Depending on your skill level, you may want to stick to certain beaches. The ones with the shallower and lower waves are great for beginners, while areas with powerful and fast waves are the ones reserved for experts.
The waves are always beautiful in Kona, Hawaii, but finding the best spot for surfing may take some sleuthing. Kona is known for having a very sharp and rocky coastline. That is because much of it is made up of hardened lava. A lot of the underwater reefs are what help break waves across the shorelines, allowing the ocean to give surfers the stunning waves that made Kona beaches so popular. There are twelve areas in Kona that are high trafficked surf spots, with five being the most popular. However, each area is unique and appeals to surfers with different levels of experience.
Five most popular surf spots
Depending on your skill level, you may want to stick to certain beaches. The ones with the shallower and lower waves are great for beginners, while areas with powerful and fast waves are the ones reserved for experts. Regardless of where you go, no matter what, always bring a buddy when you go surfing.
1. Pine Trees or Kohanaiki Beach Park surfing zone
This area is very crowded because it is the most consistent surfing zone, where swells come in all year round. This region has exposed reefs that break the waves very easily. Because it is very crowded, you must be on your toes and be careful of surfing etiquette when trying to catch the same wave as another venturer. This area is slightly north of Kona and is a well-known tourist destination area. Surfers of all experience levels will do well here, and even celebrity surfers are seen here.
2. Kahalu’u Bay surfing zone
For those that are new to surfing, Kahalu’u is a great area to take surfing classes or rent a surfboard. It is located in a bay area and is gentler for new surfers. Many of the waves roll slowly, with lower swells that are just offshore. There are a ton of surf shops local to this area offering many services to help beginners get started.
3. Honl Beach surf zone
Honl is known for having strong and quick waves that break left across the reef. It has consistent waves all year round, with summer being the best time for surfing. This beach also has a great picnic spot to bring family and friends. This is better for middle-tier to experienced surfers.
4. Banyans surf zone
This surfing area is only for the most experienced surfers, and you’ll often bump into many celebrity surfers here. Right downtown from Kona, it is very easy to access and is quite popular. The area has a reef where the waves break towards the right mostly, with some breaking to the left. It’s listed as one of Hawaii’s 10 Best Waves by Freesurf Magazine.
5. Lyman’s surf zone
Lyman’s is another area with consistent swells, however, it’s known for having long-sloping waves. In the wintertime is when the swells are best because the swells face north, making them easier to catch and glide along. The reef is somewhat exposed, and the waves break more towards the left.
Start surfing today
When you’re ready to hit the waves, make sure you have the right equipment and surfboard that suits your height and weight. Small, personal surf shops, like Kahaluu Surf & Sea can rent you the right board you need to give you a quality experience on the ocean.
*References: How to Surf in Kona Hawaii
