Don’t see your question answered here? Please contact us at [email protected].
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Your safety and the safety of our staff are our highest priorities. Waikīkī Beach Services takes all reasonable precautions to help ensure the safety of our guests before, during, and after participating in our activities and rental services.
Do I need to sign the liability waiver?
Yes. All participants, including minors, must complete a liability waiver before participating in any activity or rental from Waikīkī Beach Services. Guests who do not complete the waiver will not be permitted to participate.
Your confirmation email will include a “Sign Liability Waiver” button. Each participant must complete their own electronic waiver before the scheduled activity date. To help make check-in quick and easy, we recommend completing all waivers as soon as possible after booking.
Are there age requirements for your activities?
Yes. Some of our surf lessons, ocean activities, and rentals have a minimum age requirement. Please provide accurate age information when making your reservation. If a participant does not meet the applicable age requirement on the day of the activity, they will not be permitted to participate, and no refund will be issued.
Where should I leave personal belongings?
Please do not leave personal belongings unattended on the beach or at the pool. We have a small area to store shoes and towels, but our staff cannot be responsible for valuables or personal items (i.e. phones, wallets, room keys, etc.). We recommend bringing only essential items and leaving valuables in a secure location. Waikīkī Beach Services and its beach and pool staff are not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged personal property.
What is your alcohol & drug policy?
For the safety of all guests and employees, anyone who appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be permitted to participate in any activity or use our rental services. No refunds will be issued in these circumstances.
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What information do I need to make a reservation?
You will need to provide:
- Name: Please enter your name in English. Example: John Smith
- Mobile phone number: Please select a proper country code from the drop down menu
- Email address: Use an internet server-based email address, such as Gmail, Yahoo, MSN, or Outlook. Mobile carrier email addresses cannot be accepted.
- Payment information: A credit card is required for online and phone reservations. In-person reservations can be paid with cash or charged to your hotel room for Royal Hawaiian and Sheraton Waikīkī guests.
How far in advance can I make a reservation?
Reservations are accepted for the current month and the following two months. On the first business day of each month, reservations open for the newest month in our rolling three-month booking window.
For example:
- In July, reservations are available for July, August, and September.
- In August, reservations are available for August, September, and October.
Online reservations can be made until 48 hours before your desired activity, subject to real-time availability.
How can I make a reservation within 48 hours?
Online booking closes 48 hours before an activity. For reservations within 48 hours, please visit one of our Waikīkī Beach kiosks or service counters, or call the appropriate location. Phone assistance is available in English.
Waikīkī Beach Services at the Royal Hawaiian Beach umbrella rentals, chaise rentals, surf & SUP lessons, poolside cabanas (808) 388-1510 Waikīkī Beach Services at the Sheraton: Diamond Head Beach Kiosk Beach umbrella rentals, chaise rentals (808) 927-6448 Waikīkī Beach Services at the Sheraton: Kawehewehe (Gray’s Beach) Desk Beach umbrella rentals, chaise rentals, surf & SUP lessons (808) 931-8815 When do I need to pay for my reservation?
Full payment is required at the time of booking. Online and phone reservations require a credit card. Cash and room charges are accepted only for in-person reservations at participating kiosks or service counters. We do not offer post-payment billing.
What is your cancellation policy?
All reservations are subject to our 48-hour cancellation policy.
- Cancellation 48 hours or more before your scheduled activity: Full refund
- Cancellation or changes within 48 hours of your scheduled activity: No refund
- No-show: No refund
Guests who purchase Trip Protection may change or cancel their reservation until 8:00 AM on the day of the activity. Please see the Trip Protection information below for details.
What is Trip Protection?
Trip Protection provides additional flexibility if your plans change. For 8% of your reservation total, you may change or cancel your reservation and receive a refund until 8:00 AM on the day of your scheduled activity.
Without Trip Protection, all changes or cancellations must be made at least 48 hours before the scheduled activity.
The Trip Protection fee is non-refundable, even if the reservation is later changed or canceled. Cancellation or change requests may be submitted by email or in person at one of our service counters.
Can I add Trip Protection after making my reservation?
Yes. Please email us no later than the day before your scheduled activity and include your nine-digit booking number.
