Surfing in Big Island

The Big Island does not have the variety of great surfing spots found on Oahu or Maui, but it does have decent waves and a thriving surf culture. Local kids and avid surfers frequent a number of places up and down the Kona and Kohala Coasts of west Hawaii. Expect high surf in winter and much calmer activity during summer. The surf scene is much more active on the Kona side.

Best Spots

Among the best places for experienced surfers to catch the waves is Pine Trees (Off Hwy. 11 and south of the Kona Airport and the Natural Energy Lab of Hawaii on an unimproved beach road). Keep in mind that this is a very popular local surf spot on an island where there aren't all that many surf spots, so be very respectful. Intermediate surfers brave the rocks to get out to a popular break just slightly north of Kahaluu Beach Park (Alii Dr., 5½ mi south of Kailua-Kona next to Outrigger Keauhou Beach Hotel.), out past the beach's calm lagoons and snorkelers. Banyans (Alii Dr. near the Kona Bali Kai condos) is another popular spot with local and experienced surfers. There's no beach here—surfers need to wade in from the rocks and start paddling. Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area (Kuakini Rd. at the old Kona Airport) is also a good place for catching wave action. A couple of the island's outfitters conduct surf lessons here, as the break is far away from potentially dangerous rocks and reefs. On the east side near Hilo, try Honolii Cove (Access road off Hwy. 19, just past mile marker 4).

Equipment, Lessons & Tours

Hawaii Lifeguard Surf Instructors. This certified school with experienced instructors helps novice surfers become wave riders; their surf tours take more experienced riders to Kona's top surfing spots. Though they offer a one-hour introductory lesson ($72 for a small group, $98 for private instruction), they recommend the two-hour lesson to get you ready to surf. You can try a two-hour tandem lesson on a board for two. 75-159 Lunapule Rd., Kailua-Kona. 808/936-7873 or 808/324-0442. www.surflessonshawaii.com.

Ocean Eco Tours Surf School. This surf school emphasizes the basics of safe surfing and specializes in beginners. All lessons are taught by certified CPR-trained lifeguard instructors, and they guarantee that you will surf! If you're hooked, you can sign up for a three-lesson package for $270. 74-425 Kealakehe Pkwy., Kailua-Kona. 808/324-7873. www.oceanecotours.com.

Orchid Land Surf Shop. The shop has a wide variety of water sports and surf equipment for sale or rent. They stock professional custom surfboards, bodyboards, and surf apparel and do repairs. 262 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo. 808/935-1533. www.orchidlandsurf.com.