Welcome to Part 2 of our “Surfing on Maui” series. If you read Part 1, you’ll know that you don’t necessarily need a surfboard to go surfing. In fact, it’s often more accurate to just call it “waveriding.”
Either way, this post integrates those basics of waveriding into the magic of Maui. Let’s get started!
Where to Surf on Maui
There are hundreds of places to surf on Maui — way too many to list here. What we’ve got here is a short list of breaks sorted by skill level. With respect to the Maui’s surfers, we’re not going to reveal exact locations, but it’s easy to find out if you just ask around:
Beginner – South and West Maui produce more gentle waves in the summer months. Lessons and rentals are available in Lahaina and Kaanapali.
- The Cove in Kihei – great for learning
- Breakwalls or Guardrails on the west side (although Breakwalls can become epic!)
- Thousand Peaks or Launiupoko – there are lots of breaks in one area here, so it’s easy to find a peak all to yourself
Intermediate
- Rainbows, Shark Pit, Pools, The Harbor (Lahaina), Mala’s
Advanced
- Ho’okipa, Honolua, Windmills, Freight Trains
Insane!
- Peahi (aka Jaws, as seen above)
Only surf the Advanced spots if you’re an expert or just downright insane. In the case of Jaws, you have to be both!
Learn some basic surfer code
Surfing is a unique sport that has a lot of unwritten rules, kind of like a code of honor. It all starts with a healthy respect for the ocean. Here are a few basic rules you need to know:
- Never turn your back to the ocean
- “If in doubt, don’t go out”
- Never drop in on other surfers (catch a wave that someone is already on)
- Don’t fight or try to swim against a rip current. Swim parallel to shore until the current dissipates.
Don’t want to surf after all?
The ocean is a big and varied playground, which means there are other fun and exciting alternatives to surfing. You can go for a swim, go snorkeling diving, fishing, boating, sailing, parasailing and jet-skiing.
Sometimes just watching the ocean is enough to make us happy!
We would be delighted to be part of your next Maui vacation. If we can assist you with planning your perfect Maui vacation, please contact our Sunny Maui Vacations’ team at info@sunnymauivacations.com or at 808-240-1311 Extension 21. Let us help you reserve your vacation rental condo in South Maui and assist you with island recommendations and activity planning through our in-house Concierge at 808-240-1311 Extension 71.
Photo credits: danramarch, kanaka 1 2, louish, jeffrowley, parksjd, 2chicos
Need a hand with your next Maui vacation? Please contact the Sunny Maui Vacations team at info@sunnymauivacations.com or call 808-240-1311, ext. 21. We’ll find you the best vacation rental condo or rental home in South Maui and help you with any and all recommendations and activities across Maui.