With honey-coloured beaches, reliable year-round waves and a favourable sunshine climate, Hawaii is the undisputed home of surfing for a reason. The islands have nurtured some of the best in the business and play host to some of the industry’s largest events – but surfing here needn’t be all 50ft waves and gnarly swells. Even sections of Oahu’s renowned North Shore offer smaller waves and gentle breaks, while many surf schools can be found on the western side of Maui and beginner-friendly Kauai.