Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
To say that the surf spots on Moloka'i are empty would be a lie, but a crowded day by Mo-
loka'i standards would be considered almost empty in Maui. If there are more than three
people, maybe four, just go somewhere else. With a little walking (or a high clearance
vehicle), it's still possible to find spots where there's a good chance you'll have the waves
all to yourself. Since finding surf spots like this is such a rarity in Hawai'i, however, it's
not surprising that Moloka'i locals can be protective of their surf breaks, so following ba-
sic surf etiquette here can go a long way. Share the waves. Don't drop in on anyone. Don't
paddle in front of anyone. Smile. And if you're just learning and the waves are above your
ability level, perhaps paddle out at a smaller, more manageable spot. If there were ever the
venue for an
Endless Summer
surf safari where the waves are mixed with adventure, then
Moloka'i is the spot.
Remote and empty, West Moloka'i is the best in winter for mixing big surf with fiery sun-
sets. The same swells which send waves to the North Shore of O'ahu come crashing into
western Moloka'i, the differences being that there aren't 200 people vying for the same
wave and traffic on the highway consists of a deer crossing the road. While the quality
isn't the same as at Sunset Beach, the surf in western Moloka'i can still get heavy, and only
experts and advanced surfers should paddle out on the bigger days.
The most well-known (and consequently, most crowded) spot on this end of the island
is
Sheraton's
at Kepuhi Beach, named after the now-defunct resort which fronts the beach.
The access at Sheraton's is sandy and easy, although you have to be careful of a few shal-
low boulders while paddling out. The wave is on the left side of the beach, and on its better
days can be an A-frame which holds its shape in faces exceeding 10-15 feet. Sheraton's
is a decent spot for intermediate surfers if it's small, and is an experts-only venue if really
pumping.
If Sheraton's is too big, drive south to
Dixie Maru's
where a right pointbreak wraps in-
to the bay at sizes often half that of Sheraton's. If Dixie's is crowded (i.e., more than three
people), or you're up for a little adventure, a goat trail leading from the center of the beach
back through the kiawe trees (don't go barefoot!) brings you to a sandy cove where anoth-
er right pointbreak bends into the often empty beach. The takeoff can be a little sketchy as
