Centuries ago, surfing was born in beautiful Hawaii. Since then, these islands have become practically synonymous with the sport. With unmatched opportunity to catch some serious waves, from Ho’okipa Beach to Hanalei Bay, you’ll need all the best gear before you head out into open water. Here are the 10 best surf shops in Hawaii!
Surf N Sea is a venerable surf shop that has been in the same North Shore spot since 1965 and voted “North Shore’s Best” by Surfing magazine. Whether you’re looking to buy or rent a board, need gear, or would like to take surfing lessons on the world’s most-renowned shore, Surf N Sea can set you up.
Some wave riders prefer not to stand all the time, and with Hidentity Surf Shop—a newer entry on the Oahu surf scene—body boarders now have a place where they can get surf tops, leashes, or even custom boards designed and shaped by pro riders.
Named for the famed wave it overlooks, Hanalei Surf Company is the premier surf shop on Kauai. With two stores on the North Shore and one at Poipu, you can pick up the gear you need, as well as a board, near any of the island’s best surf spots.
Whether you’re heading to Ho’okipa or Honolua Bay, you’ll find the gear you need for shredding at Hi-Tech. They’ll build you a custom board or rent you one if you’re just visiting. Three shops, in Kahului, Kihei, and Pa’ia, means you won’t have to wander far from the waves to grab your gear.
Big Island surfers have been heading to Orchidland Surfboards in Hilo since 1972. They have Big Island’s deepest selection of surfboard and body boards, along with plenty of gear and apparel that you may need. Or, if you just need a board rental, they can accommodate you with that, as well.
Sometimes a simple name says it all, and Maui Surfboards epitomizes that adage: They are on Maui and they sell surfboards. Maui Surfboards also happens to be the oldest shop on the Valley Isle and specializes in making hand-shaped boards. If you want to try before you buy, you can rent one of their designs—they’ll even set you up with lessons, if you need them.
HIC-Hawaiian Island Creations is the Aloha State’s largest homegrown surf shop. Since 1971, HIC has grown to locations on three islands, including Oahu and the Big Island, to ensure that you’ll never be far from an HIC board or the gear you need to hit the waves.
Maui Tropix is another homegrown surf shop on the Valley Isle. All their boards are handcrafted on the island, and are sold along with their MauiBuilt logo gear at three shops on the island—in Kahului, Kihei, and on Front Street in Lahaina. The three locations puts a shop close to all of Maui’s best waves.
Tamba Surf Co. is Kauai’s backyard board company and the locals’ choice when it comes to surf shops. They can sell or rent you a board, teach you how to surf, or even build you a custom board to your measurements and specifications. Tamba is your one-stop for all things surfing on the Garden Isle.
Surfers on the Big Island’s Kona Side can get the boards and gear that they need at Kahalu’u Bay Surf & Sea. The shop specializes in rentals and lessons but also has a wide retail selection. So, whether you need a surfboard for a day or a rash guard for your dad, you’ll find it at Kahalu’u Bay Surf & Sea.
