I want to take my teenage boys to Hawaii the summer and I have a choice of either Maui or the big island (those are the only islands where my ff miles will take me). They would like to try surfing. I know winter is better, but am I correct that, at least for complete beginners, summer will still provide them with waves to learn on?

Summer is better generally for beginning surfers. Winter tends to bring larger, more dangerous swells. Maui has several beginning surfer spots and surfer schools. I don't know about the BI.

Waikiki on Oahu is the easiest place (perhaps in the world) to learn to surf. It's only a short plane trip from the other islands

I agree with bigtyke about Waikiki being the easiest place to learn to surf.

We were on both Kauai (Poipu) and Maui (Kaanapali) in late July '07. My DD took a surfing lesson at Kiahuna on Kauai, and wanted to take another when we were on Maui, but there was no surf at all, so no lessons. Just don't be surprised if it doesn't work out.

There are several surf schools on Maui that will get you up on the board in no time at all. Summer is a great time to learn because the waves are smaller.

Maui or Oahu. No summer surfing on BI, according to my surfing husband.

I think Oahu has the best surfing of all the islands. Your kids are beginners so Waikiki is probably the best place in the world. The waves are consistent and the water conditions are very safe.

Also if they are intersted in the surfing culture - the mecca for surfers around the world is the North Shore of Oahu. Location of the Bonzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, Waimea, Haleiwa, and further down the road is Makaha.

And you'll note Mr.Lcuy surfs and lives Oahu!! Smart guy.