Oahu is one of the three largest islands in Hawaii and an appropriate choice for a vacation. None of the other islands have the tendency to show such diversity of surfs for all aptitude levels. The island has a very irresistible majestic effect. Surfing enthusiasts in Oahu have plenty of spots to choose from. They can be divided into 4 parts: the north shore beaches, the south shore beaches, Windward coast beaches (east) and the Leeward coast beaches (west).
North Shore Beaches:
This part consists of four important beaches for surfers:
- Kawela Bay (also known as Turtle Bay)
- Sunset Beach
- Waimea Bay
- Ehukai Beach (also known as Banzai Pipeline)
The most important out of these four beaches of the northern region is the Banzai Beach. It forms the most dangerous waves in the world when they break onto the low reef. Even expert surfers tend to fail here at times. Due to this reason the beginners should avoid surfing in these spots. One of the five surfers killed there in the last eight years is Tahitian Malik Joyeux.
South Shore Beaches
The four prominent beaches of the south shore are:
- Waikiki Beach
- Ala Moana Beach Park(also known as Magic Island)
- Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
- Sandy Beach
Out of these, Waikiki Beach is the one that generally attracts surfers. This spots attracts more than 4 million visitors every year and most of them are attracted by its small yet lasting waves. this trait makes it an ideal beach for beginners and those who want to enjoy safe surfing.
Windward Coast Beaches (East)
The beaches of the eastern area are:
- Lanikai Beach
- Waimanalo Beach
- Kualoa Regional Park
- Makapuu Beach
- Kailua Beach
Lanikai beach is of the most significant beach among eastern ones. It is homeland to some of the biggest ever recorded waves. It is renowned for its beauty and for being among the best point breaks on the shore line. The spot can be dicey sometimes because of the strong currents. Lanikai is the preferable place for surfing as it provides waves for all levels of surfers and they are the great majority of the people to visit. From beginners to professionals, all of them get their share of waves to surf on and practically enjoy it.
Leeward Coast Beaches (West)
Following are the essential beaches of the Leeward Coast:
- Ko Olina Resort and Marina
- Makaha Beach
- Yokohama Bay
Out of these places, Makaha beach wins the spotlight since it is known to be the beach that pioneered huge wave surfing. Even though it is suitable for almost every kind of surfer, it still holds the threat of backwash; it can be prevented by taking simple precautions against the sloping sand beachhead.
Regardless of your expertise, precaution should be taken. It is important to take all the warning signs into consideration. Waves can be unpredictable but with slight safety measures, surfing in Oahu can redefine the whole experience for you. Have fun surfing in Oahu!
