots tend to be located on the northern sides of the islands. Below you will find a list of hotels that are close to some of the world's best surfing.
Of the many spectacular surf locations in the island chain, the best known is Oahu's North Shore. Known simply as "The North Shore" throughout the surfing world, it is home to a 25-mile long series of beaches and breaks that attracts the best surfers from around the globe. Pipeline, Sunset, Waimea and others are all a short drive from the centrally-located Turtle Bay Resort. Turtle Bay Resort occupies over 880 acres of The North Shore, offering access to top-notch amenities and beachfront. Veteran surf pros offer lessons, and local beaches offer world-class surfing opportunities. Turtle Bay Resort is located approximately one hour's drive north of Waikiki.
Turtle Bay Resort
57-091 Kamehameha Highway
Kahuku, Oahu, Hawai'i 96731
800-203-3650
turtlebayresort.com
The north shore of Maui has its own set of world class surf breaks, many of which can be reached from the Hana Highway. Pa'ia, a funky little surf town just minutes from the main airport is the first surf stop on your drive east. Baldwin and Ho'okipa offer consistent breaks and some of the best windsurfing around. Farther down the road, if the swell is right, you can watch the big wave riders tow into Peahi ("Jaws"), one of the largest waves ever surfed. At the end of the road, you'll find the Hotel Hana Maui, which offers a combination of luxury and close proximity to Hamoa Beach, a mercifully uncrowded crescent of sand with a long, smooth break (especially in the winter).
Hotel Hana Maui
5031 Hana Hwy, Hana, Maui, Hawai'i 96713
808-248-8211
hotelhanamaui.com
Near the setting for the movie "South Pacific," Hanalei Bay Resort is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and pristine oceanfront on the north shore of Kauai. A 2010 Fodor's Choice Gold Award Winner, Hanalei Bay Resort's access to the bay makes for excellent surfing. Free surf demos are held on Saturdays and Sundays. The resort is located approximately one hour north of the Lihue airport, and can be reached by car.
Hanalei Bay Resort
5380 Honoiki Rd
Princeville, Hawai'i 96722
808-826-6522
hanaleibayresort.com/contact
The Big Island has fewer surf spots than the other large islands, but the area around Kona is the best of what the island has to offer. The Outrigger Kanaloa at Kona sits on 18 oceanfront acres of beautiful lava rock fronting Keauhou Bay. The hotel is close to some of the best surfing on Big Island, Kahalu'u Beach Park. Nearby Kealakekua Bay also offers excellent surfing opportunities. Outrigger Kanaloa is fifteen miles south of the Kona Airport.
Outrigger Kanaloa at Kona
78-261 Manukai Street
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740
808-322-9625
outrigger.com
