// Free Gear Checklist
Our free Beginner's Surf Guide has the exact gear checklist — what to buy first, what to skip, and how to pick a board and wetsuit that won't hold you back. Free, instant.
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// 2 Surf shops listed
Boards, wetsuits, wax and ding repair — with ratings, phone numbers and directions for each.
Seasonal averages for Hawaii — not a live surf report for this beach. Hawaii surf seasons in full
// The Lineup
Ranked by rating confidence — review volume counts, not just the score.
From 1 review
5-5084
Apparel · Friendly staff
From 6 reviews
5-5161 Kuhio Hwy
Apparel · Friendly staff
SurfSpotGuide lists 2 surf shops in Hanalei. Hanalei is on Kauai's north shore. Shop staff can tell you what the ocean is doing today, but a rental board isn't a lesson: if you're new to surfing, book a school rather than paddling out alone.
Winter (November to April) is the dangerous season here. Hawaii Ocean Safety describes north shores in winter as having consistent, huge and dangerous swells, and says novice surfers and swimmers of any skill level should stay out of the water there during high surf. Summer (May to October) is typically flat to small, though spots exposed to the trade winds can see larger swells. Conditions still change day to day. Check the National Weather Service Honolulu surf forecast (weather.gov/hfo), and ask the lifeguard on duty or your school before going in.
What each shop rents or sells varies, so check the listings above or call ahead. If you're renting, ask the shop where it's safe to surf that day for your ability, and what's on the bottom there.
Winter (November to April) is the dangerous season here. Hawaii Ocean Safety describes north shores in winter as having consistent, huge and dangerous swells, and says novice surfers and swimmers of any skill level should stay out of the water there during high surf. Summer (May to October) is typically flat to small, though spots exposed to the trade winds can see larger swells. Conditions still change day to day.
It's safer not to. Hawaii Ocean Safety advises swimming near a lifeguard, checking with them about conditions before going in, and watching for sharp rocks and coral on the ocean floor. If you're new, take a lesson: the instructor picks a spot that suits the day and your ability.
The National Weather Service Honolulu office (weather.gov/hfo) publishes the surf forecast and high-surf warnings for every island, and Hawaii Ocean Safety keeps the official list of lifeguarded beaches. For the beach in front of you, ask the lifeguard on duty.
