Windmills - Maui surf guide

Windmills is a surf spot located in Maui that faces directly north. It's a pretty exposed area, getting hits from various swells and winds. Most surfers come here to catch the lefts and a couple of rights that smash onto the rocky shoreline. You’ll want to watch the wind, as it really needs to be calm or coming from the south quadrant for the waves to be good. This spot works best on smaller wind swells, but be aware that it’s designed for advanced riders, especially when the size picks up.

The optimal swell direction for Windmills is north, with some good waves also coming from the west and northeast. It typically handles swell sizes around 3ft (about 0.9m) pretty well. The waves break over uneven reefs, which means it can be a bit tricky. You’ll find primarily reef waves that go left and right, but you really need to be an expert to navigate them effectively. For better conditions, low to mid tides work best, but it can also hold up at high tide.

While crowds aren't usually a problem here, it’s still a good idea to time your visit right. Being an expert-only spot, it’s not the best idea for beginners or even intermediates to tackle these waves, so make sure you're ready for the challenge!