Surf Like a Local in Waikīkī

For centuries, Native Hawaiians have been surfing in Hawai‘i — a sport they call he‘e nalu, or wave sliding. But modern surfing was birthed more recently at the beginning of the 20th century at Waikīkī Beach. Today, you can easily experience Waikīkī surf culture by taking a lesson and catching some waves — or just soaking it in at a local watering hole. Here’s a few tips to fit in with the locals.^*

Surfing’s Modern Roots

To understand surf culture, you must dip into the early 1900s. That’s when Waikīkī was transforming from a rural wetland into a glittery playground of hotels, restaurants, and shopping.

Waikīkī’s first hotel to beckon world travelers was the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach, which opened in 1901. And young Hawaiian men gathered on Waikīkī Beach to offer surfing, swimming, and canoe lessons to visitors. These were the first of the now-famous Beach Boys of Waikīkī.

By 1911, two surfing clubs had formed and a dazzling young athlete, Duke Kahanamoku, started charming the world. Kahanamoku grew up in the Waikīkī surf, became an Olympic swimmer, and introduced surfing to California and Australia. Waikīkī has a bronze statue of a larger-than-life Kahanamoku on Kūhiō Beach, depicted against his favorite wooden longboard.

Courtesy Hawaii Tourism Authority, HTA/Ben Ono

Where To Surf in Waikīkī

Waikīkī has some of the best surf breaks on the South Shore of O‘ahu, with plenty of options for beginning, intermediate, and advanced surfers — as well as good surf conditions nearly year-round. In fact, that’s Waikīkī's rolling wave action in the iconic opener of TV’s Hawaii Five-O. You’ll find these same kinds of waves are at famous Waikīkī surf breaks — Canoes, Tongg’s, Populars (aka Pops), Old Man’s, and Castles.^*

If you are ever going to try surfing, this is the place. The best bet for novice surfers is to take a lesson, either with a small group or a one-on-one private lesson. The instructors in Waikīkī carry on the gracious beach boy tradition, and they can get all types and ages of people up and riding the Waikīkī surf.

Many companies offer surf lessons. Check out Waikīkī Beach Services, which has been teaching surfing lessons since 1955. Or Big Wave Dave, a one-stop shop with lessons, rentals, and local coffee founded by pro surfer Dave Carvalho. If you’re a confident surfer already, just rent a board. Good options include Koa Board Sports, near the Duke Kahanamoku statue, or Moku, about a block off the beach.

To see surfboards that have transcended into art, stop by Inter-Island Surf Shop, on Kapahulu Avenue. It’s been in business since 1959 and offers collectible boards by legendary board shapers — and if you’re lucky, some good surfing tales.

Courtesy Hawaii Tourism Authority, HTA/Ben Ono

Surf Culture: Pau Hana Time

Once you’ve spent the day immersed in the Waikīkī Beach surfing vibes, it’s pau hana time. That means happy hour.^*

Beer aficionados have several good options, including Waikīkī Brewing Company, which makes its own craft beers with names like Ala Moana Amber and Aloha Spirit Blonde Ale. Another local beer company, Maui Brewing Co., has an outpost in Waikīkī with surfing-inspired beers like Big Swell IPA and Bikini Blonde Lager (don’t miss the unusual and delicious Coconut Hiwa Porter, either). Both breweries also offer food.

If it’s a mai tai and a view you’re seeking, try The Beach Bar at the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach, which has live entertainment. The 1944 Mai Tai boasts the original Trader Vic’s recipe, or go for something a little different with a “torch lighter,” which is a mai tai made with locally crafted rum.

Scanning the horizon and watching the idyllic waves, you can conjure the early days of Waikīkī Beach surfing as you toast this timeless sport.