10 Best Surf Photography Spots on Hawaii Island in 2024

Let’s get right into the main topic of this guide, which is the top surf photography spots on Hawaii Island.

Kahalu’u Beach Park

Located in Keauhou, on the Kona Coast, Kahalu’u Beach Park is a sheltered bay known for its calm waters and consistent waves. This beach is an excellent location for surf photography for a few reasons.

First, its gentle waves make it ideal for those just starting out with surfing, offering clear shots of beginners learning to ride. Second, because this surf spot is a popular spot for surf schools, including Kahalu’u Surf and Sea, it is almost guaranteed to have plenty of action to photograph. Lastly, the clear, shallow reef offers good visibility for underwater shots.

Known by locals as “Pine Trees,” Kohanaiki Beach Park is another gem on the Kona Coast offering consistent waves and a picturesque setting. This spot is great for photographers as this break is suitable for various skill levels. You will often find experienced surfers navigating larger waves further out while beginners stick to the smaller swells closer to shore.

Another thing that makes Pine Trees a great spot is that it’s known for its scenic beauty. With its backdrop of swaying pine trees and black lava rocks, the contrast of colors makes for striking photographs, especially during the golden hours.

Pine Trees is also a popular camping spot for catching waves. Because it’s easier to get permits for camping here than at other beaches on the island, many families and friends use this as a home base to enjoy weekend surf trips. Camping permits can be easily obtained through the County of Hawaii website.

A favorite spot for both local and visiting surfers, Banyans, is known for its fast, hollow waves breaking close to shore, providing photographers with opportunities for dynamic, up-close shots.

Located south of Kailua-Kona, Banyan’s offers photographers some of the best opportunities for capturing impressive action shots as surfers navigate challenging barrels and aerial maneuvers.

The location also boasts stunning sunsets over the Pacific Ocean, creating breathtaking backdrops for photographers seeking that magical golden hour lighting. Banyans frequently draws big names like Shane Dorian and CJ Kanuha, so you might just catch a glimpse of surfing legends.

Just south of Kailua-Kona is Honl’s Beach Park, a spot favored by more seasoned surfers due to the challenging reef break and consistent waves. This popular surf spot , also known as Ho’okipa Beach Park, offers stunning views with a backdrop of palm trees and the occasional glimpse of passing whales during the winter months.

Its accessibility for spectators and swimmers, alongside strong offshore winds, make it a perfect place for photographers and a well-known spot for windsurfing competitions.

For those seeking powerful waves to photograph, Lyman’s is a must-visit destination. The winter months bring larger swells and the opportunity to see skilled wave riders taking on challenging barrels, making this an excellent location for capturing dramatic action shots.

This consistently good surf spot, even during the summer months when the waves are calmer, offers great surfing opportunities for different skill levels, and thus, good opportunities to capture great surf photos. Lyman’s, because it’s situated on Ali’i Drive, makes for easy access.

Hapuna Beach is famous for its white sand beaches, but it is also home to great surf, making it a popular destination for bodyboarders and photographers. Situated on the Kohala Coast, this spot offers photographers opportunities for some diverse surf photography with white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and a lush backdrop of palm trees, creating picture-perfect scenes.

Known for strong currents, Hapuna Beach is a popular spot for bodyboarding.

This beach lives up to its “Magic Sands” nickname. The beach itself magically appears and disappears with the tide and offers photographers diverse backdrops with its golden sand beach. Located near Kailua-Kona, this is a popular spot for both surfing and bodyboarding making for great action shots.

Another photographic benefit is that because the bay is partially sheltered, this spot, often referred to as “Disappearing Sands”, tends to pick up south swells, providing calmer conditions. Check out this link to learn more about Laaloa (Magic Sands) Beach Park.

Known by locals as “Richardsons”, this popular spot, near Hilo, attracts surfers year-round with its offering of waves for a variety of skill levels, especially during the summer when southern swells make it ideal for longboarding.

While seasoned surfers tend to gravitate towards “Pointers” located at the point break, beginners prefer the smaller waves of “Insides”, offering good visibility and plenty of surfing activity to photograph. Be mindful that because of the shallow reef, this spot requires surfers to use caution and be aware of the ocean conditions.

This spot has a rich historical past but is also home to one of the 10 best surf photography spots on Hawaii Island. Located in the South Kona District on the Big Island of Hawaii, Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park offers a sheltered bay with calmer waters.

Known best for kayaking, snorkeling, and dolphin watching, surfers can find excellent surfing opportunities, typically outside of the main bay area, making this area ideal for capturing surfers amidst the breathtaking scenery. Be mindful that strong currents can be present at this spot, particularly during certain times of the year.

If you’re looking for a more off-the-beaten-path surf photography opportunity on the Big Island, look no further than Milolii Beach Park. Located south of Captain Cook, this picturesque spot with its black sand beaches offers stunning contrasts of turquoise waters against the volcanic rock for dramatic shots. For those who seek calm waters, this is not the beach.

Because this spot faces the open Pacific, the powerful waves make this beach better for viewing by experienced surfers only. For amazing views and photos, be sure to check out the Milolii Beach Park.