Speaking of sports that Hawaii can boast to the world, there is nothing quite like surfing!
While Hawaii might not be a powerhouse in every sport, its surfing is absolutely world-class.
Hawaii is home to many famous surfers, including world champions.
In this article, Aloalo Travel tour guides introduce 5 famous surfer beaches in Hawaii.
During the winter season (around October to March), you can see big waves and skilled surfers, so please use this as a reference for your Hawaii trip!
Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach is a scenic spot where you can see some of the most beautiful sunsets in Hawaii.
It is one of the most famous beaches for surfing, with name recognition rivaling Waikiki Beach!
The name “Sunset Beach” comes from the fact that the sun sets into the ocean here throughout the year.
Although the sun might dip behind the mountains slightly in winter, you can generally see a truly beautiful ocean that looks like the entire surface is glowing gold every day.
It is in the North Shore area, which is the farthest from Waikiki, but it is worth visiting just to see this view.
Summer vs. Winter at Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach offers completely different scenery in summer and winter.
In the summer season (around mid-May to mid-September), there are almost no waves, and the ocean is very calm.
Therefore, you can enjoy a wide, beautiful sandy beach and crystal-clear emerald green waters.
In the winter season (around mid-October to mid-March), the situation changes completely, becoming a rough sea with huge waves rushing in.
Waves can reach heights of around 8 meters (25 feet), and the skills of the professional surfers riding them are a masterpiece to watch!
Since the beach has different charms in summer and winter, please try to visit during both seasons.
The Best Season is December
The World Cup of Surfing is held at Sunset Beach every year in early December.
During this period, huge waves rush in that are strong enough to wash away the beach sand. It is famous not just for big waves, but as a “Surfer’s Sanctuary” with the best waves in Hawaii, attracting top surfers from all over the world!
It is a time when not only tourists but also many locals come to watch, so if you have the chance to visit the North Shore in December, you should definitely go.
Giant waves rush in continuously like you have never seen before, creating a scene you could watch for hours.
Haleiwa Beach
Haleiwa Beach is a peaceful park located in Haleiwa Town on the North Shore.
Officially, this area is called “Haleiwa Alii Beach Park”!
It is a spacious park bustling with families on weekends, but it is famous for hosting the surfing world tournament “Hawaiian Pro” during the winter season (around November).
In fact, it is a world-class surfing spot.
Since the terrain forms a bay, the waves do not get incredibly huge, but the wave shape is good and the break point is close to the shore, so you can enjoy an atmosphere full of impact.
How to Enjoy Haleiwa Beach
Haleiwa Beach is rich in nature and the perfect place to relax!
We also recommend buying garlic shrimp, huli huli chicken, or hamburgers nearby and having a picnic.
Since it is a location less affected by waves, activities like kayaking, SUP, snorkeling, and swimming are also popular.
If it is the winter season with big waves, you will want to watch the surfers!
Nearby, there is also “Alii Beach” where you can meet sea turtles, and the “Balance Rock” power spot.
It gets a little crowded on weekends, but basically, it is a place with few people, so please go if you want to spend a quiet and relaxing time.
Banzai Pipeline
Banzai Pipeline is the most famous surfing spot in Hawaii.
“Banzai Pipeline” is actually the name of the surfing point, and the beach is called Ehukai Beach.
There are various theories about the origin of “Banzai,” but the leading theory is that when surfer Greg Noll wiped out and raised both hands, a photographer filming him started calling it “Banzai”!
So, it is generally called Pipeline or Banzai Pipeline rather than Ehukai Beach.
The scenery of world-class big waves rushing in is a masterpiece, so if you visit the North Shore around October to March, please definitely stop by at least once.
Surfing Competitions at Banzai Pipeline
The Pipe Masters surfing world tournament is held at Banzai Pipeline.
On Oahu, there are three surfing world tournaments known as the Triple Crown of Surfing!
The Reef Hawaiian Pro held at Haleiwa Beach is in mid-to-late November, the Vans World Cup held at Sunset Beach is in early December, and finally, the Pipe Masters is held at Banzai Pipeline in mid-to-late December.
Since the tournament at Banzai Pipeline is contested by the athletes who have survived until the very end, it is the number one popular tournament where you can see the highest level of battles in Hawaii!
Hawaii is generally weak in sports, but it is very strong in surfing, and there are athletes who become world champions.
Pros are always practicing not only during the tournament period but also at other times, so you might see an athlete you saw on TV surfing right in front of you.
By the way, there is a point called Off The Wall immediately to the left where waves break closer than at Banzai Pipeline, so it might be good to extend your walk there if you want to feel the power of big waves.
You will surely be moved by the large waves like you have never seen before, and by the surfers challenging those waves!
Makaha Beach
Makaha Beach is the most popular beach in the West Coast area of Oahu.
It is a world-famous surfing spot and also a swimming spot with excellent water clarity.
And it is a popular beach that is beautiful to look at, with a length of about 600 meters.
We recommend activities like scuba diving and snorkeling in the summer when the waves are calm, and watching pro surfers in the winter!
Since it was originally a base for Native Hawaiians, it has a strong local color and is historically important, so let’s follow manners and be careful not to cause trouble when visiting.
It is a hidden spot not well known in tourism, so please feel the good parts of Hawaii while mingling with locals.
Makaha Beach is a Premier Dolphin Spot
Makaha Beach is a great spot for both snorkeling and diving!
There are tropical fish and sea turtles, but above all, it is characterized by a high probability of encountering dolphins.
Dolphin tour companies often guide offshore of Makaha Beach.
Basically, dolphins move from the North Shore toward the south in the early morning, so they are often seen at Makaha Beach around 9:00 to 11:00 AM!
Depending on the dolphins’ mood, they often come close enough to be reached from the beach access.
Since the transparency is outstanding, even if dolphins are a bit difficult to find, why not go to meet sea turtles and colorful fish?
Makaha Beach is a World-Class Surfing Spot
Makaha Beach is ideal for longboard surfing because powerful swells come in from the Pacific Ocean.
In the winter season, experienced surfers from home and abroad challenge the big waves.
Especially, the surfing tournament called “Buffalo Big Board Surfing Classic” held every year is very famous and worth going to see at least once!
The summer season is a good time for beginners, and you can enjoy surfing because there are waves properly even while it is calm.
It is an area far from Waikiki, but please go if you have the opportunity.
Makapuu Beach
Makapuu Beach is a scenic spot on the East Coast where the contrast between the cobalt blue sea and lava is beautiful.
It is a famous beach where many surfers and bodyboarders come because large waves rush in throughout the year.
The seabed is sandy so it is not too dangerous, but you will experience huge waves that look like they are falling from the second floor of a building, so please be very careful if you are not a strong swimmer!
Even if you do not swim, Makapuu Beach is one of the best beaches to spend time leisurely because the scenery spreading out in front of you is very beautiful.
Since it is an area with few travelers, it is recommended for those who want to play at a Hawaiian beach with a local feel.
Healing Pools at Makapuu Beach
If you are not very good at swimming, we also recommend being healed at the healing pools!
It is safe because it is surrounded by rocky areas that block the waves, and even children can enjoy playing in it like a pool.
Actually, it is also a famous power spot that is said to purify dirty souls, bad vibes, and negative feelings.
In ancient Hawaii, it is said that people suffering from illness or problems soaked in these healing pools, and priests called Kahuna performed treatments while purifying that negative energy.
Waves crash against the rocks creating a massive amount of mist, so let’s bathe your whole body in negative ions! (Laughs)
There are several healing pools, so please try visiting not just one but around the area.