Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PA'IA
Surf Spots
Although it's rarely surfed, a break in front of the lifeguard tower at Baldwin Beach offers
fun longboarding before the afternoon wind picks up. If the surf is too large at places such
as Ho'okipa or Pa'ia Bay, there is a reform on the shallow reef here that can offer a long
ride if you know where to sit. The downside to surfing here is that on your way back in,
it can be a challenge to wrangle your longboard through the shorebreak. On the opposite
side of the beach, down toward Baby Beach, there are also a couple of breaks better for
shortboarding, although the rides are noticeably shorter and the entry and exit can be chal-
lenging.
If you're renting a board in Pa'ia, the closest beach break to town is Pa'ia Bay, where
many of the island's north shore “groms” rode their first waves. While the inside section
is popular with bodyboarders, there is a second peak a little farther out that is better for
surfing. Mornings are best before the wind blows the wave to pieces. Since the wave can
be fast and steep, it's best for intermediate surfers.
Moving east from town toward Hana, the left break at Tavares is popular with north
shore locals, although since the wave can only handle a small crowd you need to be a com-
petent surfer. The parking lot for Tavares is found by making a left at the house with the
blue tile roof 0.6 mile outside of town and following the beach access sign to the end of
the road. Paddling out from the beach can be shallow at low tide. Defer to locals on the
best waves in the set.
The epicenter for surf on the island's north shore will forever be Ho'okipa Beach
Park, three miles past the town of Pa'ia. This legendary windswept cove is a year-round
playground for everyone from up-and-coming surf stars to world-champion windsurfers.
For surfers, Ho'okipa is broken up into four sections: Pavilions (Pavils), Middles, The
Point, and Lanes. If you are standing on the beach, Pavilions is the break that's the farthest
to the right; a spot that can pick up wrapping windswell even during the summer. Since it's
the most consistent, it can also be the most localized, so beginners should only paddle out
on the smallest of days. In the center of the beach, Middles is a big left that breaks in deep
water and can get board-shatteringly heavy during the winter. The wave can accommod-
ate a larger crowd than Pavils, although you should still be an intermediate to paddle out.
On the left side of the beach is The Point (H'poko Point), a heavy A-frame that's popular
with windsurfers. Finally, Lanes is a left-hand wave that breaks in the cove to the west of
Ho'okipa, but is frequently accessed by paddling around from the point. Since it's such a
long paddle, not as many surfers venture out there. If you're an advanced surfer and want
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