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

• Ko Olina, Ko Olina, HI — 5 / 5 for surfing
• Fort Kamehameha Beach, Hickam Field, HI — 5 / 5 for surfing
• Hickam Harbor Beach, Hickam Field, HI — 5 / 5 for surfing
• Pakala Beach, Pakala Village, HI — 5 / 5 for surfing
• Hulopo‘e Beach, Manele, HI — 5 / 5 for surfing
• Makapu‘U Beach, Kailua, HI — 5 / 5 for surfing
• Sandy Beach, East Honolulu, HI — 5 / 5 for surfing
• Waimanalo Beach, Waimanalo Beach, HI — 5 / 5 for surfing
• Alan Davis Beach, East Honolulu, HI — 5 / 5 for surfing
• Hanauma Beach, East Honolulu, 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.