For the Best Beginner Surf Spots Oahu, Hawaii they offer the perfect environment to build confidence, refine skills, and avoid overwhelming conditions. From the gentle waves of Canoes in Waikiki to the calm cove of Pua’ena Point, each location has its unique pros and cons for new surfers. Here’s a breakdown of four top spots to help you catch your first waves: Canoes in Waikiki, White Plains Beach, Castles Beach, and Pua’ena Point.
1. My Favorite Best Beginner Surf Spots Oahu: Canoes in Waikiki
Location: Waikiki Beach, Honolulu
Pros:
- Gentle, Long Waves: Canoes is known for its mellow, rolling waves, perfect for beginners who want to practice catching waves and standing up. Out of all the places on this list, this has the most ideal and clean wave to learn on. Very soft, forgiving, and fun! Making it my personal best beginner surf spot Oahu.
- Consistent Surf: The wave conditions are often ideal, very rarely there’s wind make the water texture smooth, and predictable ideal for paddling and catching waves!
- Convenience: Located in the heart of Waikiki, it’s surrounded by surf schools, board rentals, and facilities.
- Sand Bottom: Most of the surf break is all covered in sand, (there is some sharp rocks/small reef patches), but of all the places this is the least worry free incase of a wipe out and your feet happen to touch the ground.
Cons:
- Crowded: Due to its popularity, Canoes is often packed with beginners, surf instructors, and tourists, which can get a little crazy at times.
- Limited Parking: Parking in Waikiki can be challenging and expensive, there is parking at the zoo which cost $1.50/hour or you can park further down at the Waikiki shell parking lot for free, which will be around a 8-15 min walk, depending on how fast you walk.
Best During:
- April – October for the most possibility of catching waves. Just be careful on the days where the swell gets bigger. There also tends to be more people out during this time because of the better waves and kids on summer vacation. However this best beginner surf surf spot on Oahu, tends to open up more (eg. more waves break and they cover a wider distance).
- Low tide provides the best possibility for the waves to break (which means catching more waves 🏄♂️). This is especially important during the winter season when the south shore of Oahu tends to get small and flat. Also at low tide it gives the opportunity to walk out with your board, rather than using your paddling strength!
Other Tips for one of the best beginner surf spots Oahu:
- If your goal is to catch plenty of waves at this spot, then during April – October is best. If you don’t mind just chilling with moderate times between sets, and just enjoying the ambience of Waikiki then November – March is best. Just note that if you coming during this time there is a slightly higher chance of rain.
- I would also recommend if you’re a beginner, not to surf the break on the left of Canoes (if you’re facing towards the beach), called Queens.
- It’s a really nice and beautiful wave too, but it also doesn’t have as many wide breaking waves like Canoes. It’s usually a right-riding wave, with stronger waves than canoes, one rider on at a time, and there are a lot more experienced longboard riders that surf this break.
- Also some of the locals here can get a bit angsty, I’ve seen people get called out and kicked out of this break from the local aunties and uncles. Including getting kicked out myself when I first started out lol. 😂
Where to Stay?
- Beach views from the ⭐Hyatt Regency⭐
- I had a staycation here, and it’s right across the street from Moku’s Surf Rental, with rental prices from $15 for 1-2 hours or $25 for the day, and just a 2 minute walk over to canoes. It’s a fantastic option for a place to stay to enable your surf.
- Another honorable mention is the ⭐Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort ⭐ located right next to the best beginner surf spot on Oahu, and which some also argue is one of the best hotels to stay in Waikiki.
Lessons:
- If you’re looking for surf lessons in Waikiki check out Ohana Surf Project (Five ⭐’s on Trip Advisor)
- They offer pick ups via their shuttle service at hotels such as:
- Ilikai Hotel
- Ambassador Hotel
- Don Ho Lane Van Depot
- Hyatt Regency
- But they can also accommodate to pick you up somewhere near your hotel (if not listed above), if you call or email them at least 24 hours in advance.
- Additionally they also offer:
- All necessary equipment including rash guard, reef shoes, and a surfboard.
- A safe place to store your belongings
- A professional instructor.
- Professional pictures (available to purchase afterwards).
- ⭐🏄♂️Check them out here and get stoked🏄♀️⭐
- They offer pick ups via their shuttle service at hotels such as:
2. Best Beginner Surf Spots Oahu: White Plains Beach
Location: Kalaeloa, West Oahu
Pros:
- Beginner-Friendly Waves: This best beginner spot Oahu, offers soft, manageable waves perfect for first-timers or those looking to refine their skills.
