Hey guys, I am spending a week on the North Shore of Oahu for my honeymoon. Will be third week in August. Are there ANY waves up there at all that time of year, or will I have to travel to the South Shore to surf? Not looking for anything huge, maybe just waist-head high. Everything I read says its flat, but cant tell if that means flat as a lake or just flat by winter North Shore standards. Also spending a week in Kihei in Maui which I understand is better in the summer months. Thanks.
No, there aren't any waves there that time of year on that part of the island. Same goes for Kauai. You can find waves elsewhere, but it really depends on the day . Any island has the best surf from Dec-Mar. Kihei is tourist central bro. Waves are packed with beginner surfers, surf schools, and SUP. REnt a car and go elsehwere in Maui.
If you're getting a car I would focus on South shore. The drive is less then an hour but traffic in town blows. North is pretty calm this time of year, but "smaller" swells show up sometimes. Today: Diamond Head is 3-5 and Pipe is 1-2 Good luck and congrats!
It will be great for your girl as the North Shore will be much quieter in the summer without all the traveling surfers, but like these guys said, surf will be down. Its doesn't take that long (45-60mins) to get to the south shore for consistent summer time waves, and you may want to travel there anyway.
you know I was wondering this since I have to be on oahu for a wedding this weekend. We'll be at turtle bay and I was wondering if its worth the airline fee to shlep a board along. Like will it be east coast in july flat or chest high "hawaiian" flat?
south shore! baby haleiwa, ala moana, tons of fun! there are endless breaks on the south shore. best bet to rent a car and explore find what looks good and seshhhhh!
Flat is flat whether you're on the East coast or in HI. I was just in Kauai for 10 days and scored fun surf on both the South and North sides. South side was anywhere from waist to a foot overhead the whole time I was there, super consistent. The North was flat most of the time but there was a solid swell peaking at head+ for a couple days before I left. From what the locals were saying it is pretty uncommon for the summer months to get any kind of swell on the North shore of the islands. Doesn't mean it won't happen though, just keep an eye on the forecast and maybe you'll get lucky. I was there for my honeymoon as well and to be honest there was so much to do and see that I really wasn't too concerned with surfing although I did get a handful of fun sessions in.
south shore... all kinds of waves... love the south shore... just rent a car and drive. diamond head usually always has a wave if everywhere is flat
yea, I spent the first half of my life in Hanalei. There usually isn't waves in the area over the winter, but once December hits, you can get 10-40 foot waves on a daily basis. Outside Tunnels is a sick break if you catch it right, just razer sharp and crazy. Poipu has consistent waves in the summer: PK's, Acid, Shipwreck, Poipu Beach, etc, are all great over the summer months. Just not as big as the winter months.
Thanks for all the feedback. I am definitely stuck on the North Shore for a week because my fiance wants to stay there (not that I am opposed), but I think I am going to change the location for the second week to somewhere more surf-friendly. I initially wanted to avoid staying on the south shore of Oahu because I understand it is very commercialized / touristy, looking for more of a laid back atmosphere. Am I wrong? Any recommendations for chill spots to stay with good summer waves? Can be any island and I definitely don't mind renting a house or condo vs. staying in a hotel. Will be renting a car. Many thanks...
Kihea flat out sucks all year round. Cruise ships come in to Kihea and all the surf schools are in that area. The wave isn't even great and the tradewinds set in by 2 pm so it gets blown out fast. Hookipa and all that area is nice to explore, but there is 1-2 hours a day that Hookipa is surfable. All the locals know that, so it can get crowded. If you want to go to Maui, explore Linai. This is a small expensive island, but some of the waves are incredible and unspoiled. I would still recommend Kauai. Kauai is a great place. Poipu is great this time of year - the cruise ships go into Hanalei now since the water is flat. You don't see too many tourists on the breaks in Poipu. There are a few good hotels right off of Poipu - Koa Kea, Sheraton, and the Grand Hyatt Kauai. You can surf Shipwrecks, PK's, Acid Drops, Poipu beach etc all day. Shipwreck beach is kind of nuts though, so just watch for a few hours before jumping in. Don't use a leash either, or you will hit the rocks and get ****ed up. Set your rail and thats it. PK's is another great local spot, same with Poipu. You can drive 5 minutes to Poipu beach from Grand Hyatt. Poipu has a nice right and left on the same beach. Paddle is far out though and there are nasty critters floating around so you need to time it right on when to bail. Poipu can break similar to Trestle, just don't ride the wave forever. Speak to my buddy at the surf shack and he can tell you how to ride the wave. The left on Poipu is great.
I have stayed here http://www.ilikaihotel.com on the South Shore last year with my wife for our anniversary. She really liked the place. It is close to all the crazyness of Waikiki, but NOT in the middle of it. Check out Bing or Google maps to get an idea. They had the best rates. The rooms are awesome- overlooking the ocean - ask for one over looking the harbor and you will get to see awesome sunsets. Big, nice rooms with balcony- If thats your thing... If you like more of a roughing it kinda feel... this is not the place. idk. BUT one thing I do know- and half the reason I decided to stay- is that there is a great surf break right out front- Ala Moana. Walk right out front and surf... Even though I have been there many many times, I would go back in a heart beat... Although, if you travel all the way out there, it may be worth it to check out other islands... its just easier and less hassle to stay on the south shore... I guess it depends on what kind of trip you want...
I agree with surftb15 - I would recommend Kauai. Lots of fun waves and really not that crowded, depends on the time of day but you can easily surf with just a couple other people. I stayed at Kuhio Shores on the south side, our balcony overlooked PK's which was sick since I could just walk out and get on it whenever. Also got to watch a lot from our balcony while we were chilling - could see PK's, Centers and Acid Drops which provided some entertainment. Saw Bethany Hamilton out at PK's a few times and a lot of local groms absolutely ripping. If you're thinking of hopping islands I definitely vote for Kauai.
