Surfing and Hawaii have gone hand-in-hand for a long time, since the island’s royalty adopted it as their sport of choice. For the traveller with a mission to surf some of the world’s finest waves, it is the place to go: the water is warm, and although the size of the surf is seasonal, the swell is consistently impressive. Just after summer, the North shore has a huge swell that attracts some big-time, high-power surfers. However, during the summer the water calms down and although lovely for bathers, you can’t surf in it. When it gets flat in the north, head down south where tropical storms from the south Pacific get the swell going.You’ll probably find reliable waves on most of the beaches, but here are a few to keep in mind if you want to have a go yourself or simply watch the professionals show you how it’s done.

Sunset Beach, and Pipeline are recommended for experts only; but if you’re into your surf you should still make it over to these parts of Oahu’s North Shore, where pro-surfers take on waves that can get as high as 20 feet in the winter. The shore is so impressive that it hosts the World Surf Championships in December. Head down and expect to see an all-star line-up stirring up the crowds with their skills. If you want to get stuck in too try the smaller waves at Lahaina beach – they are consistent and well-suited to a beginner or an intermediate. Honolua Bay too has some excellent waves that are well-worth a look.

In the south, a safe bet is Waikiki Beach, because the surf is nice and easy and never too high. The waves are about three feet in the summer and two in the winter. Waikiki is historically significant, because of the legend Duke Kahanamoku - a guru to a generation of modern surfers, and the quintessential surd dude. He made this beach his own in the 1920s and was responsible for making the sport commercial. Most of the big guys surfing the monster breaks on the North Shore will have started out on Waikiki’s smaller waves on a long board.

If you are going to be hitting the surf every day, don’t bother spending loads on accommodation, because you’re hardly going to be there. You’ll need a base and a shower to clean you and your wetsuit. Try HostelBookers, who have lists of hostels around the globe.

Hawaii caters for all types of surfer – these are just a few of the many, decent and worthwhile spots you might want to have a look at. Note that some of these beaches are as sacred as a holy temple to some surfers, so watch where you put yourself in the water. Surf rage is prevalent and stealing waves is a pretty bad move in shores that have become quite tribal. So, get to know the locals, and learn the codes. Those that own boards can easily pack one with them and carry it through their travels – just make sure you get good travel insurance for any damages or loss. Check out AA Travel for some good backpacker’s deals.