The Big Island is a phenomenal surf spot so if you’re considering a trip to Hawaii and plan on starting with Oahu, consider finishing with The Big Island. The waves are powerful in the winter but surfing is outstanding throughout the year. The West side, Kona, has a good number of cool surf spots, including some for beginners. The East side, which is in Hilo and is the windward side is a place for experienced surfers.
Planning a surf trip to the Big Island? Stay in one of our Kona vacation rentals.
Banyans
Located on the Big Island’s West Shore, Banyans is a popular surf spot a few miles from downtown Kona. Beginners can use this surf spot to watch the experienced local surfers. The best swell directions are from the west and southwest and the best wind direction is from the northeast. Banyans is best to surf in the summer and the surfboards to use are shortboards, longboards, funboards or stand-up paddle boards. The waves are hollow and it’s a left reef break. The bottom is reef and coral so keep an eye out for the sharp rocks and sea urchins. It’s a local scene so if you surf, keep in check the standard surf etiquette and be prepared to show your skills.
While airfares fluctuate, seemingly by the hour (often true), with planning, you can find cheap flights for your Hawaii vacation. It’s always easier to find more flights when flying into major airports. You may want to visit Kauai, depart from your home no sooner than 10am, make no connections and arrive in time to check in and visit the beach. It’s not likely to happen that way, however, consider what you are willing to do and your flexibility will be rewarding to your time and budget.
Travelers dreaming of a Hawaiian vacation naturally want to visit at an optimal time and weather is generally a consideration for any trip, even an island one. While it’s a simple answer to say that any time of year on the island is idyllic, it’s important to note what you plan to do and which islands you are visiting.
Lahaina’s historic seaside whaling village offers a lot more than art galleries and Hawaiian heritage. A genuine love of farm to fork attitude is shared among the chefs here, who cook with pride the most casual to elegant fare.