Our editors choose the greatest beginning surf locations on Kauai from Anahola Bay to Kalapiki Beach. World-class surf destinations including Lawai Beach, Cannon’s Beach, and Pakala Beach abound in Kauai. However, if you’re just starting out with surfing and paddling to these breakers seems reckless. Fortunately for all you young rippers out there, based on our March/April “Best of the Best” issue, we compile a list of five surf locations for beginners on the Garden Isle with mild, rolling waves and less dangerous conditions.
1. Anahola Bay
Anahola Bay on Kauai’s east coast is renowned for its soft waves. The bay is guarded by a sizable outer-reef, which absorbs much of the force from the waves as they first break on the reef, hence the surf in Anahola Bay stays somewhat small and feeble. A lengthy stretch of sand. The beach, with its lots of shelter, picnic tables and camping sites, is also a terrific place to kick it with the family when you’re all surfed out. It’s one of the best surf locations for beginners due to its safe and gentle waves.
2. Hanalei Bay
Though massive waves show up all year long and are less safe for beginners, Hanalei Bay, mostly known for being one of Kauai’s most beautiful beaches and also get the popularity of ideal surf locations for beginners, also boasts great beginning surf breaks down and up its almost 2-mile shoreline during summer months. Surfers with a sandy, shallow bottom don’t have to worry about falling on reef; well-known surf schools in the area, including Hanalei Surf School, will ensure you have the skills and expertise to ride the waves safely. Early on, before the breezes stir the ocean’s surface, hit the water and you will encounter lengthy, glassy waves, making it an excellent surf location for beginners.
3. Kalapaki Beach
Kalapaki Beach sees practically all year round clean conditions, sheltered from the elements by geographic outcroppings, Kukii Point and Carter Point. Because these natural land masses protect the beach from bigger, less welcoming waves, beginners will find a perfect spot here to hone their pop-up and paddling skills. Found at Kalapaki Beach as well, the Kauai Beach Boys provide surfboard rentals, stand-up paddleboard rentals, and surf instruction. This makes it one of the prime surf locations for beginners.
4. Kiahuna Beach
On Kauai’s south side, the sand bottom of Kiahuna Beach’s waist-high waves and near-to-shore surf break is as enticing as it sounds. Seeking south swell activity to generate waves, travel to Kiahuna Beach in the summer for a better opportunity of catching rideable surf. And if you worked your way out of the basic class, paddle out a little farther from shore to where the reef begins to find a more difficult wave. Its gentle conditions make it a top surf location for beginners.
5. Kahili Beach—also known as Rock Quarry
Considered Rock Quarry, Kahili Beach is a remote choice on Kauai’s north coast that carries a bit extra danger for surf locations for beginners. Renowned for its continuous waves produced by the strong winds of the Islands, beginners still learning the ins and outs of surfing will have plenty of chances on the beach to paddle into waves and hone standing on their boards. But without an outer reef shielding the shore, the surf here is prone to strong swells; so, it’s crucial to keep in mind the venerable ocean-safety advice: “When in doubt, don’t go out.” Despite the challenge, it remains a notable surf location for beginners.