Hoʻokipa Beach Park
Hoʻokipa To See the Big Waves
Hoʻokipa is a beach on the north shore of Maui, known for big waves and one of the more consistent Maui surf spots. This is a good place to watch the waves, as well as to watch the surfers and wind-surfers. The waves are too big and too strong for anyone but expert surfers, so for the rest of us, this area is for watching, not for swimming or surfing.
To get to Hoʻokipa, start by driving to Kahului, Maui’s largest city, where you first arrived at the Maui airport. From Kahului, take the Hana Highway (Route 36), and pass through the town of Paia. About two miles later, look for the upper parking lot on your left. Park in the upper lot, not down lower by the beach, for the best views of the waves and surfers.
Maui Surf Lessons
Though Ho‘okipa is one of Maui’s best places to watch serious surfers, it’s not a beginner break, the waves there are considered too big and too strong for anyone but expert surfers. For first-time and beginner surfers, Maui Surfer Girls teaches on the west side at Ukumehame Beach Park, where their two-hour lessons, small class sizes, and experienced instructors make it much easier to learn the basics in a more approachable setting. It’s a great way to get your first real taste of surfing on Maui without jumping into the kind of conditions Ho‘okipa is known for.
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Hoʻokipa Surfing Photos and video
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