Visitors to Kauai are familiar with its vibrant gardens, remote cliff views, seemingly endless trails and varied beaches. However, the incredible surfing opportunities are sometimes a refreshing surprise for those seeking water sports with adventure. For avid, return visitors and local surfers, Kauai’s surf spots are as epic as the scene in South Pacific filmed on Kauai.
Tradewinds, the Nawiliwili Harbor and Hanalei Bay create the landscape for the surfer’s inspiring and scenic backdrop. Daring surfers, daunting waves and often a captive audience makes for quite an afternoon show at Kauai’s surf spots so spectators should pack a picnic. Reef, rock, sand and urchins heighten the drama. The range of surf spots include gentler spots for newer surfers (with plenty of surfing schools) and challenging sites as exhilarating as those on Oahu’s North Shore.
Hanalei Bay
Surfing at Hanalei Pier is the place to watch experienced surfers, many local, take charge of gigantic waves. Newer surfers should stick close to the pier and will find it a thrilling experience with scenery all around. Wintertime is ideal, longboards and shortboards are effective and Hanalei Bay’s right hand waves are features that attract a visiting crowd to check out the local surf scene. The northwest and west directions are best for swells and the best wind direction is from the east.
Hale Maluhia on Kauai’s North Shore is a Hanalei retreat of many kinds—private oasis with a park and garden feel, all yours in this vacation rental that sleeps four and provides plenty of indoor and outdoor space for all. The home is a respite after a big day of surfing. Cocktails on the semi-enclosed lanai or a nightcap under the stars are well deserved and it should be a ritual to celebrate the day’s surfing and rest for the next day’s adventures.
Hale Ola Main House is a home with a plantation feel, with a dreamy movie feel. The spacious lawn, beach house casual atmosphere and wraparound porch are perfect for a small family and truly romantic for a couple seeking adventure and romance. Guests take advantage of Kauai’s North Shore surfing opportunities, including nearby Hanalei Bay. Watch soft (and short) rains from the porch and enjoy roaming about in this two-story vacation rental.
Prince Kuhio’s (PK’s)
Kauai’s South Shore is home to multiple surfing sites, ranging from novice to experienced for skill level. Swell directions include the south, southwest and southeast. Rising and falling tides plus a rocky reef make it an adventure. Summer is the best time to surf PK’s, a departure from the traditional winter surfing season. North winds enhance your surfing and the best rule is to follow is to show courtesy to local surfers.
Menehune Hale is a grand home with enviable amenities. Mountain and ocean views, spacious living areas, and incredible outdoor dining spaces are features that make this home a popular choice for guests who like an active vacation with a place to escape. The vacation rental is on Kauai’s North Shore in Anini so visitors to the area take advantage of a fulfilling and busy day surfing the North Shore or heading to the South Shore’s multiple surf spots, which include Salt Pond, Prince Kuhio’s (PK’s), Acid Drop, Lemon Drops and Kekuiula Harbour.
The Tides Kauai’s South Shore is a private home in Poipu. The ocean views from every room are only one reason guests are enthralled during their stay. A group of friends who love to surf will find the home spacious enough to have their own personal living space but also have a good time exploring the surf spots, including PK’s. Start the day with a hearty breakfast on the sunny deck area overlooking the waves you’ll soon surf. Poipu is a great town with all the eateries and shops for sports gear, plus plenty of conveniences.
Acid Drop
You’ve got to get an adrenalin rush just hearing the name, Acid Drop. Kauai’s South Shore delivers adventure in the waves here. Sharp rips, urchins, rocks, and even sharks on occasion place this surf site on the explorer’s list. Surfing here offers hollow waves for experienced surfers and they can rise to eight feet. Aim for mid tide, catch a fast left or right, with winds from the north, east or northeast. It’s a long paddle out and a shortboard is best. Watch the many experienced local surfers here, a day’s worth of entertainment.
Alohilani offers luxury amenities in a sunny atmosphere to match the sunny town of Poipu. A good group of 10 can enjoy nearby Shipwreck and Brennecke’s Beaches, spacious rooms, bay windows with great views from the kitchen and bedroom and a gourmet kitchen at home built in recent years. A variety of guests will find this home’s location ideal, whether family or a group of buddies. Gentle breezes welcome you here and gigantic waves will at Acid Drop and other South Shore surf spots.
Kai Lani is a vacation rental home that offers a variety of amenities including a pool, hardwood floors and an enclosed porch with great views during meals. Relax in the hammock after a day of surfing at Acid Drop, PK’s or an excursion to Hanalei Bay or watch the turtles resting on the beach. Surfers will find this home convenient to dining, shopping and several surf sites. If you’re visiting as an extended family or group of friends, surfers can while away their time while others who enjoy exploring or just relaxing on the beach will also find Kai Lani an excellent value for their stay.
For more places to stay on Kauai, check out our selection of Kauai vacation rentals.