Oahu, the heart of Hawaii, is a surfer’s paradise with breaks that range from mellow beginner waves to the gnarly monsters of the North Shore. Whether you’re chasing barrels, perfecting your bottom turn, or just getting your feet wet, Oahu’s coastline has something for everyone. With 2024 shaping up to be an epic year for swells, here’s a rundown of the best surfing in Oahu that will have you waxing your board and heading to the lineup.
We can’t start a list of surfing spots in Oahu without mentioning Pipeline. Known for its perfect barrels and legendary status, Pipeline is the ultimate proving ground for surfers. This spot is not for the faint of heart, as the waves here can break heavy and hollow. They offer steep, fast rides that challenge even the most experienced wave riders.
The pipeline is best during the winter months, when massive North Pacific swells roll in, creating the iconic conditions that make this spot famous worldwide. If you’re an expert looking for that adrenaline rush, Pipeline is the place to be. But if you’re more of a spectator, grab a seat on the beach and watch some of the world’s best surfers pull into the tubes.
For those wanting a more laid-back vibe, Waikiki Beach is a classic spot with a surf culture that dates back to Duke Kahanamoku himself. This iconic stretch of beach offers some of the friendliest waves on the island, perfect for beginners and longboarders. The slow, rolling waves of Waikiki make it the ideal place to practice your pop-up or cruise along the glassy swells on a longboard.
Waikiki is also a hub of surf schools. If you’re just starting out or need a little guidance, there’s no shortage of instructors who can help you catch your first wave. It’s a great spot to soak up the sun, enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, and experience the roots of Hawaiian surfing.
Sunset Beach is another North Shore gem that can dish out some of the most powerful and clean waves in the world. Like Pipeline, it’s best in the winter when the swells are pumping, creating waves that can reach up to 15 feet or more. Sunset Beach is known for its long, perfect rides, making it a favorite among professional surfers and a key stop on the Triple Crown of Surfing.
While Sunset Beach can be intimidating, it offers excellent conditions for intermediate surfers on smaller days. Just make sure to respect the locals and the ocean, as the power of these waves shouldn’t be underestimated.
Learn More About Sean
Haleiwa is where you’ll find a mix of locals and traveling surfers enjoying the playful yet sometimes challenging waves. Known for its variety of breaks, Haleiwa is a favorite on the North Shore for intermediate and advanced surfers alike. The spot can get crowded, but the vibe remains mellow and the waves offer everything from fast and rippable sections to big, gnarly walls.
Haleiwa is a versatile wave that can be surfed on anything from a shortboard to a longboard, depending on the conditions. It’s also a picturesque town with plenty of post-surf eateries. You can refuel on some of the best poke bowls around when you’re done shredding.
On Oahu’s South Shore, Diamond Head stands out for its fun, consistent waves and incredible views. This spot works best when the south swells hit, usually during the summer months, and it offers long waves that are perfect for surfers of all levels. The gently rolling waves are ideal for both longboarding and shortboarding, and it’s a local favorite for its reliability.
While it can get crowded, especially on a sunny afternoon, Diamond Head’s multiple peaks help spread out the crowd. You’ll always have a chance to grab a wave or two. Plus, surfing with the iconic Diamond Head Crater as your backdrop doesn’t get much better.
If you’re on the hunt for some fast and hollow lefts, Ala Moana Bowls is where you want to be. Located on the South Shore near Waikiki, this wave breaks over a shallow reef, making it one of the more challenging spots on the island. It’s known for its hollow barrels and perfect lefts, making it a favorite for advanced surfers who want to push themselves.
Ala Moana Bowls is best during the summer when south swells hit, bringing in waves that can get pretty sizable. If you’re confident in your abilities and looking for a high-performance wave, you’ll love the speed and power that Ala Moana has to offer.
Makaha Beach on the west side of Oahu is legendary for its long, powerful right-hand waves and rich surfing history. This spot is perfect for surfers who want to experience a little bit of everything. On smaller days, it’s a great place for beginners, but when the winter swells hit, Makaha can produce heavy and barreling waves that draw in experienced surfers from all over.
Makaha’s waves are known for their length and power, making it a dream for longboarders when the conditions are right. The west side of Oahu is less crowded than the North Shore, offering a more relaxed and local vibe.
Not all North Shore breaks are intimidating, and Chun’s Reef is proof of that. Known for its user-friendly waves, Chun’s is a great spot for intermediate surfers who want to experience the magic of the North Shore without diving into the heavy conditions of Pipeline or Sunset. The playful waves here break both left and right and can offer some long, fun rides on the right day.
Chun’s Reef can get crowded during the peak winter season. However, it’s one of the most welcoming breaks on the North Shore, making it a great place to build confidence before tackling bigger waves.
Oahu is a surfer’s dream, offering everything from beginner-friendly rollers to some of the heaviest waves in the world. At Ohana Surf Project, we believe surfing is more than a sport—it’s a way of life. Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced wave chaser, we offer personalized surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and bodyboarding lessons in Waikiki. Plus, we provide high-quality rentals for all your gear needs, from surfboards to bodyboards and SUPs, so you can focus on catching waves without worry.
With a team of professional, multilingual instructors, our lessons cater to all skill levels, ensuring a fun and safe experience for everyone. Enjoy the aloha spirit as you ride Waikiki’s iconic waves, learn new techniques, and become part of our ohana. Book your lessons today, and discover the thrill of surfing in paradise!
