Waikīkī Beachboy Blog

By Brianna Johnson At Waikīkī Beach Services, giving back to the community has always been part of who we are. From sharing the joy of the ocean to honoring Hawaiʻi’s rich cultural traditions, our roots run deep — and so does our commitment to supporting local students. That’s why we’re excited to announce the launch of our 2026 Waikīkī Beach Services Scholarship Program — now in its second year of supporting local students. This annual scholarship program is inspired by the values of Waikīkī’s beachboys and beachgirls: care for the ocean, respect for Native Hawaiian culture, pride in Hawaiʻi’s local trades industries, and a strong sense of community. Through these scholarships, we aim to uplift students who carry these same passions forward as they pursue their educational and professional goals. Four Scholarships. One Shared Purpose. For 2026, Waikīkī Beach Services…

By Kyani Bateman On the beach, the new year doesn’t arrive with fireworks or loud promises. It comes quietly, through the sound of paddles moving in the water, or through the way the ocean teaches you to slow down, whether you want to or not. Here, resolutions aren’t about fixing something that’s broken. They’re about…

By Brianna Johnson Honoring 70 Years: A Paddle Out of Gratitude and Aloha 2025 marked an incredible milestone — 70 years of Waikīkī Beach Services. Looking back over the years, it has been more than just surf lessons, canoe rides, and hosting visitors from around the world. We hold memories close to our hearts of…

By: Kyani Bateman & Lauren Adelman Every December, as the morning light met the shoreline of Waikīkī, a tradition unlike any other came to life once again. On Christmas Eve, families gathered along the sand fronting the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, keiki waited with wide-eyed excitement, and the ocean became the stage for a uniquely Hawaiian…

By Kyani Bateman Christmas in Waikīkī is unlike anywhere else in the world. Instead of snow-covered streets and winter coats, the season arrives with warm ocean breezes, golden sunsets, and palm trees wrapped in twinkling lights. Waikīkī transforms into a festive wonderland where Hawaiian traditions blend seamlessly with holiday cheer, creating a magical place to…

By Brianna Johnson   🎁 Last-Minute Holiday Gift Guide: Give the Gift of Waikīkī Adventure Running out of time to find the perfect holiday surprise? Don’t worry — we’ve got something better than anything wrapped in a box. This season, treat your loved ones to gifts inspired by sunshine, salty hair, and unforgettable moments on…

By: Emma Susas & Brianna Johnson Makahiki in Hawaiʻi is a season of peace, rest, and renewal — a time dedicated to honoring Lono, the god of agriculture, rainfall, abundance, and fertility. Traditionally marked by the rising of Makaliʻi, Makahiki signaled the end of the harvest season and the beginning of months devoted…

By: Emma Susas So, you’ve spent the day with us learning to surf the waves of Waikiki. Now what? Surf sessions are exhilarating, but the fun doesn’t have to stop when you hit the sand. Here’s your ultimate guide to unwinding and soaking in the magic of Waikīkī after your surf. 1. Set Sail on…

By Brianna Johnson A perfect beach day in Waikīkī pairs sun, surf, and great food. Whether you’re joining us for the best surf lessons in Waikīkī, trying beginner surf lessons for the first time, or simply relaxing on the sand, you’ll want to know where to refuel nearby. This Waikīkī food guide highlights some of…

By Emma Susas  Sure, our beachboys can surf, paddle, and keep the vibes going from sunrise to sunset—but what happens when they hang up the boards? It turns out there’s a lot more to these guys than just wave-catching. From fishing lines to guitar strings, here’s a look at the hidden talents that make our…

By Emma Susas  If you only have one day in Waikīkī, you’ll want to make the most of it. Between sun-soaked beaches, legendary surf, and world-famous dining, this stretch of Honolulu offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Here’s how to spend 24 hours in Waikīkī — with a bit of help from…

By Emma Susas What you wear matters when you’re heading out for a surf session. The right surfing gear keeps you safe, comfortable, and confident in the water—so you can focus on catching waves instead of dealing with distractions. Here’s what to keep in mind: The Perfect Surf Suit Should Have: Stability – Stay secure…

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…

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…

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…

By Emma Susas 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 swim…

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…

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…

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…

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:…

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…

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…

A Timeless Link to the Hawaiian Culture and Native Traditions By Traci Bush “The canoe was perceived as lying at the heart of the old culture—it was the central object at the heart of the web of the culture. Almost everything in the culture could be related to the canoe in some way.” -Herb Kane…

The first Hawaiians migrated from Oceania in 1300 with a fleet of outrigger canoes (waʻa), bringing along their livestock and families they navigated using the wind patterns and stars. The outrigger canoe was first created in a small island chain within Austronesia using a hollowed out tree stump. When the people of Austronesia migrated around…

Made from carved Koa Wood and sometimes Ula wood, the Alaia was the first type of surfboard made in the 6th Century. The beginnings of surfing were brought to Hawaiʻi when the first Polynesian settlers arrived 300 AD. This was the precursor to the modern surfboard and defined a whole culture of heʻe nalu or…

Meet the Waikiki Beachboys: Uncle Billy By Conor Lyden During the year 1952, Uncle Billy, our most senior beachboy, began his legacy on Waikiki Beach. At 12 years old, Uncle Billy was brought down to the beach by his family every Sunday and has been coming back since. In 1955, at 15 years old, Uncle…

MEET THE BEACHBOYS Written by Conor Lyden Beachgirl Sista Kaʻui, Queen of the Sheraton Waikīkī Diamond Head beach desk, sits atop a mighty kiosk throne, towering over her red umbrellas. Under her reign she has refined her crew to keep the beach in polished and professional order. Kaʻui welcomes anyone and everyone to her beach…

MEET THE BEACHBOYS Written by Conor Lyden Among all the friendly beachboys at Waikiki Beach Services, there is one who will undoubtedly restore even the greatest pessimist’s faith in humanity. You can always expect Aaron Char to tend to the needs of the beach, the morale of his co-beachboys, and of course, the relief and comfort…

MEET THE BEACHBOYS SERIES BEACHBOY MANAGER MIKE: Humble Man Of Mystery Written by Lauren Adelman Quiet, humble and unassuming, beachboy manager Mike, is the fearless leader of our Waikiki Beach Services (WBS) Sheraton Waikiki location, our largest beach & pool operation, overseeing over 40 employees at a time. He is a quiet force, preferring to…

MEET THE BEACH BOYS KAINOA: Hawaiian Superman Written by Conor Lyden Kainoa J. Dominguez, often confused for Maui (the Polynesian demigod familiarized to the mainstream audience for his featured in the Disney movie ʻMoanaʻ), is another Hawaiian Superman who can move weights heavier than the islands that the demigod himself pulled from the ocean. With…

April 22, 2022 Waikiki Beach Services was again voted #1 in the Surf Lesson category in Hawaii Magazine’s Readers Choice Best of 2022. The magazine hit stands on April 15–please be sure to check it out to get the scoops on all the most popular places to shop, dine and play. You can also access…