Winter on the North Shore of Oahu means one thing to most of the world: giant waves. So visitors often assume they can’t learn to surf here from roughly October through March. Here’s the good news — you absolutely can. The secret is knowing where to go, and after decades of teaching on this coast, we do.
Who We Are
North Shore Surf Girls is a female-founded, family-owned surf school in Hale’iwa on Oahu’s North Shore. We teach everyone—men, women, couples, families, and kids ages 5 and up — all year long, including the big-wave winter season.
Our Winter Spot: A Protected Cove at Puaena Point
The North Shore has many different waves, and they don’t all behave the same way. While the famous breaks are roaring in winter, Puaena Point — on the far east side of Haleiwa Bay — sits in a cove that’s naturally protected from the larger surf. The result is a gentle, easy wave that’s perfect for learning, even on days when the outer reefs are firing.
To get there, you turn off Kamehameha Highway onto a small road named Kahalewai. Your instructor will give you exact directions when you book.
Bonus: while you’re learning in the calm cove, you may catch glimpses of the legendary winter surf in the distance — learning to surf with a big-wave backdrop is a North Shore experience like no other.
The Meaning Behind the Names
Part of our mission is sharing the Hawaiian culture that gave the world the sport of surfing — and a good place to start is with place names:
- Puaena translates to “hot flower” — pua (flower) + ena (hot)
- Kahalewai translates to “the house that holds the water” — ka (the) + hale (house) + wai (water)
We find that learning the Hawaiian names and their meanings helps our students gain a deeper appreciation for surfing — and, we hope, a love for the beautiful Hawaiian culture it comes from.
We Take Care of This Beach
Puaena is more than a teaching spot to us — it’s home. The North Shore Surf Girls adopted this beach and work to keep it clean for all surfers, beachgoers, and the other surf schools who share it. If you see us picking up trash before a lesson, feel free to lend a hand — it’s a small way to give back to the ocean that gives us so much.
Winter vs. Summer: We Teach Year-Round
- Winter (roughly October–March): Lessons at the protected Puaena Point cove — calm learner waves while the big surf breaks elsewhere
- Summer (roughly late spring–early fall): Lessons move to Chun’s Reef, where gentle trade-wind swells and clear water make ideal beginner conditions
Whatever season your Hawaii trip falls in, there’s a beginner-friendly wave waiting for you on the North Shore.
FAQs
Q: Is it safe to learn to surf on the North Shore in winter?
A: Yes — because of where we teach. The Puaena Point cove is naturally protected from the large winter swells, giving beginners a gentle wave even during big-surf season.
Q: Will I be surfing big waves?
A: No! Beginner lessons happen on small, manageable waves in the protected cove. The big waves stay out on the famous reefs — you can admire them from a safe distance.
Q: Can kids take winter lessons?
A: Yes, we teach kids ages 5 and up year-round. The protected cove keeps conditions beginner-friendly.
Q: Can we watch the big-wave surfing too?
A: Absolutely — winter is the season the North Shore is famous for. Ask your instructor where to safely watch the action after your lesson.
Q: Where exactly do winter lessons meet?
A: At Puaena Point, off Kamehameha Highway via Kahalewai — full directions come with your booking confirmation.
Book Your Winter Surf Lesson
Learn to surf in a calm, protected cove while the world’s most famous waves break in the distance — only on the North Shore.
Questions? Call 808-637-2977 or contact us.