The best surf spots on Oahu
Oahu is two seasons on two shores: the North Shore's winter, when the most powerful surf in the world breaks on seven miles of reef, and the south shore's summer, when Waikiki and Ala Moana take the gentle swells that taught the world to surf. Below, the breaks worth knowing, what each one is, who it suits and when it works - and where to go if you are learning.
The most famous wave in the world - a hollow left over a shallow reef that breaks metres from the sand. Perfect at eight feet, lethal above it. Experts only.
The right off the same peak as Pipeline, breaking towards Off the Wall. Shorter, shallower, no easier.
A shifting peak over a deep reef with a long paddle and strong current - one of the great waves of the world and one of the hardest to read.
The original big-wave spot, only breaking above fifteen feet Hawaiian - when everything else on the coast is closing out.
A fast right at the North Shore's southern end that holds size, with a rip that keeps the crowd honest. Intermediates on a small day, advanced on a real one.
A long right point that lines up on a north-west swell - the North Shore's best longboard and intermediate wave when small.
The soft one: a mellow right over reef that forgives more than anything else on the seven miles. Where visitors surf the North Shore in winter.
A punchy, shallow right-and-left peak between Pipeline and Sunset - a high-performance wave at moderate size.
A hollow right at the eastern end of the North Shore, shallow and localised. Experienced surfers.
The leeward coast's classic: a long right point that holds real size on a north-west swell and stays clean in the trades. Respect the locals.
The south shore's best wave - a fast, hollow left over reef beside the harbour, on summer south swell. Heavily localised; experts.
A short, hollow right next to Bowls that barrels at head high. Experienced surfers.
The most famous beginner wave in the world: slow, soft, long, over a deep reef in front of the hotels. Where Hawaii learned.
Canoes' shapelier neighbour - a longboarder's right, a little faster, a lot more crowded.
Bigger and windier than Waikiki on the same swell, with a crosswind and several peaks. Intermediates who can handle the trades.
Today's forecast by area
Where should a beginner surf in Oahu?
Waikiki - Canoes and Queens. Slow, soft, long waves over a deep reef, with board rental and instructors on the sand, and the water is warm all year. Nowhere else on the island, or arguably anywhere, comes close for a first wave. Ala Moana Beach Park inside the reef is the quieter alternative.
Not the North Shore in winter. Even Chun's, the softest wave there, demands competence when a swell is running. In summer the North Shore goes flat and the whole coast becomes gentle enough to learn on.
Oahu by month
Common questions
What is the best surf spot on Oahu?
Pipeline for the wave the world knows, Sunset for the all-round test, Ala Moana Bowls for the south shore. For most surfers, Haleiwa, Laniakea and Chun's are the North Shore waves actually worth paddling into.
Where should a beginner surf on Oahu?
Waikiki - Canoes or Queens. Slow, soft, long, warm, with instructors on the beach. Nowhere else on the island comes close.
When is the best time to surf Oahu?
November to February for the North Shore; May to September for the south shore. The two shores take turns, so there is surf all year - just not on the same side.
Can an intermediate surf the North Shore?
Yes, on the right day: Chun's Reef, Haleiwa on a smaller swell, Laniakea, Puaena Point. Never Pipeline, Backdoor, Off the Wall or Sunset on a real swell.
Do I need a wetsuit in Hawaii?
No. Water is 24 to 27°C year round. A rash vest for sun, a spring suit for cold-blooded surfers on winter mornings.
How big is 'Hawaiian scale'?
Locals measure the back of the wave, so a '6 foot' Hawaiian day is roughly double overhead on the face. Assume every number you hear on the North Shore is about twice what it sounds.