History of the Waʻa
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…
History of Alaia
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…
TALKING STORY: Uncle Billy
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…
SISTA KAʻUI: Miss Aloha
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…
AARON: Eye of the Artist
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…
BEACHBOY MANAGER MIKE: Humble Man Of Mystery
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…
KAINOA: Hawaiian Superman
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…
Waikiki Beach Services Voted Hawaii Magazine’s #1 in the Surf Lesson Category
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…