What is the Ocean Stewardship Fund Fee (OSF) on my receipt?
The Ocean Stewardship Fund, or OSF, supports the stewardship, conservation, and protection of Hawaiʻi’s ocean resources. Hawaiʻi law requires commercial operators of boats, watercraft, and ocean recreation equipment to collect a $1 fee per passenger or customer. This fee is remitted to the State of Hawaiʻi.
Can I make a reservation without an internet-based email address?
An internet-based email address is required to make a reservation. Mobile carrier email addresses often restrict messages sent from outside their network, which may prevent you from receiving your confirmation or opening the required electronic liability waiver.
Please use an email address from a provider such as:
- @gmail.com
- @msn.com
- @yahoo.com
- @outlook.com
If you do not have an internet-based email address, we recommend creating a free account before making your reservation.
Can I make a reservation by phone from outside the United States?
Yes, but please contact us by email first. We are unable to place international calls, so we will coordinate a date and time for you to call our office during business hours.
Our office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Hawaii Standard Time). Phone assistance is available in English.
Can you help coordinate activities for a group of more than 20 people?
Yes. Please email us with the following information:
- Preferred date or dates
- Preferred times
- Total number of guests
- Number of adults ages 13 and older
- Number of children ages 12 and younger
- Activities you are interested in
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What is your cancellation policy?
All reservations are subject to our 48-hour cancellation policy.
- Cancellation 48 hours or more before your scheduled activity: Full refund
- Cancellation or changes within 48 hours of your scheduled activity: No refund
- No-show: No refund
Guests who purchase Trip Protection may change or cancel their reservation until 8:00 AM on the day of the activity.
How do I change or cancel my reservation?
Changes and cancellations may be requested online, by email, by phone, or in person, depending on when and how the reservation was made. If you booked online, check your confirmation email for a “Change/Cancel” link.
What about cancellations or changes made 48 hours or more in advance?
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What should I know before booking a surf lesson or stand-up paddle lesson?
All participants must be able to swim without assistance. For safety reasons, pregnant guests and guests with existing back and neck injuries cannot participate in our surf or stand-up lessons.
Lessons last approximately one hour and 15 minutes. The first 15 minutes include a land-based safety briefing and instruction.
Do you provide life jackets for surf or stand-up paddle lessons?
No. Life jackets are not permitted during surf or stand-up paddle lessons because they can interfere with paddling and board control. Participants must also be able to briefly go beneath the water when necessary.
If you are not a confident swimmer, we recommend booking an Outrigger Canoe Surfing experience.
What are the age requirements for surf lessons?
- Children under 12 may only participate in a One-on-One Individual Surf Lesson.
- Guests ages 12 and older may participate in any surf lesson, including Surf Duo, Surf Trio, and Surf Party lessons.
Please provide each participant’s correct age when booking. If a participant does not meet the age requirement on the activity date, they will not be permitted to participate, and no refund will be issued.
What is the minimum age for stand-up paddle lessons?
Participants must be at least 13 years old to take a stand-up paddle lesson, regardless of the lesson type booked.
Where are your surf and stand-up paddle lessons offered?
Waikīkī Beach Services offers lessons at two locations, right in the heart of Waikīkī: The Royal Hawaiian and Sheraton Waikīkī.
The Royal Hawaiian – Royal Hawaiian Beach
Located directly in front of The Royal Hawaiian, Royal Hawaiian Beach offers a wide stretch of sand in one of the most recognizable areas of Waikīkī Beach. This location generally has more instructors and lesson times available, making it a good choice for families and larger groups.
Sheraton Waikīkī – Kawehewehe (Gray’s Beach)
Kawehewehe, also known as Gray’s Beach, is a smaller beach located on the west side of the Sheraton Waikīkī Hotel. It offers a quieter setting but has fewer instructors and lesson spaces available.If several family members or friends want to take lessons at the same time, we recommend selecting Royal Hawaiian Beach.
Can our family take surf lessons together if we have two children under 12?
Yes, but you will need to make separate reservations. Each child age under 12 years of age must book a One-on-one Individual Surf Lesson with their own instructor. Adults and guests ages 12 and older may book an appropriate group lesson.
