There are few things people associate with Hawaii more than surfing. Most people think of Oahua and Waikiki Beach, where legendary Hawaii native Duke Kahanamoku introduced the sport to the world. While Oahau is known for some great surfing spots, the Big Island has no shortage of excellent places to find great surfing, some within an hour’s drive from our Big Island bed & breakfast! Beginners and experts can travel to any of these beaches for an unforgettable Big Island surfing experience.
Honoli’i Beach Park
Located only 2 miles from downtown Hilo, this beach is a great surfing spot for an experienced surfer. The swells at Honoli’i Cove make for an enjoyable but challenging surfing experience. Honoli’i Beach Park provides all the standard amenities like bathrooms, showers, and on-site lifeguards. If you aren’t as comfortable on a surfboard, you can settle in on the warm black sands and watch the resident experts catching those stunning barrel waves. When you’re done, head back into town for a meal and check out one of our top 5 favorite restaurants in Hilo! Or pack some food and enjoy it at one of the picnic areas available to the public within Honoli’i Beach Park.
Beginner-friendly Big Island Surfing at Richardson Ocean Park
If you’re a beginner looking for calmer waters to practice surfing in, check out Richardson Ocean Park in South Hilo. Known by the locals as “Richardson’s,” you can find all kinds of adventure here. Though the waves at Richardson’s may not get as big as other beaches on the big island, they are perfect for the inexperienced surfer looking to improve their skills. The park has public restrooms and showers, as well as on-site lifeguards. If you need a break from the waves, stroll along the shores and look for the green honu, Hawaiian native green sea turtles that populate the beach. Or try your hand at snorkeling, and keep an eye on the horizon–you might even see migratory whales outside the breaker areas of the beach!
Kona Surfing
Though you’ll have to drive a bit to get there, the surfing on the other side of the Big Island is also worth checking out. Hulakai Surf Shop, located in Hilo, offers surfing lessons across the island in Kailua-Kona. Instructors will first teach the basics of surfing, like paddling and popping up on land before moving to the water. Once you’ve learned the basics, check out Kahalu’u Beach Park, a great spot for amateur surfers looking to hone their skills. Rentals and public facilities are available. The waters in the surfing area are so clear that you can often see the reef below you. For the expert surfer looking for prime waves, travel a short distance north to Banyans, one of the top-rated surfing locations in Hawaii. You’ll often find experts enjoying a challenge out on the waters at Banyans, so if you are newer to surfing this is a great spot to watch the pros in action!
Anytime you plan to surf, be aware of the weather and how it affects the surfing conditions daily. Ask one of the innkeepers at our boutique hotel in Volcano for resources to help you make a safe assessment. Book your stay now and check out the finest Big Island surfing!
