Looking for Dec/Jan Hawaii Surf Spots for my teen kids

[MomtoNJTeenBeginnerIntermediateSurfers]

Hi everyone.

I'll do my best to provide surfing experience info on my 13 & 15 year old kids...But I'm looking for places to get surf lessons in Hawaii and for them to surf while we watch in Hawaii. It will be our first trip there and we plan to explore as well as surf/snorkel/swim. We are going over the holidays December 26, 2020 - January 2, 2021. We are trying to research where to go for a more local experience. We've reserved an airbnb on the North Shore of Oahu but I'm realizing it may be better that they don't attempt to surf there as it may be too scary for their experience level. Where else would be good? Kauai? Maui?

They surf here on the New Jersey coast in the summer. My son has a 6'2" fiberglass board he is only starting to use- he had a longer foam board first that my 13 yr old now tries to surf on. I'd say my 15 yr old son is more of an advanced beginner and my 13 yr old daughter definitely a beginner. I'd like to get them lessons while in Hawaii and rent boards for them to practice on their own.

Not sure if it's worth island hopping or not? I definitely want to see Waikiki and my reading has made me feel maybe the Canoes is the best place to start for lessons & to at least see Waikiki before moving on to another location/island? I'd also love to stay in a true Hawaiian surfer town if possible where we could walk around town to see local restaurants/shops/food trucks/etc.

Any help you could provide, the better! Thank you in advance!!

[jaffa1949]

North Shore if it is on will not only be too scared but absolutely life threatening. Fortunately the scares will win and they won’t even enter the water there. Worth seeing and with it a New Jersey beginner will realise where they are in the foodchain. And your children are all rank beginners in reality ( harsh judgement but absolute for safety reasons).
Waikiki may or may not be working all the time, and you have the drive from the North shore.

Our resident aloha surfer Waikikichan May have knowledge of a good go to surf school, and others to avoid..

The miracle mile of the north shore is a frothing pulsing traffic Jam of a Zoo if it is working, Haliewa and the store is the frothiest, but be aware that there is some crime around in the frenzy!
And really really follow lifeguard advice and warnings if you choose to swim there!
See if other advice is offered

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[MomtoNJTeenBeginnerIntermediateSurfers]

Thanks for all the advice Jaffa! Now looking at Poipu Beach in Kauai as a possibility after witnessing the terror in on the North Shore of Oahu. I definitely want them to see real surfers in action on big waves! And yes, I am thinking they are beginners now for sure!! Gracias!

[waikikikichan]

1) Are you sure you still have accommodations at the AirBnB ? Reason is the Hawaii government has recently passed new laws banning some of those.

2) There are some spots that are "easier" ( but a beginner-intermediate on the mainland is no where near what a "beginner level" surfer is in Hawaii ) Inside Haleiwa is fun for kids, across the way is Puena Point, and Chun's reef is more longboard friendly.

3) Waikiki is so so fun, but yes, Christmas time there is not known for waves.

[oldmansurfer]

Poipu is on the south shore of Kaua'i just like Waikiki is on the south shore of Oahu. The south sides are not anticipated to have much surf during the winter months. Should probably look for east side surfing since it often has wind swell from the prevailing tradewinds. But you never know there may be surf on the south side during the winter. However you might contact the surf instructors on the south side and ask them what you can expect at the time you will be there.