The History of Surfing in Hawai‘i and How Waikīkī Beach Services Keeps the Tradition Alive
By Hero Jones Surfing—or heʻe nalu in Hawaiian—is a tradition woven into the fabric of Hawai‘i. Centuries ago, Native Hawaiians rode powerful wooden olo boards across rolling waves, honoring their spiritual bond with the ocean and their land. Waikīkī: The Global Stage for Surfing Waikīkī played a pivotal role in bringing surfing into the modern…
The Nature of Waikīkīʻs Surf Breaks, and How they are Created, featuring the Surf Professor
By Emma Susas What is so special about Waikīkī? Why is this stretch of coastline the heart of surfing, where people have come for generations to ride waves? We had the chance to talk story with the Surf Professor, Ian ‘Akahi Masterson (@thesurfprofessor), to answer these questions. Why Waikīkī Is a Surfing Hotspot There are plenty…
Celebrating Duke Kahanamoku’s Birthday: Honoring the Legacy of the Father of Modern Surfing
By Hero Jones August 24th marks the birthday of one of Hawai‘i’s most iconic figures – Duke Paoa Kahanamoku. Born in 1890 in Honolulu, Duke wasn’t just a champion swimmer, surfer, and actor. He was a true Hawaiian waterman, the Father of Modern Surfing, and a true ambassador of aloha. At Waikīkī Beach Services, we’re…
The Ultimate Family Guide to Surfing in Waikīkī
By Emma Susas Introduction Looking for an unforgettable family water activity in Honolulu? Waikīkī Beach Services offers family-friendly surf lessons, SUP lessons, and outrigger canoe surfing. It’s a fun way to ride the waves together while soaking in Hawaiian culture. Surf Lessons: Is It Safe for Kids? Ages & Format Kids must be able to…
Everything You Need to Know About Surfing in Waikīkī
Your Guide to Catching Waves in the Birthplace of Modern Surfing By Hero Jones Waikīkī isn’t just a beautiful beach; it’s a legendary surf destination with deep cultural roots. From the days of Duke Kahanamoku to today’s Beachboys sharing the waves with visitors from around the world, Waikīkī has always been a special place…
Which Surfboard Is Best for You?
By Emma Susas Here in Waikīkī, we’re lucky to surf some of the most iconic waves in the world. But whether you’re a first-timer or already paddling out regularly, one of your most essential choices is your surfboard. But with so many board types and materials out there, it can feel a little overwhelming. Let’s…
Surfboard 101: Get to Know Your Board Before You Hit the Waves
A beginner-friendly guide to the parts of a surfboard and how each helps you confidently ride waves with the Waikīkī Beach Services beachboys. By Hero Jones Before you paddle out for your first lesson, it helps to get familiar with the gear under your feet. Understanding the anatomy of a surfboard can make learning to…
Waikīkī’s Surf Breaks and the Legends They Carry
By Emma Susas Waikīkī is more than just a world-famous beach—it’s a place of deep cultural significance, rich history, and powerful moʻolelo. The waves we surf today carry the names and stories of those who came before us. Here are the original Hawaiian names and the moʻolelo behind some of Waikīkī’s most well-known surf breaks:…
Waikīkī Beach Services Turns 70: A Week of Surf, Community, and Aloha
By Hero Jones This May, Waikīkī Beach Services proudly celebrated 70 years of riding waves, telling stories, and sharing the spirit of aloha along the shores of Waikīkī. Since our founding in 1955, we’ve grown into a cherished part of Hawai‘i’s beach culture — perpetuating the legacy of the Waikīkī Beachboy, sharing our passion and…
Surf Lessons in Waikīkī: Your Most Asked Questions, Answered
Thinking about taking a surf lesson in Waikīkī? Whether you’re a total beginner or just brushing up your skills, we’ve gathered the most common questions to help you get ready for your day in the waves with Waikīkī Beach Services. Do I need experience to take a lesson? No experience? No problem! Our surf instructors…