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Surfers on Waikiki Beach

Surfing

Waikiki Beach Surfing

Duke Kahanamoku, Olympic gold medalist and Hawaiian native who grew up in the Waikiki Beach vicinity where the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort now stands, popularized this thrilling sport in Hawaii.

So much so that Waikiki Beach and surfing are almost synonymous, and the beach in front of the Hilton resort is named after him and a tall statue on Kalakaua Avenue decorates the front of the Kuhio Beach section of Waikiki Beach!

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Waikiki Beach surfing!
Waikiki Beach surfing!

Waikiki Beach, long world famous for its finely powdered golden sands and turquoise blue, warm ocean waters, is now also renowned for its long, rolling waves that are irresistible to the surfing tourists and wannabe surfers!

Duke Kahanamoku statue on Kalakaua Avenue off Kuhio Beach, Waikiki Beach
Duke Kahanamoku statue on Kalakaua Avenue off Kuhio Beach, Waikiki Beach

Surfing at Waikiki Beach

World-class surfing tournaments are held on the North Shore of Oahu in winter, with its trifecta of big wave surfing beaches: the Banzai Pipeline (Ehukai Beach Park), Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay Beach.

While the towering 30+ foot waves on the North Shore make these beaches a mecca for pro surfers, beginning surfers and intermediate surfers can learn and improve on the much more gentle, rolling waves of Waikiki Beach.

With more than 2 miles of sandy beaches, the waves that roll in at Waikiki Beach are long, providing plenty of spots for beginners to learn.

Surfboards stacked up at a beach stall rental on Waikiki Beach, Oahu
Surfboards stacked up at a beach stall rental on Waikiki Beach, Oahu

Best Spots for Surfing in Waikiki Beach

Talk to a local surfing aficionado and you’ll be hit with words like Castles, Paradise, Kaisers and Pops, you’ll wonder if they’re speaking the same language!

All of these are names for the popular surf break spots on Waikiki Beach and there are so many of them: Bowls, Rockpiles, Kaisers, Fours, Threes, Paradise, Pops, Sandbar, Canoes, Queens, Cunhas, Walls, Publics, Castles, and so on.

Here are the best of the Waikiki Beach surfing spots for beginners and what’s unique about them:

Queens

Located directly in front of the statue of Queen Liliuokalani near the center of Waikiki, Queens offers some of the best wave conditions on Waikiki Beach.

Queen's Beach on Waikiki Beach, backed by a green park
Queen’s Beach on Waikiki Beach, backed by a green park

Queens surf is ideal for longboarding since the waves here are typically gentle and long, perfect for beginners and those looking to improve their skills.

Many of the surfing lessons for beginners are held here.

Canoes

Just a bit to the west of Queens, Canoes is definitely the most popular surf spot in Waikiki.

Canoes is suitable for all skill levels and is known for its forgiving waves that are easy to catch, making it a top choice for surf lessons and leisurely rides.

Pops (Populars)

Further out to sea from Canoes, Pops attracts more experienced surfers due to its slightly larger and faster waves.

Pops is a great spot for those looking to transition from beginner waves to intermediate conditions.

Threes

West of Canoes and slightly more challenging, Threes is known for its longer rides and is best when the south swell comes in.

The waves here offer more excitement for those who have mastered the calmer waters closer to shore, and is meant primarily for the intermediate surfer.

Publics

The Publics surf break is located towards the Diamond Head end of Waikiki on Queen’s Beach. Publics is unique because it breaks over a shallow reef.

Publics is a lot less crowded and best for the intermediate surfer seeking more adventure and challenge.

Best Spots for Surfing on Waikiki Beach: Summary

To summarize,

  • Queens and Canoes are renowned for their beginner-friendly waves that are ideal for longboarding and learning.
  • Pops provides a taste of intermediate surfing with its slightly bigger and quicker waves.
  • Threes offers a longer ride, appealing to those who want to practice maneuvers and turns.
  • Publics presents a reef break, which can be thrilling for more skilled surfers looking for a different kind of challenge.

Best Time to Surf at Waikiki Beach

Seasonal Surf Conditions

  • Summer (May to October): The best time to surf in Waikiki is during the summer months when the south swells light up the southern shores of Oahu producing the most consistent waves, ideal for all surfing levels but particularly enjoyable for longboarding.
  • Winter (November to April): While the North Shore of Oahu gets massive waves, Waikiki remains relatively calm. Winter can still be a good time to surf, especially for beginners, as the waves are even gentler and the spots less crowded.
Duke Kahanamoku surfing statue in front of the lagoon
Duke Kahanamoku surfing statue in front of the lagoon

Time of Day

  • Early Morning: The wind is typically calmer in the early hours, making for smoother wave conditions. Early morning sessions also benefit from less crowded waters.
  • Late Afternoon to Sunset: This is another ideal time to catch good waves with the added bonus of witnessing some of the most beautiful sunsets. The wind often dies down again in the late afternoon.
people watch the sunset at the beach

Tips for Waikiki Beach Surfing

1. Select the Right Surfboard

  • Longboards: Ideal for beginners due to their stability and ease of catching waves. Most surf schools offer longboards as they are forgiving and allow for longer rides on Waikiki’s gentle waves.
  • Soft-tops: These are also excellent for beginners. Made from foam, they are safer and reduce the risk of injuries.
  • Shortboards: Best suited for intermediate to advanced surfers who can handle quicker and sharper maneuvers.

2. Understand the Local Conditions

  • Tides: Check the tide charts before heading out. Low to medium tides can be ideal for beginners, offering slower waves and less water movement.
  • Wind: Early morning usually sees lighter winds, making for smoother and more predictable waves.
  • Crowds: Waikiki can get crowded, especially near popular surf spots like Canoes. Try to surf early in the morning or later towards sunset to avoid the peak crowd times.

3. Safety First

  • Sun Protection: Apply a broad-spectrum waterproof sunscreen, wear a rash guard or a wetsuit, and consider a hat and UV-protective sunglasses.
  • Hydration: Drink plenty of water before and after your session to stay hydrated under the sun.
  • Understand Rip Currents: Be aware of how to identify and react if caught in a rip current. Surf near lifeguard stations and don’t hesitate to ask them about current conditions.

4. Respect Surf Etiquette

  • Right of Way: The surfer closest to the peak of the wave has the right of way. Also, avoid “dropping in” on someone else’s wave.
  • Paddling Rules: Do not paddle straight through the lineup. Use the channel where waves are not breaking.
  • Hold on to Your Board: Always keep control of your surfboard. Losing your board can be dangerous to other surfers.
  • Apologize for Mistakes: If you accidentally get in someone’s way or break a rule, a simple apology can maintain a friendly atmosphere.

5. Enhance Your Surf Experience

  • Take Lessons: Even if you know the basics, a local instructor can provide valuable insights specific to Waikiki’s surf conditions.
  • Stay Local: Engage with local surfers and respect the culture, they can help you find the best spots and surfing times.

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