O’ahu maintains a reputation as one of the most popular surfing places in the world, featuring some of the best and most famous surf breaks in the world. For travelers looking for a fun group adventure and a taste of local surf culture, here are some tips on how to surf through Hawai’i. Whether you’ve never touched a surfboard or are an expert, consider these tips the next time you are in O’ahu.
Photo: Kaimana Beach Hotel
Design Your Own Surfboard
This winter, Kaimana Beach Hotel partners with ISA World Longboard Champion Kai Sallas to allow guests to design their own longboard. During this experience, guests enjoy a private surf fitness class and longboard lesson with Kai. During the board-making process, guests can choose everything from board model to color in order to create the perfect customized surfboard.
Photo: Waikiki Beach Marriott:
Surf Lessons with the Legendary Waikiki Beach Boys
Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa is located across from Queens, the most famous surf area on Waikiki, and boasts an exclusive relationship with the legendary Beach Boys. Guests can arrange VIP off-property activities, including private surf lessons with the Beach Boys. The tradition of the famed Beach Boys stems back to the first generation of watermen who offered surf lessons and canoe rides to the island’s earliest visitors. Guests can book these experiences through the hotel concierge.
Mini Surfboard Resin Painting
If you aren’t interested in getting in the water, you can still participate in Hawai’i’s surf culture on land with Four Seasons Resort O’ahu at Ko Olina’s Resin Painting Art Workshop. A local resin artist guides guests through the steps to create a personal and unique painting on a mini wooden surfboard — the perfect handmade souvenir to take home.
Photo: White Sands Hotel
Pau Hana with the Locals
After a day of surfing, hang loose and enjoy pau hana (happy hour) at Heyday at White Sands Hotel in Waikiki. The bamboo bar is the only place on the island to swing while enjoying cocktails.
Embark on a Surf Safari Across Maui
Island hop to Maui and venture out on a Surf Safari with Hawai’i’s first adults-only resort, Hotel Wailea. With the help of a surfer pro, the “surfari” offers guests with all different experience levels the opportunity to hunt down the best waves the island has to offer. Beginner surfers can catch their first waves at Kalama Park on Kihei coast. Depending on your level of ability and the condition of the weather, the adventure can take you to all the different surf spots around Maui. The four-hour experience includes equipment, refreshments and lunch.
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