A Guide to the Ultimate Surfing Road Trip in Honolulu

The sun is up and the waves are calling you back now that Hawaii is open once again for travelers! For our Adrenaline Chasers and Solo Escapists, we sure hope surfing is on your list of things to do when in Honolulu. Considered part of the Top 10 best surf cities in the world, Honolulu challenges all of its visitors to ride out the exhilarating waves of its best surf spots during their visit. 

We’ve come up with a handy surf travel guide for those heading to Honolulu for some fun in the sun and water! Aside from the best way to get around Oahu, where to rent out your board, and the best time to surf, check out our 2-day surfing road trip in Honolulu if you’re unsure of which surf spots to hit for good waves. 

While a number of modes of public transportation are available around Honolulu, lugging around a surfboard might not be ideal when getting on the island’s public buses. Taxis or ride-sharing services are also available, but they may also cost you more if you plan to hop from one surf spot to another. 

What’s our recommendation? We highly suggest considering renting a car when in Honolulu. Most travelers itching to explore the island prefer to rent a car because not only do you have enough space to bring around your board, but you also get easy access to travel to Oahu’s mountain peaks and hidden beaches that public transportation can’t reach. Hopping into your rented car and driving off for a thrilling road trip in Honolulu always sounds like a good idea! 

No matter what season you visit, surfing is possible all year round in Honolulu! Summer or kau, runs from May to October where surfers can enjoy slightly warmer temperatures. More advanced surfers may enjoy the challenge of the Winter or ho’olio season’s powerful waves, happening in the months of November to April. Big wave surfing tournaments often happen during this period.

We super understand, that bringing your own surfboard can be such a hassle when traveling – especially with the additional baggage fees! With the number of surf spots in Oahu, it definitely won’t be an issue finding the best shop to rent your preferred style of surfboard and wetsuit. If you’re heading up to Haleiwa on the North Shore, you can check out Surf N Sea. For those staying around Waikiki, Moku Hawaii is a good option for both longboards, shortboards, and even surf lessons for beginners! 

The surfing adventure begins at iconic Waikiki Beach. Before riding out the big waves of Banzai Pipeline and the likes, start it out with the swells of Waikiki Beach’s waves. The surf spot is pretty good for those new to surfing or intermediated surfers warming up their skills. A plus side of Waikiki Beach’s high traffic of tourists is that there are numerous nearby surf schools and board rentals. You can definitely have your pick of different lesson durations or stylish boards to use. 

After you’ve warmed up or learned the basics, Kuhio Beach Park is just a short 11-minute walk away where you can begin taking on bigger beginner waves at the Canoes surf spot. The area is best for those looking who want to longboard during their surf. Not only can you surf in the area, but as its name suggests you can enjoy other water sports activities like canoes and catamaran rides. 

South Shore’s main surfing attraction, Ala Moana Bowls, is the surf spot to be at when in Honolulu’s southern area! The waves swell to heights of 1ft to 4ft on regular days, but can reach up to 12ft on windy days. Ala Moana Bowls hosts big crowds of both local and foreign surfers – especially those looking to take on waves for long, hollow, and draining barrels or other advanced surfing techniques.

When you’re done pumping up all the adrenaline from surfing, we suggest heading over to  Magic Island Lagoon at the end of Ala Moana Beach Park to cool down and enjoy a calm float with the picturesque beach views of Oahu and Honolulu Skyline as your backdrop. 

Start the next day of your surfing in Honolulu adventure at one of North Shore’s well-loved surfing locations, Pua’ena Point. Located near Haleiwa Beach Park, Pua’ena Point is loved by locals and is known as a good surf spot for beginners. Surfing lessons are popular here because when the waves aren’t too high, the breakers out back allow you to rip through them from left and right. If you’re thinking of trying to level up your surfing before taking on more challenging waves, starting out at Pua’ena Point will surely be a good spot to build up your skills. 

A surf road trip to Honolulu’s North Shore isn’t complete without time spent at the famous “Seven Mile Miracle!” Spanning from Haleiwa Beach Park to Sunset Beach, the Seven Mile Miracle is a stretch of sandy beaches that are home to the most important surf spots in Hawaii. Avid surfers will know that famous peaks like Left Overs, Waimea Bay Kammieland, and most importantly the Banzai Pipeline, are situated along this premier surfing location. It’s nothing short of being the surfer’s paradise when in North Shore. 

Advanced surfers often spend most of their time in Ehukai Beach, the location of the Banzai Pipeline. Its powerful waves can reach a minimum of 9ft to 20ft at their highest, with those who can conquer it rewarded with the chance to experience an epic barrel surf.

For those looking for slightly calmer waters, consider heading to Waimea Bay at Sunset Beach. Though it may be the location of one of the world’s most famous winter season surfing events, Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, visitors can enjoy calm waters during the summer season that are even ideal for swimming and snorkeling! 

Aside from the many surf spots to visit, the exhilarating water sport isn’t the only exciting thing you can do when in Honolulu! Travelers still trying to plan out their itinerary can consider checking out our 7-Day Oahu Road Trip itinerary for some inspiration. Those looking for a creative twist to their scenic Oahu road trip may also want to consider making a checklist of the must-visit Hollywood filming locations around the island. There’s no doubt Hawaii has so much more in store for you to experience!