For example, a family of four with two children under 12 would need three reservations:
- 2 x One-on-One Individual Surf Lesson (one for each child)
- 1 x Private Surf Duo Lesson for the two adults
The online booking system may not always show enough availability for every reservation at the same time. If that happens, please email us in advance. We will check whether additional instructors can be scheduled so your family can take lessons during the same time slot.
What should I bring to my lesson?
Please bring:
- Reef-safe sunscreen: We recommend Project Reef
- Beach towel: We do not rent or sell any towels. Towels are available for guests of the Royal Hawaiian and Sheraton Waikīkī hotels.
- Rash guard: We provide complimentary rash guards for use during lessons. You may also bring your own. Note: When booking your surf lesson online, you may purchase a Waikīkī Beach Services logo rash guard from our Waikiki Beachboy Store for 20% off the regular price.
Men’s rash guards
Women’s rash guardsCan I bring a camera during my surf or stand-up paddle lesson?
For safety reasons, personal cameras and recording devices are not permitted during lessons.
Professional water photographers take photos and videos during activities. After your lesson, you can view your images online and select any you would like to purchase or download. A gallery link will be sent to the email address used for your reservation. Mobile carrier email addresses are not supported.
Should I tip my instructor or staff?
Gratuities are not required, but they are always appreciated. If you enjoyed your experience, a customary tip is 15% to 20% of the activity price. The amount is entirely at your discretion.
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What is the difference between a outrigger canoe surfing and an outrigger canoe charter?
Outrigger Canoe Surfing
- Priced for a minimum of 3 participants
- Maximum of 6 participants
- Three wave rides guaranteed
- Approximately 20–40 minutes, depending on surf conditions
- Offered at: 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 1:00 PM, with occasional 2:00 PM availability
Outrigger Canoe Charter
- Available for one to six participants
- Enjoy as many wave rides as conditions allow during your private charter; the number of wave rides is not guaranteed.
- 60-minute private charter
- Offered at 10:00 AM
Charter groups of 7-12 guests may rotate between two 30-minute sessions, with the second group entering the canoe at approximately 10:30 AM. Please notify us in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements and Ocean Stewardship Fund (OSF) adjustments.
Can I book outrigger canoe surfing with fewer than three people?
Yes. Select the three-person option when booking and enter the actual number of participants in the comments section. The minimum three-person price will still apply.
What should I do if our group has more than six people?
For outrigger canoe surfing, divide your group into groups of three to six participants and make separate reservations for different departure times.
Groups of up to 12 guests may instead reserve the 10:00 AM Private outrigger canoe charter. Groups of seven to 12 will rotate between two 30-minute sessions. Please notify us no later than the day before your charter so we can make the necessary arrangements.
Can I reserve two outrigger canoes at the same time?
Please email us to confirm the availability of a second canoe captain before making your reservations.
Can I bring a camera in the outrigger canoe?
A guest who will not be paddling may use a camera during the ride. However, we do not recommend bringing personal cameras or other valuables because Waikīkī Beach Services is not responsible for lost or damaged belongings.
Professional water photographers may also take photos during your ride. Afterward, you can view your gallery online and select images to purchase or download. A gallery link will be sent to the email address used for your reservation. Mobile carrier email addresses are not supported.
What should I wear or bring for outrigger canoe surfing?
Wear a swimsuit or other clothing that can get wet.
- Reef-safe sunscreen is strongly recommended.
- A long-sleeved rash guard is recommended for sun protection.
- Complimentary rash guards are not provided for outrigger canoe rides.
- Hats are not recommended because they may blow off.
- Flip-flops must be removed before boarding.
- Water shoes are permitted.
Should I tip the canoe captain or staff?
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The date I want beach umbrellas is sold out online. Are same-day beach umbrella rentals still available?
We offer a limited number of beach umbrella sets for online reservations. If a date is sold out online, additional sets may still be available for same-day rental on a first-come, first-served basis.
Our beach desks and kiosks open at 7:00 AM. On busy days, guests may begin lining up 30 to 45 minutes before opening, so we recommend arriving early.
Same-day rentals continue until all beach umbrella sets are rented or beach conditions and available public beach space prevent additional setups.
