Big Island
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Positives
- Kona spot density
- Remote, uncrowded waves
- Volcanos and lava flows
- Tropical snow sports
- Exposed to most swells
Negatives
- NW swell shadow
- Super-rainy east coast
- Localised urban spots
- Remote spots require 4WD
- Steep cliffs, tricky access
Big Island surf travel guide
The youngest island in the chain, Hawaii is known as the Big Island, due to its size, which is nearly double that of the others combined and being a live volcano, continues to grow. Lava flowing from Kilauea is continually shaping a new landscape on its way to the sea where it can both create future surf breaks or destroy existing ones. Whilst Oahu usually grabs the surf history limelight, Polynesian immigrants probably initiated surfing at Kealakekua Bay centuries ago, making the Big Island the birthplace of surfing and the aloha spirit. Crowds and localism do exist, but remote spots requiring long hikes or 4WD access will be empty and conditions will be less competitive than most Hawaiian line-ups.
Surf spots in Big Island
Research the 24 surf breaks in Big Island and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 24 breaks in Big Island.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Big Island
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- dec
Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Big Island.
Finding New Waves After a Volcanic Eruption With Dylan Graves and Friends
- SurfEnvironment
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 10,400,000
- Population
- 1,416,000
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- USD
- Exchange rate
- $1 = $1 USD USD
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +1 808
- Dialing out
- 011
- Emergencies
- 911
- Language
- English, Hawaiian, Pidgin
Electricity
- Plug Type
- ab
Visas
Visitors visas have been waived for Australian, British, Canadian and most EU passport holders. However, you must be carrying a biometric passport (kids too), with at least 90 days before expiry, otherwise a visitor visa must be obtained before travel.
Getting There
Note that Big Island has two international airports: Kona KOA and Hilo ITO. American and Delta fly direct to KOA from various west coast mainland cities. Continental run two new routes from LAX and SFO to ITO. US Airways fly Pheonix - KOA and seasonal charters fly from all over the USA and Canada. Kona gets flights from Japan (JAL). Hawaiian Airlines fly Sydney to Hilo and along with Go! Airlines (no boards over 6ft) do the 40min inter-island routes to both airports. Island Air fly to Kona only from HNL. All charge for boards + $35 e/w.
Getting Around
The Hawaii Belt Road circles the island. The Saddle Road (Hwy 200) linking E-W is not a shortcut from Kona to Hilo, is plagued by bad weather and some rental car agencies ban it. Local rental car rates in low season (Jan, Apr 16 to June, Aug 21-Dec 18) are $210/week with basic insurance (i.e. you pay for all damage to both vehicles) otherwise take out Collision Damage Waiver Full (up to $22.99/d), Third Party Extended Protection ($10.95/d) and Personal Accident Insurance and Personal Effects ($6.50/d). Weekly deal; $270 inc CDW, EP and free tank of gas. 4WD Jeeps are at least $300+. It takes about 8 hours to drive around the island.
Accommodation
Stay on Alii Drive for choice and mobility. Most of Kona's condos are well furnished with complete kitchens. The weekly rate is 6x daily rate and the monthly is 3x weekly rate. Check Hale Kona Kai and Kona Bali Kai close to Banyans. Expect $30 for a meal.
Activities
Climb to Observatory Hill, Mauna Kea's summit. Snowboard up there or slide the Kapoho crater. Register and hike the Pina Trail in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park when Kilauea is pumping red lava, see Kohala Coast petroglyphs and visit the Pacific Tsunami Museum in Hilo.
Hazards & hassles
Don't enter the water with attitude - it will only bring trouble from the locals. Avoid Hilo and Kailua crowds. Beware while parking at remote spots; don't leave anything in the car. Reef cuts, rips and sunburn always a threat. Allow for long driving times.
Handy Hints
Pacific Vibrations in Kailua or order from Orchidland Surfboards in Hilo. Learners should try Hawaii Lifeguards Lessons in Keauhou or Ocean Ecotours in Honokohau.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.