Hawaii
Hawaii is both the birthplace and spiritual home of surfing. The North Shore of Oahu is most responsible for this reputation and the famous waves like Pipeline, Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay have kept it as the sport’s ultimate testing ground. However it’s not just all big wave bravado and Oahu’s high density of world class surf breaks mean that any surfer can always find a wave on its 9-mile stretch. Meanwhile Waikiki on the south shore of Oahu and its gentle, sloping waves offer the perfect antidote to the power of the North Shore and a great place to learn to surf. The Outer Island of Maui and Kauai also boast incredible waves, just with a more laid back country feel. Hawaii remains the beating heart of surfing and is still capable of shedding real Aloha on any visitor. If you surf, you need to surf Hawaii.
Quick Facts
Breaks best in the Northern Hemisphere winter
Waves like Pipeline, Waimea and Sunset are the big-wave gold standard
Crowds are an issue, but empty(ish) spots do exist
Warm water, great weather and incredible surf culture.