North Shore Vibes: Christopher Suard’s Island Life
The alarm doesn’t need to go off when the waves are calling. Christopher Suard knows this better than most, rolling out of bed in his Kapaau home before dawn to check the surf forecast and grab his usual pre-session fuel from one of North Kohala’s local spots.
“Living up here in Kapaau, you’re really at the heart of some of the Big Island’s most authentic surf culture,” says Suard, a longtime resident who’s made the North Kohala area his home base for chasing waves across the island. “It’s not as crowded as some of the other Hawaiian islands, but that’s exactly what makes it special.”
The Big Island Surf Circuit
While the Big Island might not have the same reputation as Oahu’s North Shore or Maui’s breaks, Suard has found plenty to keep him busy. “Banyan’s is perhaps the best break on the Big Island,” he notes, referring to the popular A-frame reef break in Kailua-Kona that’s capable of breaking year-round. The spot catches south swells in the summer and west and northwest swells during the winter.
For more mellow sessions, Suard often points beginners toward Kahalu’u Bay, which he describes as “a great spot for beginners” with three different peaks at this reef break. Even the outside peak is a fairly slow rolling wave so most intermediate surfers can take it on.
On the east side of the island, Honoli’i Beach Park draws Suard when he’s in the Hilo area. The spot’s position on the eastern side means that it sees surf pretty much year-round, though on bigger days, which most often happen in the winter months, Honoli’i becomes a break for more experienced surfers.
For those seeking consistency, Pine Trees offers an exposed reef break in Kona that “may not be the best wave on the island” but “makes up for in consistency”. Pine Trees will typically give you something to surf and does pick up north northwest swells the best, so winter is usually the best time of year.
Fueling Up: North Kohala’s Local Eats
Before dawn patrol sessions, Suard has his go-to spots for pre-surf nutrition. Pomaikai Café in Kapaau serves up coffee, espresso, frosties, sandwiches, salads, and freshly baked pastries – perfect for a quick grab before hitting the water.
“After a good surf session, especially when I’m coming back from Pololu Valley, I’ll stop at Kohala Coffee Mill in Hawi for their Kona coffee, mocha or fresh lemonade, cold and breakfast sandwiches, plus Hawaiian ice cream,” Suard explains. The coffee mill is known for serving Tropical Dreams ice cream, a local favorite that hits the spot after a morning in the water.
For more substantial meals, Bamboo Restaurant and Gallery in Hawi offers fresh and creative island style cuisine, while King’s View Café in Kapaau is known for pizza, hot specialty sandwiches, Hawaiian ice cream and homemade desserts. Local reviews suggest that King’s View Cafe serves “maybe the best pizza on the Big Island” with their brick oven pizza taking about 15-20 minutes but delivering delicious results with “fresh, hot and a beautiful crust”.
From Waves to Beats
When he’s not in the water, Suard has found a new creative outlet that’s been gaining momentum in his social circle: electronic music. What started as curiosity about the gear has evolved into a passion for mixing tracks and creating atmospheric soundscapes for friends’ gatherings.
“The electronic music scene in Hawaii is more vibrant than people realize,” Suard notes. Hawaii has a rich history with electronic music, with pioneers like DJ Daniel J introducing house music to Honolulu in the 1980s. The Hawaiian dance music scene has its own unique character, with events like those at Kakaako Waterfront drawing over 10,000 dance music fans.
For Suard, house parties have become the perfect venue to experiment with his developing DJ skills. “There’s something about the intimate setting of a house party where you can really read the room and take people on a journey,” he explains. “Plus, the aloha spirit here makes everyone so welcoming to new sounds and experiences.”
The Big Island has its own electronic music talent, with artists like DEUXCES (Scott Hamilton) taking “a spot at the forefront of Hawaii’s music scene” and becoming “a local household name in the Hawaii nightlife and EDM community”. This local scene has inspired Suard to explore different genres and techniques in his own mixing.
The North Kohala Lifestyle
Living in Kapaau puts Suard right in the heart of one of Hawaii’s most authentic communities. The area is known as the peaceful haven of North Kohala’s quaint towns, set in the green northern tip of the island. Today, the area is home to charming art galleries, boutiques and restaurants set in colorful and lively plantation buildings.
“What I love about living here is that you’re still connected to the real Hawaii,” Suard reflects. “You can surf spots that have been ridden by Hawaiian royalty, grab incredible local food, and at night, share music with friends under the stars. It’s a lifestyle that feels authentic and connected to the island’s culture.”
Whether he’s paddling out at dawn, stopping for coffee at a local spot, or setting up his equipment for an evening house party, Suard embodies the laid-back yet passionate spirit that makes the Big Island’s North Kohala region so special. It’s a place where tradition meets innovation, where ancient surf spots coexist with modern electronic beats, and where community still means everything.
Christopher Suard continues to explore the Big Island’s surf spots while developing his electronic music skills, contributing to the island’s rich tapestry of ocean and sound culture.