Lahaina Harbor Breakwall:
Because of island shadow from Moloka’i, Lana’i and Kaho’olawe, searching for solid surf on the west coast of Maui can be an exercise in patience. But through a mix of manmade influence and geographical luck, Lahaina Harbor defies the norm all year long. On solid summer south swells, the northern end of the breakwater offers up long, grinding lefts that stand up and barrel. In the winter, north swells shoot the gap between Maui and Moloka’i and hit the southern end of the breakwater, forming a right-hander that is a mirror image of the left. As you can imagine, Lahaina Harbor is no secret — it attracts a crowd, and often a talented one — especially on small days. (Bigger swells should be left for more experienced surfers, as both the left and right are fast and break across shallow stretches of reef.)
Olowalu:
About six miles south of Lahaina Harbor you’ll find the jetty spit at Olowalu, where a left peels off in the summer months, when south swells sneak between Lana’i and Kaho’olawe. Elsewhere nearby there are right and left peaks to choose from, all in the small-to-medium sized range. Olowalu is a small, rural town, so the narrow beaches are quiet and idyllic. As a visitor, be mindful of the local atmosphere.