Can I rent an extra chaise lounge without renting another umbrella set?
Our beach umbrellas and chaises are rented only as complete sets online. A limited number of individual chaise lounges may be available for same-day, in-person rental. Please ask our team when you check in for your beach umbrella set.
Otherwise, we recommend two beach umbrella sets for a group of three, three sets for a group of five, and so on.
Can I reserve a front-row beach umbrella set closest to the ocean?
Under Hawaiʻi law, guests must check in, be physically present, and ready to use the beach umbrella set before it can be set up on the public beach. Therefore, we cannot assign a specific location or guarantee front-row placement when you make your reservation.
After check-in, beach umbrella sets are placed in available locations on a first-come, first-served basis. Setup begins at 7:00 AM. For the best selection, we recommend arriving early.
What should I do if I need to step away from my beach umbrella set?
Please notify a staff member before stepping away. Unattended beach umbrella sets may be removed if our staff determines they are no longer in use. Please do not leave personal belongings unattended. Waikīkī Beach Services is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
What is the latest time I can check in for my beach umbrella set?
The latest check-in time is 3:45 PM. Check-in will not be accepted after 3:45 PM. Guests who do not check in by 3:45 PM will be considered a no-show, and no refund will be issued.
Do you offer hourly or half-day rentals?
Yes, depending on same-day availability. Hourly and half-day rentals cannot be reserved in advance and must be purchased in person.
- One-hour rental: $20
- Half-day rental beginning at 1:00 PM: $60
Do you offer food and beverage service on the beach?
No. Commercial food and beverage sales are not permitted on the public beach. You may bring your own food and nonalcoholic beverages.
Alcoholic beverages and smoking are prohibited on the beach under Hawaiʻi law.
Why can’t I rent a beach umbrella set when some appear to be available?
Our rental operation is located on a public beach. We must maintain appropriate spacing between beach umbrella sets, keep walkways clear, and leave adequate room for other beachgoers.
Even when umbrellas or chaise lounges appear to be available, beach conditions or limited space may prevent our staff from safely setting up additional rentals. When this occurs, rentals may close for the day.
Is tipping required?
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Are any documents required to book this service?
Waikīkī Beach Services does not require guests to provide a cremation or death certificate. If you are bringing cremated remains from another country or state, please contact your airline and the appropriate government agencies to confirm their transportation and entry requirements.
The service lasts one hour. Will we be on the ocean the entire time?
No. The 60-minute experience includes a land-based paddling and safety demonstration, instructions for boarding and sitting safely in the canoe, paddling to the ceremony location, time on the water for the ash-scattering ceremony, paddling back toward shore, riding a final wave to the beach, and returning the canoe to shore.
If you would like to return earlier, please let your canoe captain know. We encourage you to take your time and experience a meaningful farewell surrounded by the beauty of Hawaiʻi’s ocean and traditions.
How many guests can participate?
The private outrigger canoe charter accommodates one to six guests. The charter price is $450 plus tax and the required $1 Ocean Stewardship Fund fee per participant.
Can I reserve two canoes?
Please email us to check the availability of a second canoe before making your reservation.
The date I want is unavailable. Can I request a special reservation?
Our Hawaiian burial at sea service shares the same schedule as our outrigger canoe surfing and private charter services. If your preferred date or time is unavailable in our real-time booking system, the operation is either closed that day or all available departure times have been reserved. We cannot add additional departure times.
Is there a weight limit for the outrigger canoe?
We do not have a specific weight limit. However, each guest must be able to fit safely and comfortably inside the canoe.
Can guests who do not know how to swim participate?
Yes. Guests ages five and older may participate even if they cannot swim.
The canoe has six guest seats: four paddling seats and two passenger seats. Guests seated in paddling positions must be at least 13 years old and able to assist with paddling.
We have elderly family members participating. Do they have to paddle?
No. Guests who prefer not to paddle may ride in the passenger seats. Please let us know when making your reservation if anyone in your group does not wish to paddle.
If additional paddlers are needed to operate the canoe safely, a Waikīkī Beach Services staff member may join your group. Advance notice is required so we can schedule the appropriate staff.
Do you offer this service for larger groups?
