When are the waves good in Hawaii?

We get this question alot!

-For beginners, there are almost always small, safe waves where you can learn to surf or progress your surfing skills. Even when the waves are huge, we can usually find a wave that is protected or "on the inside".

-The north shore of Kauai and other the Hawaiian islands like Oahu are known for big surf during the winter months, from the end of October through April.

-During the summer months, the swell coming to the north side of the island decreases significantly, though there is usually a small wave at Hanalei Bay. The summer is great for those who enjoy snorkeling, diving, or paddling sports, since the ocean is generally calmer.

*Keep in mind that the ocean is a force of nature, and that despite historic trends and modern forecasting science, we can't control the waves or guarantee what it will be like on any particular day. It's important to respect the waves in all their forms and to recognize that some days will be too big, some days will be too small, and some days will be perfect.

Why does a sand bottomed ocean matter when I'm learning to surf?

When you are learning to surf, the last thing you want to worry about is what you'll land on if you should happen fall off the board. Hanalei's soft sand bottom is ideal. You wont have any problems with sharp reef or hard rocks. Another advantage of the sand bottom is the ability to stand and wait for the right wave to come along, making it less tiring than paddling constantly and giving you more time to perfect your surfing technique!

What kind of board will I be using?

We have a stock of surf boards for your use at all times. From high performance shortboards for advanced surfers to soft-tops for the beginners. Our instructors can help you select the best board for your individual needs. Generally, beginners start out on longer, wider boards. They float better, are more stable, and make catching a wave much easier.

Do I need a wetsuit?

Most of the time, no. The average water temperature here in the winter is 74 degrees, and in the summer it gets to 80 degrees, or warmer. If you are out in the water for four hours straight, or if you are extra sensitive to the cold, you might want to consider a spring suit. Long-sleeved rashguard are recomended to give you a little protection from wind and/or sun. The rashguard is also really helpful in protecting your skin from the surface of the boards, which can rub and cause irritation after a while.

Can I get surf gear in town when I arrive?

Absolutely. Hanalei is a surf town, and there are plenty of surf shops to pick up any equipment you may need.

Which airport should I fly into?

The airport that services the island of Kauai is located in Lihue, and the airport code is LIH. United Airlines and US Airways offer direct flights into Lihue; you can also fly into Honolulu (airport code HNL) and then take a Hawaiian Airlines flight to Lihue. Hawaiian Air operates a dozen flights a day, making it easy to grab a connecting flight.

Lihue is approximately an hour from Hanalei, and we provide transportation to and from the airport on your arrival and departure days. We do our best to pick you up close to your arrival time, but because of logistics, sometimes we will combine pick-ups and you may wait a little while. On our departure day, we will leave Hanalei at 10 AM.

Do I have to participate in all the activities?

Only if you want to! When you're on vacation, it can be a challenge to find the right mix of activity and relaxation. You might be an early riser, or a night owl, or seriously sleep-deprived. We're here to encourage you to relax, however you need to do it. One of our goals is to show you the best of what the North shore has to offer, so we will take afternoon trips to some of the gorgeous beaches and a hike on the Na Pali coast. However, you should never feel guilty about opting out-- it's your vacation, do what you want!

What else is there to do?

The North Shore has lots to offer, from boat trips to kayaking to helicopter rides to deep-sea fishing. If you're curious about any of it, a quick search online will yield you tons of options. Some activities require advance reservations, but many can be arranged after you arrive. Feel free to ask us for more details, we're happy to get you set up.

Do I need to rent a car?

Hanalei is a very pedestrian-friendly place, and the house is close to both the beach and the town center. It is very convenient to get around without a car. That being said, maybe you're the type who wants to see all of the island while you are here for the week. Just remember that we will be driving you around to different activities and places quite a bit (with lots of impromptu trips); most people are very satified if not "over-toured". If you think you'll get a lot of use out of the car, rent one. Otherwise, in your free time you can cruise around town (and even beyond) on one of the bikes we have at the house for your use.

Is there an age limit? What is the average age of your guests?

We ask that participants be over the age of 18, unless they are traveling with a parent. Otherwise, we welcome guests of all ages. In general, our guests range from mid-twenties to late-forties, and the crowd is generally mixed each session. No matter the age, people come with a sense of adventure and fun, which guarantees a good time!

Can I come by myself?

Absolutely! It may be fun to travel with your friend, sister, or partner, but sometimes nothing beats a vacation on your own. Most of our guests travel solo, and many great friendships have been formed during our sessions. You can socialize as much or as little as you want, and we have rooms for singles and for people traveling together.

Will I see turtles? What about whales?

The waters around Kauai are home to many different types of sea life, including the green sea turtle, also called "honu" in Hawaiian. These endangered animals live and feed in the coastal waters around Kauai, and can often be seen in protected coves or even in the Hanalei River. Sometimes they even join us in the line up and keep us company while waiting for sets! If you keep an eye out, there's a good chance you'll spot one during your week here.

Whales visit our islands in the winter to give birth to their young. From December to April, if you look out onto the horizon long enough, you're almost guarenteed to see a blast from a blowhole, a tail or a full body breach.