Surf Trip to Maui: All You Need to Know

Beginner Surfers: Surf Lesson at The Cove, Kihei

• New to surfing? Maui is a great place to learn. Head to The Cove in Kihei for an introductory surf lesson. The Cove is a surf school hotspot, thanks to its small, mellow waves and sandy entry.

• The waves here are small year-round, and there’s a multitude of surf schools in the area. One of the best is Maui Wave Riders.

• Plus, The Cove is central to many South Maui restaurants, cafes, hotels, and resorts. This is a great area to base yourself in for your first surf trip.

Intermediate Surfers: Ukumehame Beach, Olowalu

• Ukumehame is also known as “Thousand Peaks” because of the many peaks that break up and down the beach. Ukumehame catches more swell than The Cove, but the waves here are super mellow, rolly, and fun — best suited for long boarding.

• The best time to surf Ukumehame is in the summer, but small swells can show up here year round.

• Be careful of the reef on low tide and high winds in the afternoon. Mornings usually yield the best conditions at Ukumehame.

Intermediate Surfers: Pohaku Park “S-Turns,” Kahana

• S-Turns is a really fun, long, rolly wave that offers lefts and rights. It’s a really easy wave to surf – especially on a longboard – but it needs a big north swell to break. Come in the winter time for the best chance of surfing here.

Expert Surfers: Honolua Bay, Kapalua

• Honolua Bay is Maui’s crown jewel – easily the best surf spot on the island! Big winter swells produce hollow right hand tubes at the Cave and rippable faces at the Point. It’s important to know your limits here.

• On flat days, Honolua is also an amazing snorkeling spot. You can snorkel from the beach or take a snorkeling boat tour.

Expert Surfer: Ho’okipa Beach Park, Paia

• Located on the north shore near Paia, Ho’okipa offers an abundance of waves, both lefts and rights. Ho’okipa is one of the most consistent waves on Maui, offering waves year round. It’s the best in the winter, when the trade winds die down and big swells start arriving.

• Currents can be strong here and exit and entry points are very specific. This break is recommended for adept surfers only. If there’s no surf, come here to watch windsurfers or look for sea turtles.

Flat Days: Explore Paia Town

• Paia is a historic sugar plantation located on the north shore, just steps from the beach. This little town has a lot of character. Come here to check out the colorful step-gabled buildings, shop local boutiques, and for the great happy hours.

Flat Days: Snorkel at Molokini

• Even if surfing is taking up most of your time, try to pencil in some time for snorkeling. Book a snorkel trip to Molokini – an islet two miles off the South Maui coast. Here you’ll find some of the best snorkeling in Hawai'i, as visibility often reaches over 100 feet. In the winter time, you’ll likely be able to whale watch from the boat as well.

Flat Days: Visit Haleakala National Park

• Haleakala is one of my favorite things about Maui. This dormant volcano stretches to just over 10,000 feet and looks more like Mars than anywhere on earth.

• Whenever I go to Haleakala, I like to look for rare native birds at Hosmer Grove, hike to the crater overlook on the Halemauu Trail, and visit the summit for incredible views.

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Kihei Caffe – Breakfast

Kihei Caffe is one of the most popular breakfast spots on Maui, and there’s two locations within a stone’s throw of The Cove. Get the macadamia nut and banana pancakes!

Paia Fish Market – Lunch and Dinner

This is one of the most popular restaurants on Maui, serving a variety of fish prepared in a variety of ways. There are two locations on Maui, in Paia and in Kihei.

Isana – Dinner

Isana is one of the go-to places on Maui for sushi. Everything is super fresh, and they have great cocktails too.

Colleen’s in the Cannery – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Colleen’s is a great stop before or after a long day of surfing on the north shore. I love their breakfast burritos and burgers. This is where all the north shore locals go.

A’a Roots – Breakfast, Lunch

This is a great vegan restaurant just a few minutes away from Honolua Bay and S-Turns. Their acai bowls are some of the best.

Tin Roof – Lunch

This counter-service only spot has some of my favorite local food. Get the chop steak or garlic noodles. If you’re a fan of Top Chef, you might recognize the owner, Chef Sheldon Simeon, from season 10.