The Best Surfing in Maui for Beginners (7 Surf Spots)

If you are a beginner surfer, Maui is the perfect place to learn how to surf in Hawaii. The best surfing in Maui for beginners is at Kaanapali Beach and Paia Bay.

The waves here are gentle and forgiving, making it easy for beginners to catch a wave. There are also plenty of instructors available to help you improve your surfing skills.

So whether you are a beginner surfer or just looking to expand your knowledge of surfing locations, read on for more information.

Also check out our guides to the 10 reasons you must surf in Maui and 7 beginner surf spots in Oahu.

1. Cove Park

Cove Park is located in the Kihei region of Maui. It stands out due to its accessibility and friendly surf conditions.

The area features a sand entry and a break that runs along the entirety of the cove, creating multiple surfable sections. Majority of the ocean floor here is made of reef and rock, which might necessitate wearing surf booties for protection.

Cove Park is referred to as the “ultimate Maui surfing destination for beginners”. The park’s gentle and consistent waves make it the perfect training ground for novices. What’s more, its popularity with surf schools is a testament to its beginner-friendly nature.

2. Ka’anapali Beach

Ka’anapali Beach is situated on the western coastline of Maui, and it’s renowned for its stunning beauty. As one of the most popular beaches in Maui, Ka’anapali offers not only miles of white sand but also exceptional surf conditions. This beach is easily accessible, with plenty of amenities nearby, including resorts, restaurants, and shopping areas, making it a fantastic destination for a full day of activities.

Ka’anapali Beach offers surf conditions that are ideal for beginners. The waves are usually gentle and suitable for novices, making it a popular choice for surfing lessons.

3. Paia Bay

Paia Bay is located on the North Shore of Maui in the charming town of Paia. Known for its relaxed and bohemian vibe, the town itself offers a unique blend of boutique shops, cafes, and galleries.

The beach, a beautiful sandy cove, is situated right off Hana Highway, which makes it conveniently accessible. The bay generally has consistent wave conditions, and the surrounding area is naturally stunning, enhancing the overall surfing experience.

Paia Bay is a well-regarded spot among the best surfing beaches in Maui for beginners. The bay’s wave conditions are usually more forgiving than some of the other surf spots around Maui, making it a great place for novices to practice their skills.

4. Launiupoko Beach

Located on the west side of Maui, Launiupoko Beach is just a short drive south of Lahaina.

It’s a popular beach park known for its picturesque setting with a backdrop of the West Maui Mountains. One of the beach’s unique features is a natural wading pool, which is perfect for families with small children. For surfers, the beach offers a long and steady break that is well-suited for both longboarding and shortboarding.

Launiupoko Beach offers consistent and gentle waves, making it one of the best surfing beaches in Maui for beginners. The break is far enough from the shore to avoid immediate reef encounters, giving beginners ample space to practice their skills without worry.

With its relaxed vibe and beautiful setting, Launiupoko Beach is an excellent place for beginners to enjoy their first surfing experience.

5. Ukumehame Beach

Ukumehame Beach, also known as Thousand Peaks, is situated on the West side of Maui, between Maalaea Harbor and Lahaina.

This beach offers stunning views of the West Maui Mountains and the island of Lanai. The beach is known for its multitude of surf breaks that give it its nickname “Thousand Peaks”. This creates many opportunities for surfers to catch waves without the beach becoming overly crowded, a rare feature among many surf spots.

Ukumehame Beach is among the best surfing beaches in Maui for beginners due to its multiple breaks, which can accommodate many surfers without the area becoming too crowded.

The wave size is manageable for beginners on normal days, providing a fantastic environment to develop skills.

6. Olowalu Beach

Olowalu Beach is located on the West side of Maui, approximately 4 miles south of Lahaina.

This beach is uniquely known for its incredible underwater reef ecosystem, which attracts snorkelers and divers from all over. With views of Kaho’olawe and Lana’i islands in the distance, Olowalu Beach provides a picturesque setting for your surfing adventure.

Olowalu Beach is one of the best surfing beaches in Maui for beginners because of its typically smaller, long-rolling waves, which provide an excellent environment for novice surfers to practice paddling, pop-ups, and balance.

These mellow waves allow beginners to focus on mastering the basics of surfing in a less intimidating setting.

7. Breakwall

Breakwall is located near the bustling Lahaina Harbor, on the west coast of Maui.

As its name suggests, this surf spot is protected by a breakwall which allows for more consistent and manageable waves. The site is in close proximity to the town’s amenities, making it a convenient location for beginners who may need to rent equipment or desire refreshments post-surfing.

Breakwall is recognized as one of the best surfing beaches in Maui for beginners primarily due to the protection provided by the breakwall, resulting in smaller, more consistent waves.

This offers a more forgiving environment for those learning to surf.