Yes. Our private catamaran charter can accommodate up to 37 guests.
Please email us with your preferred date, time, and total number of guests. We will check availability and help you coordinate the service.
May we bring flowers?
Yes. Loose, natural flowers may be placed in the ocean with the cremated remains. All string, ribbon, wire, plastic, and other non-biodegradable materials must be removed first.
Outside Waikiki
Watanabe Floral — (808) 832-9360
Leis by Ron — (808) 838-1455
University Flowers — (808) 951-7300Are photographs included?
Yes. Professional photography is included. Our water photographer will photograph the ceremony, and you will receive an email afterward with a link to download your photos.
Please use an internet-based email address when making your reservation. Mobile carrier email addresses are not supported.
May we play music during the ceremony?
We do not provide music, but you are welcome to bring your own.
Any speaker, phone, tablet, or other electronic device must be waterproof or secured in a waterproof case. Waikīkī Beach Services is not responsible for lost or damaged electronic devices.
Can you arrange a Hawaiian officiant for our ceremony?
We do not arrange officiant services. If you would like someone to lead your ceremony, please make arrangements independently through another provider.
Can you provide this service without any guests present?
Yes. However, we cannot accept cremated remains shipped or mailed to us.
The cremated remains must be delivered by someone you trust or by a local funeral home. They must be brought to the check-in location at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time on the day of the service.
An electronic burial certificate and a link to download the photographs will be emailed to you within 48 hours after the service.
Can we scatter the cremains for more than one person?
Yes. When making your reservation, please include a note in the comments section explaining how you would like the burial certificate prepared.
We can issue one certificate containing multiple names or individual certificates for each person. Please verify the spelling of every name, as each will appear on the certificate exactly as provided.
Can I pay in advance and select the service date later?
No. We cannot accept reservations or advance payments without a confirmed service date. You may make a reservation once you have selected a specific date that is available in our booking calendar.
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What must I complete before arriving for my surf lesson/beach umbrella rental/outrigger canoe surf/stand-up paddle lesson?
Every participant, including minors, must complete a liability waiver before participating in an activity or rental service. Guests who do not complete the waiver will not be permitted to participate.
After your reservation is confirmed, select the “Sign Waiver” link in your confirmation email. A separate electronic waiver must be completed for each participant before the activity date. A parent or legal guardian must complete the waiver for each minor.
Waivers cannot be completed at the check-in counter, so please complete them before arriving.
Where do I check-in?
The Royal Hawaiian
View on Google Maps
Address: 2259 Kalākaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815Check-in location: Waikīkī Beach Services desk on The Royal Hawaiian pool deck
From Kalākaua Avenue, use the public beach access path between The Cheesecake Factory and Outrigger Waikiki Beach Hotel. You will see surfboard lockers along both sides of the walkway.
Continue to the end of the path where it meets the beach. The Waikīkī Beach Services desk will be on your right, on The Royal Hawaiian pool deck.
Sheraton Waikīkī
Address: 2259 Kalākaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815
Waikīkī Beach Services at the Sheraton Waikīkī has two beach desks. Please check in at the location associated with the service you reserved.
Diamond Head Beach Kiosk
Check in here for beach umbrella set and chaise lounge rentals. The kiosk is located at the base of the Helumoa Playground pool on the east side of the hotel.
Kawehewehe (Gray’s Beach) Kiosk
Check in here for surf and stand-up paddle lessons at Kawehewehe, also known as Gray’s Beach. From Sheraton Waikīkī, walk toward the ocean with the Edge Infinity Pool on your right. If arriving from another direction, use the public beach access path east of Halekulani to reach Gray’s Beach.
Are lockers available?
No. We do not provide storage lockers, so please avoid bringing large bags or unnecessary personal belongings.
Limited space for small items may be available at the service counter. Please do not bring valuables, as Waikīkī Beach Services is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged belongings.
Are beach towels provided?
No. Please bring a beach towel from your hotel or accommodation. Waikīkī Beach Services does not provide, rent, or sell towels.
Where is the nearest parking?
Set your navigation to The Royal Hawaiian or Sheraton Waikīkī. The nearest public parking option is the Royal Hawaiian Center parking garage.
