Surfing on the Big Island is neither as popular, nor as easy as on Kauai or Oahu. The best beach of the island, Waipi'o is very difficult to reach from Highway 19, and, like many of the best Big Island Beaches has both strong currents and rocks that require both experience and fitness. Many of the best surfing beaches lack lifeguards, and particularly in the winter, beaches between Kepuhi Point and Hilo can close out with storm surf. There's some splendid winter surf off the rocks and reefs that fringe the north side of the Kohala Forest Reserve, but you'd need to boat there or face the extremely steep scramble back up the cliffs. 

The most reliable/reasonable spots are on the Kona side of the island. Kahalu'u Beach Park offers monster winter waves and a nifty rip that zips north, dumps and leaves surfers to ride back in. However, the inshore break can be quite dangerous and should one lose a board, it’s sometimes collected in pieces. Paelano Point's the long ride choice. If all else fails, there’s always the Old Airport Break where the Kuakina Highway ends. On the Hilo side of the Island, Richardson't Beach is a good spot to get to the usually tame surfing -- at least on days with no tidal waves! Rental boards are available at Hobie Sports Kona in Kona Inn Village, Pacific Vibrations Surf Shop in Kialua and in a number of spots in Hilo such as Local Style or Orchard Land Surfboards. Those new to Hawaii conditions should consider a lesson and an evaluation before asking about spots to surf. Lava is extremely hard on bodies and board, and black sand can grind skin off like wet/dry sandpaper just about everywhere but the Kohala Coast.