Surfing Waves

I'm taking a trip to Hawaii this winter, in December. I want to do a lot of surfing, but I'm still learning, so I want to stay away from the big stuff. Any suggestions on where to go? I am thinking the big Island, but I don't know which side is better in the winter.
thanks!

You can pretty much cross off the north shores of any of the islands off your surfing list, as that is where the huge waves are in the winter. The south shores have much smaller waves, if any during the winter.
Big Island isn't really known for its surf, but it is a great place to visit. Do a search of the web and contact surf schools in the area you want to visit and ask them where good beginner spots are for typical December surf.
December is also the time when the humpback whales mirgate through the islands...if you go to Maui, you will probably be able to see them from shore or take a whale watching cruise.