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Are professional photos and videos available during activities?
Professional water photographers are available for select services. However, photography is not guaranteed. If you purchase a photo and video package in advance, a photographer will be scheduled to capture your activity.
If you do not purchase a package in advance, a photographer may still take photos and videos of your activity, but photography is not guaranteed. Availability depends on photographer scheduling, weather, surf conditions, and other circumstances.
After your activity, you will receive an email with a link to an online gallery where you can view and purchase your photos and videos. Please confirm that your email address is correct when making your reservation. Mobile carrier email addresses are not supported.
For safety reasons, personal cameras and recording devices are not permitted during surf or stand-up paddle lessons. Please follow the instructions of your instructor or canoe captain.
How much do photo and video packages cost?
Photo and video package pricing varies by activity and group size. Current pricing is displayed when you make your reservation and in your online photo gallery.
Do I need to purchase photo and video package in advance?
No. You may purchase a photo and video package when making your reservation or wait until after your activity.
Purchasing in advance ensures that a photographer is scheduled for your activity. Pre-purchased packages are non-refundable based on dissatisfaction with the photos or videos.
If you do not purchase in advance, photography is not guaranteed. If photos or videos are taken, you will receive an email with a link to view the available content and decide whether to purchase it.
I lost my photo gallery link. How can I view or purchase my photos?
Please email us at [email protected] and include:
- Name on the reservation
- Nine-digit booking number
- Activity date and time
- Activity and location
We will locate your gallery and resend the link. Please provide an internet-based email address, as mobile carrier email addresses are not supported.
My photos are not downloading, or I am having trouble with the photos I received. What should I do?
Please email us ([email protected]) with your nine-digit booking number and a description of the problem. If possible, include a screenshot of the error message and identify the photo or video affected.
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Can I make a reservation for board rentals?
No. Surfboards, stand-up paddleboards, and boogie boards are available only for same-day, in-person rental at the following three locations:
Waikīkī Beach Services at The Royal Hawaiian — Royal Hawaiian Beach
Service counter on The Royal Hawaiian pool deck
Opens at 7:00 AMWaikīkī Beach Services at the Sheraton Waikiki — Kawehewehe (Gray’s Beach)
Beach kiosk on the west side of Sheraton Waikīkī
Opens at 7:00 AMWaikīkī Beach Services at the Sheraton Waikiki — Diamond Head Beach
Beach kiosk on the east side of Sheraton Waikīkī
Opens at 7:00 AMRental boards may be used only within Waikīkī Bay. All equipment must be returned by 4:00 PM.
Under the rental agreement, guests are responsible for lost or damaged equipment and will be charged accordingly.
How much do surfboard and stand-up paddle board rentals cost?
Prices are subject to change. Please confirm current rental rates at the service counter or beach kiosk.
Surfboard
- First hour: $25
- Each additional hour: $15
- All-day rental, from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM: $80
Stand-Up Paddleboard
- First hour: $35
- Each additional hour: $20
- All-day rental, from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM: $110
Boogie Board
- First hour: $12
- Half day rental, up to five hours: $30
- All-day rental, from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM: $55
When is the best time to rent a surfboard or stand-up paddle board?
Our service counters and beach kiosks are busiest between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM. Please allow additional time for check-in and equipment rental during these hours.
What types of boards are available to rent?
We have 9′-11′ epoxy and softop surfboards available for rent and 10’6″ and 11’6″ stand-up paddleboards available for rent. Our staff can help you select a board based on your experience level and current ocean conditions.
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What gift card amounts are available?
Waikīkī Beach Services gift cards are available for purchase online in $25 increments.
When does my gift card expire?
Gift cards are valid for five years from the date of purchase. The purchaser can provide you with the purchase date, or you may email us for assistance.
How do I redeem a gift card online?
- Select the activity or service you would like to book.
- At checkout, select “Add Promo or Discount Code”.
- Enter your gift card number.
- Apply the gift card to your reservation.
What if my reservation costs more than the gift card balance?
You may use the gift card and pay the remaining balance with another form of payment.
For an online reservation, please contact us for assistance before booking. For an in-person reservation, the remaining balance may be paid by credit card, cash, or room charge where available.