I am planning on renting a board when i get there. Also need to find some spots that will be accessble and have a decent vibe. Any advice on the rental place and surf locations? I won't tell anyone else, especially the surf turtle. Thanks for the advice.
Maui Surf & Sport. It's in Kahului, not far from the Airport. Surf spots vary depending on wind and swell direction. You can ask the guys at the surf shop and probably get a map there as well. No matter where you go you'll need to be as polite and patient as possible. Keep your expectations low and plan on enjoying the scenery.
You can also rent a used mini-van with surf racks at Maui Vans. The mini-van isn't sexy but it allows you to have your board locked in the car while you're having lunch or whatever. It's also cheaper and the money stays on the island. Good juju.
Have fun! Maui's the best.
I lived on Maui from '76-'84. You'll be looking for South swells and you'll most likely have trade winds (NE). If there's a good swell, you could surf right in Lahaina town at Breakwall (lefts) or the Harbor (lefts and rights). It will be very crowded and competitive, but very accessible. The Harbor will break on a smaller swell than Breakwall.
South of town, you might get some waves at Olowalu or at one of the "thousand peaks" south of Olowalu. All of these are right off the road and easy to find. Vibe will be mellow. There needs to be a decent swell.
If it's a big South swell, Shark Pit and Mala Wharf (both lefts) might be breaking. These are a little harder to find. People might be grouchier.
If it's a really big South swell, like when Breakwall is consistently overhead, you might be surprised by fun waves on Ka'anapali point (a left), right in front of the hotels. Bit of an obstacle course, though.
You are more likely to get fun waves on Maui if you are there literally as it begins to get light enough to surf. Otherwise it will probably be crowded.
There is one "secret" spot that I'm not telling you about. The only clues are that it's on Maui and it takes a South swell :)
https://vimeo.com/27914760
I rented a nice quad from Wayno at Maui Surfboards when I was there for my honeymoon. His shop is right by the dollar rental car in Honokawai, so a bit closer to Lahaina.
The breakwall is a fun left on south swells, as is shark pit. Olowalu is a good wave as well. If it gets huge, then Maalea (sp?) may break, but it will be crowded. Also, if you want to take a chance on a solid south, you can take the ferry to Lanai and surf Manele bay, which is a really fun left point, but takes quite a bit of swell to be worth the trip.
Have fun, I love Maui.
