Best beaches for surfing

Surfing wants waves — but the right ones. Swell looks for workable swell height and offshore-friendly wind so you know when it’s worth waxing the board.

Best beaches for surfing right now

• Pakala Beach, Pakala Village, HI — 5 / 5 for surfing
• Ukumehame Beach Park, Lahaina, HI — 5 / 5 for surfing
• Hulopo‘e Beach, Manele, HI — 5 / 5 for surfing
• Ooma Beach, Kaiminani, HI — 5 / 5 for surfing
• Wawaloli Beach, Kaiminani, HI — 5 / 5 for surfing
• 'Ai'ōpio Beach, Kailua-Kona, HI — 5 / 5 for surfing
• Kumukea Beach, North Kona District, HI — 5 / 5 for surfing
• Barking Sands Beach, Kekaha, HI — 5 / 5 for surfing
• Pacific Missile Range Facility, Kauaʻi County, HI — 5 / 5 for surfing
• Honokohau Harbor Beach, Kaiminani, HI — 5 / 5 for surfing

Ideal conditions for surfing

• Workable swell height
• Offshore or light wind
• Mid-to-high tide on many breaks
• Enough daylight

Swell rates every US beach 0–5 for surfing from live marine and weather data, refreshed every 15 minutes, so you can find the best beach for surfing near you right now. Find beaches near you or browse by state.