Beyond the Basics
Advanced & specialty paddling where the sport gets really exciting
Written by a Local SUP Expert
Kalani MillerBeyond the Basics: Advanced & Specialty Paddling
Once you've mastered the calm bays, you might feel the call to try something more. This is where the sport gets really exciting. This section is for those with a bit more experience, covering the niche interests that other guides often overlook.
SUP Surfing (Hoe Heʻe Nalu): Catching a Big Island Wave
First, let's be honest and manage expectations. The Big Island is not Oʻahu's North Shore. Our island is the youngest in the Hawaiian chain, which means our coastline is rugged, rocky, and drops off steeply into the ocean. We don't have many of the long, sandy-bottom breaks that create those perfectly peeling waves you see in magazines. But if you know where to look, and you respect the conditions, you can find some real gems for SUP surfing.
Primary Spot: Kahaluʻu Bay
This is, without a doubt, the best and most consistent spot for beginner and intermediate SUP surfing on the island. It's a reef break, but a historic breakwater wall (pa o ka menehune) helps to moderate the incoming swell, creating gentler, rolling waves that are perfect for learning.
My best tip for Kahaluʻu: Go early in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds and take advantage of the clean, light-wind conditions. Paddle out to the north side of the bay, away from the main snorkeling area. The wave offers both a fun left and a mellow right.
Most importantly: Be patient and respectful. There will be local surfers and other learners in the water. Wait your turn, give everyone space, and always show aloha.
Alternative Spot: Keauhou Bay
I mention this as a great backup option. When the surf at Kahaluʻu is too big, too crowded, or the conditions just aren't right, Keauhou Bay is much more protected from the open ocean swell. While you might not find a proper breaking wave here, it's an excellent place for beginners to get a feel for their board in moving water and practice their balance and paddle strokes when the ocean has a bit of energy.
SUP Fishing (Pāʻani Lawaiʻa): A Waterman's Harvest
For many of us who grew up here, fishing is a way of life. A stable all-around SUP can be an incredible platform for nearshore fishing, giving you access to spots you can't reach from shore. This is a rewarding way to connect with the ocean, but it comes with a great responsibility.
🎣 The Basics
You don't need a specialized fishing kayak to get started. A stable all-around or touring SUP works great. The essential gear is simple: a rod holder that can be attached to your board (many boards have mounts for this), a small cooler you can strap down with bungee cords, and, of course, your paddle leash.
🐟 Target Species
From a SUP, you can target a variety of fun nearshore species. Common catches include papio (the juvenile stage of the giant trevally, or ulua), ʻōʻio (bonefish), and a wide range of colorful and tasty reef fish.
The Golden Rule: Know the Regs
This is the most important part, and it's non-negotiable. Before you ever think about dropping a line in the water, you MUST know the local fishing regulations. The rules are there to protect our fragile marine ecosystem for future generations. The Hawaiʻi Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) sets strict rules on minimum size limits, daily bag limits, and seasonal closures for many species. These rules are enforced, and the fines can be steep.
I urge every aspiring SUP fisher to bookmark and study the official Hawaiʻi Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) fishing regulations page and download their waterproof fish measurement guide. This is your bible. Fishing with aloha means fishing sustainably and legally.
Downwind Paddling: The Ultimate Challenge
Let me be very clear: this is the Ph.D. of stand-up paddleboarding. This is not for a casual afternoon paddle or for anyone who isn't an expert-level paddler with significant open-ocean experience. Downwinding is the art of harnessing the power of strong winds and open-ocean swells to literally fly across the water.
The Concept
A downwind run involves paddling one-way with a strong wind (typically 20+ knots) at your back. You aren't just paddling; you are surfing from the crest of one open-ocean swell to the next, connecting glides and using the ocean's energy to propel you forward at high speeds.
The Big Island Scene
While the neighboring island of Maui is the undisputed global epicenter for downwinding—the "Maliko Gulch" run is world-famous—the Big Island's Kohala Coast offers some incredible, albeit less-known, downwind runs when the trade winds are cranking.
My Warning
I am intentionally not providing a specific map or route for a downwind run. To do so would be irresponsible. This is my most serious advice: if you are skilled and experienced enough to consider a downwind run on the Big Island, you don't need a map from a website; you need a mentor and the local community.
Connect with the paddlers at the local canoe clubs or talk to the experts at the high-performance board shops. A proper downwind run requires serious logistical planning (a shuttle system with a drop-off and a pick-up vehicle), expert-level ocean reading skills, and the right equipment (a dedicated downwind or touring board and full safety gear). This is a pursuit you grow into with the guidance of the local paddling community, not something you attempt on your own.
🗺️ SUP Guide Navigation
Boards & rental shops
Current page
Ocean safety & respect
📊 Advanced Skills
- SUP Surfing Beginner+
- SUP Fishing Intermediate
- Downwinding Expert
🌊 SUP Surf Spots
- Kahaluʻu Bay (Best)
- Keauhou Bay (Backup)
⚠️ Safety First
- • Know fishing regulations
- • Respect local surfers
- • Never downwind alone
- • Get local mentorship