Kauai, affectionately known as the Garden Island, is hands down the best vacation destination for surfers. Like all of Hawaii’s islands, it is home to crystal clear water and perfect swells, creating ideal surfing conditions. But unlike its neighbors, Kauai is relatively low-key and off the beaten path. It’s not as crowded, easier to navigate, and still mostly raw and untouched where you’ll find many Kauai vacation rentals situated right near a beach or beachfront, a perfect place to stay where you can grab your board and jump in the waves.
Over the years numerous guests and travelers to Kauai who have either come for the surfing, or exploring to try surfing for the first time, often ask the same questions…
Does Kauai have good surfing?
Is there good beginner surfing in Kauai?
Where do beginners surf in Kauai?
Are there big waves in Kauai?
Yes, yes, yes and yes! Kauai is the island for adventurers who love soaking up the great outdoors. And it’s home to some of the best surf breaks in the northern hemisphere for beginners and expert.
And when is the best time to surf Kauai? Pretty much all year long!
Beginners can start at Hanalei Bay or Poipu, the beaches with relatively gentle surf suitable for those still finding their feet. More advanced surfers will be found at Tunnels beach, Hanalei Point, or Polihale. Kauai is such a small island that it’s easy to hop between beaches to find one with the perfect conditions.
Here are Kauai’s top beaches to keep on your radar while planning your trip –– and have a look at our Kauai beach house rentals and step up your surfing experience by staying right by the water.
Hanalei Bay
Hanalei Bay is the perfect jumping-off point for surfers of all experience levels, a great beach for dipping your toe in the water, so to speak!
Two beach breaks – Pavilion and Pinetrees – are located right in the bay, while more experienced surfers tend to paddle out to the reef break at Hanalei Point. In winter, when the conditions are right and there’s a good north-west swell, this is where you’ll find one of the longest waves on Kauai.
Keep in mind that Hanalei Bay is one of the most popular beaches on all of Kauai, thanks to its stunning white sand and crystal-clear water. To avoid dealing with parking issues, arrive early, or find yourself a Hanalei vacation rental right by the beach. As a bonus, you’ll also be within walking distance of the local shops and restaurants.
Shipwreck Beach
For those staying on the south side of the island, Shipwreck Beach will quickly become your favorite surf spot. The water conditions can be a bit wild, which makes for excellent surfing so long as you have a bit of experience under your belt.
It’s one of Kauai’s most popular beaches for surfers and bodyboarders – with locals and travelers alike. Along with the perfect waves, it’s also a great place for whale watching during winter. Hike up to the top of the cliffs surrounding the beach for a perfect vantage point, where you’re very likely to see the majestic creatures breach as they travel north.
Poipu vacation rentals near Shipwreck beach are a great choice for avid surfers. You can reach the beach by car or on foot via the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail.
Learn to surf in Kauai. Surf camps for beginners and intermediate.
Anahola Bay
Located on the east side of the island, Anahola Bay is known for its mellow waves and laid-back atmosphere, perfect for beginners and those who haven’t surfed for a while.
The beach itself is a long stretch of golden sand, protected by a ring reef that stops the waves from ever getting too big as they break near the shore. Anahola Bay is usually the first stop for surfers who need a day or two to get used to the Hawaiian swells before moving on to bigger breaks.
There’s a picnic area and campground situated right on the beach, but for those who aren’t quite so keen to rough it, a Kapa’a beach rental is close enough to let you take advantage of Anahola Bay without spending hours in the car.
Keālia Beach
Keālia is in the same area as Anahola bay, but this one’s definitely for experienced surfers only. It’s such a great surf spot, though, that it definitely deserves a place on the list. Located near the town of Kapa’a on the eastern side of Kauai, Keālia Beach is open and exposed to fierce winds which whip up excellent conditions for surfing.
For those surfers still finding their feet, head to the north end of the beach, where the natural rock barriers provide shelter from the wind and create calmer conditions for practicing your skills. This north end is also great for casual swimming, if you’re traveling with non-surfers who don’t want to miss out on the beach.
To make the most of Keālia Beach’s stunning surf conditions, have a look for a Kapa’a vacation rental near the north end of the town. Though of course, the beauty of visiting such a small island is that you’ll never be more than a stone’s throw from everywhere you’d want to visit!
Polihale Beach
It’s not the easiest beach to get to, but oh boy is it worth it when you’re there. Polihale beach is literally all the way end of the road that snakes around the coast of Kauai. It’s the widest beach in the whole state of Hawaii, and despite its rugged beauty, never gets too busy.
The waves are especially pumping during the winter swells and provide a magical beach break with multiple peaks: a surfer’s dream. Again, this is a beach for more advanced surfers and often makes its way onto bucket lists of dream surf destinations.
Of all our Kauai vacation rentals, a beach house in Waimea will provide the best access to Polihale beach, while still being situated close to shops and restaurants.