- Less Crowded: Compared to Waikiki, White Plains tends to have fewer people in the lineup, and the waves break further out in the back, and even close by the shore providing ample space to practice. There is a ton of white water waves, which is really great for the beginner and eager learning surfer.
- Great Amenities: On-site showers, restrooms, and a board rental shop make it an accessible spot for beginners. It’s also very close from parking lot to the beach.
- Wave consistency: Out of all the places, this place is always breaking year around, it does better on the summer south swells (can get big here too during summer swells!)
Cons:
- Occasional Rip Currents: While generally safe, certain days may have stronger currents, so it’s important to stay cautious. I usually find myself heading out on the right side, but be careful as if you go out on this side you can drift further towards the right towards the cabins. And if you come in on this side, there’s a lot of reef near the beach!
- Protip: Whenever you go out into the ocean, always set a reference points on the beach of where you came out from to see if you’re drifting and need to paddle back.
- Limited Shade: If you’re spending the whole day here, the lack of shaded areas can make it tough during peak sun hours.
Where to Stay?
- A bit pricy, but worth it for the Disney lover and person who wants to choose White Plains as their best beginner surf spot on Oahu.
Lessons:
- If you’re looking for surf lessons near here Surf HNL (Five ⭐’s on Trip Advisor) does surf lessons on the beach adjacent to White Plains!
- ⭐🏄♂️Check them out here and get stoked🏄♀️⭐
3. Best Beginner Surf Spots Oahu: Castles Beach
Location: Kailua, East Oahu
Pros:
- Wide Beach: This spot offers plenty of space, making it less intimidating for beginners who need room to practice.
- Gentle Breaks: The waves here are long and forgiving, ideal for practicing your balance and stance.
- Scenic Environment: Nestled in Kailua, it’s a beautiful place to combine surfing with relaxation.
Cons:
- Seasonal Consistency: Castles doesn’t always have consistent waves; some days may be too flat for surfing.
- Windy Conditions: Kailua is known for its strong winds, which can affect wave quality and make paddling/catching difficult at times.
- Portuguese Man – O – War: Out of all the best beginner surf spots on Oahu, there is a highest chance of encountering on of these little bad boys on this beach, along with majority of the Eastward beaches on Oahu. They usually appear 8 days after a full moon. Not to worry as they’re not very dangerous, but their long tentacles can wrap around your extremities or torso which can sting a bit! I recommend a long sleeve top rashguard, in addition to preventing board rash, the long sleeve will prevent those pesky tentacles!
4. Best Beginner Surf Spots: Pua’ena Point
Location: Haleiwa, North Shore
Pros:
- Protected Cove for Beginners: While the North Shore is famous for massive surf, this best beginner Oahu surf spot, Pua’ena offers a calm cove with small waves perfect for learners.
- Variety of Waves: As you progress, you can explore slightly larger waves outside the beginner zone.
- Less Commercialized: Compared to Waikiki, Pua’ena has a more laid-back, local vibe, however since this is one of the most beginner friendly spots on north shore.
Cons:
- Seasonal Surf Changes: During the winter, the North Shore’s big swells can make conditions at Pua’ena less beginner-friendly.
- Fewer Facilities: Limited access to restrooms, showers, and rental shops.
Where to Stay?
- Views from the Ritz Calrton North Shore (Five ⭐’s on Trip Advisor)
- Other alternative would be Ke Iki Bungalows, which is closer to Pua’ena point.
Lessons:
- For lessons I’d recommend checking out the North Shore Surf Girls (Five ⭐’s on Trip Advisor)
- Despite their name, they cater to all audiences males, females, and even kids! It’s a female operated company where all the instructors were former pro surfers and trained life guards.
- Especially if you’re going to navigate the waters of the north shore, I’d definitely recommend consulting with these professional ladies first.
Final Tips for Beginners
- Safety First: Always check the surf report and check in with the lifeguards and locals about the conditions before heading out.
- Take a Lesson: Each of these spots has nearby surf schools where you can learn from professionals.
- Respect Local Etiquette: With each best beginner surf spots Oahu, make sure you follow surf etiquette and be courteous to other surfers to ensure a positive experience.
If you’ve caught the stoke of surfing already, and are looking for a great beginner friendly board, that’s also an epoxy/soft top hybrid, with a lot of performance. Check out this review about the Middie Surfboard.