The Best Time of Year to Surf on Maui: A Seasonal Guide for Catching the Island’s Best Waves

For beginner and expert surf enthusiasts alike, Maui offers waves and surf spots to suit all surf levels. Unlike other surf destinations, Maui also boasts waves year-round. To find the best time of year to surf on Maui, surfers should be aware of Maui’s distinct surf seasons, swell direction, wind, and time of day. Read on for the insider scoop on where to find the best waves on Maui for your surfing level.

Maui’s Unique Surf Geography

Formed by an undersea volcano nearly two million years ago, the island of Maui is comprised of two mountain peaks. The smaller (and older) mountain forms West Maui and is known locally as Mauna Kahalawai or the West Maui Mountain. The larger (and younger) mountain is the towering Mauna Haleakala (or “Haleakala” for short) that stretches over 10,000 feet skyward. The two mountains are connected by a flat, expansive plain known as “Central Maui.” The two mountains hold a strong influence over Maui’s weather and winds, and thus also its surf spots. First, the mountains serve to divide Maui into a leeward (dry) side and a windward (wet) side. The leeward side of Maui is shielded from strong northeasterly tradewinds by the two mountains and includes West Maui (Lahaina, Kaanapali, Kapalua) and South Maui (Kihei, Wailea, Makena). It is the island’s sunny, dry, and sheltered region and features warm, dry weather and calm protected waters. Maui’s windward side is marked by strong tradewinds and includes North Maui (Kahului, Wailuku, and Paia) and East Maui (Hana). These areas tend to be not only windier, but also wetter and more green than leeward shorelines. The ocean conditions can also be more rough and windy, with large waves during the winter months. VIEW A MAP OF MAUI

Understanding Surf Seasons in Hawaii

Depending on the time of year, Maui’s best surfing conditions shift between its different coasts. Note that traditionally, only two seasons are recognized in Hawaii: Dry season (summer) and Wet Season (winter). Surfers today, though, recognize four “swell” seasons on Maui that correlate with where waves are generated.

In addition to creating different climate conditions on each side of the island, Maui’s unique geography also contributes to different surf conditions. Maui’s leeward (west and south) shorelines have reliable waves in the summer and typically offer beginner-friendly surf options at The Cove Beach Park in Kihei or Launiupoko and Ukumehame Beach Parks in West Maui. Comparatively, Maui’s north and northwest coasts are characterized by large winter swells and world class surf spots like Honolua Bay and the famed big wave surf spot Pe’ahi (aka “Jaws”). Choosing the right coastline for your ability and skill level will significantly increase your chances of surfing good waves.

Winter Surf Season on Maui (November–March)

Winter on Maui is known as “big-wave season”. From November through March, strong storms in the North Pacific Ocean generate large swells (or open-ocean waves). These waves travel unimpeded across hundreds of miles of open ocean until they reach the north shores of the Hawaiian Islands and unleash their energy. The result is large waves (often head high or more) and heavy surfing conditions. During this time of year, Maui’s North and Northwest Shores become the primary surfing zones. The surf is generally consistent throughout the season and many spots are for advanced or expert surfers only.

Iconic winter surf spots on Maui include Ho‘okipa Beach Park (just outside of Paia town) and Honolua Bay (past Kapalua on Maui’s northwestern coastline). Beginner surfers may be able to find some smaller waves during the winter at spots like Paia Bay. While not the ideal season for Maui’s leeward surf spots, The Cove (Kihei), Launiupoko (Lahaina), and Ukumehame (West Maui) can have small waves that are perfect for learning how to surf. In fact, surf lessons continue to take place at The Cove and Ukumehame throughout the winter season.

Summer Surf Season on Maui (June–August)

From June to August, Maui’s wave action shifts to the South and Southwest-facing shorelines. During this time of year, waves are generated by storms near Antarctica. The waves from these storms, however, must navigate through a smattering of South Pacific islands (including Tahiti and New Zealand) before reaching Hawaii. South Maui is also blocked by the offshore island of Kaho’olawe. Southern swells, therefore, have lost much of their original energy and power by the time they hit Maui. This means that the size and power of the waves during the summer have often decreased by the time they hit the Maui coastline.

The result is smaller and more user-friendly waves than during the winter months. Surf spots like The Cove (Kihei), Ukumehame (West Maui) and Launiupoko (Lahaina) are often filled with longboarders and beginner surfers throughout the summer. The weather and water are also warmer, making the summer months the ideal time for surf lessons or to rent a surfboard and learn how to surf. Wave conditions on Maui during the summer often range from waist to head-high. The ocean is typically calmer during this time of year, though it can get windy (even on the leeward side). Many spots also offer gently rolling waves, perfect for longboarding. Even though summer often offers safer and more manageable surfing conditions, sometimes a large southern hemisphere storm will generate XXL surf conditions on Maui. It’s a good idea, therefore, to always check the surf and ocean forecasts before paddling out. For Maui’s North Shore, summer time is typically very windy. Waves are very small and mainly formed by wind chop. 

Shoulder Seasons: Spring and Fall

While often overlooked and underrated, the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) are often some of the best times of year to surf on Maui. During these seasons, Maui can experience waves from both the north and the south. With waves breaking on both coastlines simultaneously, crowds spread out and there are more waves for everyone (including beginners and intermediate surfers). Swells are often not as big as during the peak winter months, but can pack a little more size on the north shore than during the summer. Along the south and west shores, mixed swells often result in fun conditions for beginner and intermediate surfers. As always, conditions can change quickly and checking surf forecasts is important.

The Best Time of Year to Surf on Maui

In addition to the seasonal differences that impact surfing on Maui, there are other elements that surfers should consider before hitting the waves. Early mornings, for example, are often the calmest time of day to surf on Maui. Winds are lighter and crowds are smaller. By most afternoons, the strong tradewinds make surfing conditions less ideal. Even on leeward coastlines, heavy winds filter through the valleys and can affect surf quality.

It’s also important to check the tides. Some surfing spots on Maui are very tide dependent and are more surfable on a certain tide. Remember, surf spots can get busy when the waves are good. Take time to watch the surf and understand how the waves are breaking before paddling out. CLICK HERE FOR A GUIDE TO SURF ETIQUETTE

Great Surf Year-Round

Maui offers waves all year round. The best time of year to surf on Maui depends on where you go and your skill level. The winter months (November – March) bring powerful swells along the North Shore. Summer, on the other hand, delivers fun waves for most skill levels. For the cleanest surf conditions, opt for early morning sessions. Be sure to always check the tides and ocean conditions before choosing your surf spot. To make the most of your Maui surf vacation, be sure to plan around the season to ensure the waves match your skill level.

Choosing the Best Time to Surf on Maui