“The Cove,” just off of Kalama Park, is a favorite destination for learning how to surf with its semi-shallow water and slow breaks. For thrill-seekers and more experienced surfers and bodyboarders, “Dumps” is a fun left break near Makena Beach, considered by some to have the best waves on Maui. To watch pro surfers, residents and visitors alike head up to Honolua Bay and Peʻahi (“Jaws”) during the big wave season, beginning in November.
Behind a snug beach offering surf lessons, a park with BBQs, picnic tables, showers and sports courts.
Inside the Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve
One of the few Maui surf spots that has a small parking area just north of the end of the road, the Dumps is a mostly exposed reef break that works on south ground swells and windswells.
Located on the West coast, off the North shore highway, known as one of the best surf spots in Hawaii with a powerful hollow reef break point and works on North, Northwest and West swells.
Though commonly known as “Jaws,” this popular surf break has more recently been connected to the name “Pe’ahi” as surfers draw closer to local culture. At Pe’ahi, timing is everything—most years there are just a few big-wave events with the perfect conditions for surfing. To track Jaws’ status, locals and visitors can check out the Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System’s (PacIOOS) live wave observation charts.
If the conditions aren’t right for surfing, there’s always the lookout on the Haiku cliffs, above the break. Located 1.5 miles up a dirt road, this vantage point offers some of the best views to be had in Haiku—outside of a boat or helicopter.