Honoring Princess Kaʻiulani: A Legacy of Aloha, Advocacy, and Surf By Brianna Johnson Each year, we take a moment to honor Princess Victoria Kaʻiulani, a beloved figure in Hawaiʻi’s history whose legacy continues to inspire generations. Born on October 16, 1875, Princess Kaʻiulani was the heir to the throne of the Hawaiian Kingdom. At a…
From Helumoa to Āina Moana: Honoring Waikīkī’s Storied Shoreline on International Coastal Cleanup Day
By Brianna Johnson & Lauren Adelman At Waikīkī Beach Services, our connection to the ocean goes far beyond the beach. It is part of who we are, and caring for the places we call home is part of our kuleana. In celebration of International Coastal Cleanup Day, our WBS office crew stepped outside of our…
Celebrating Duke Kahanamoku: The Original Waikīkī Beachboy
By Brianna Johnson Every August 24, Hawaiʻi celebrates the birthday of one of its most beloved icons: Duke Paoa Kahanamoku. Born in Honolulu in 1890, Duke grew up in Waikīkī with the ocean as his playground. Long before Waikīkī became the world-famous destination it is today, Duke and his fellow Waikīkī beach boys could be…
Flying a Kapa Lupe at Lēʻahi: Honoring a Tradition Above Waikīkī
By Brianna Johnson Some experiences stay with you long after they’re over. For the Waikīkī Beach Services team, flying our handcrafted kapa lupe (traditional Hawaiian kite) at the base of Lēʻahi (Diamond Head) was one of those unforgettable moments. The journey actually began a year earlier, when our team had the privilege of visiting…
More Than a Bag: The Story Behind our Aloha Collection Exclusive
By Brianna Johnson At first glance, our exclusive Aloha Collection x Waikīkī Beach Services Day Tripper may look like the perfect beach bag for your next surf check, pool day, or travel adventure — but behind the design is a much deeper story rooted in Waikīkī history, culture, and mālama ʻāina. The inspiration for…
Why a Beach Day is the Perfect Mother’s Day Gift in Hawaiʻi
By Brianna Johnson Mother’s Day in Hawaiʻi isn’t just about flowers or brunch reservations—it’s about creating a moment she’ll actually feel. And honestly, nothing captures that better than a perfectly curated beach day in Waikīkī. Think soft sand, warm sun, gentle waves, and zero stress. This year, skip the predictable and give mom something she’ll…
How to Plan the Perfect Waikīkī Beach Day (Surf Lessons, Rentals & More)
By Brianna Johnson Planning a beach day in Waikīkī? With warm water, gentle waves, and plenty of activities to choose from, it’s easy to turn a simple day at the beach into one of the best memories of your trip. Whether you want to learn how to surf, relax under an umbrella, or try something…
Restoring the Ride: The Craft and Care Behind the Canoe
By Kyani Bateman At Waikīkī Beach Services, the experience of outrigger canoe surfing at waikiki beach may last only a few moments, but those moments become something far greater — a core memory etched into the hearts of our guests long after they’ve left the shore. Riding a wave on a canoe is fleeting, yet…
Living Legacy: Merrie Monarch Lives Through Kamahaʻo Kawelu
By Kyani Bateman At Waikīkī Beach Services, the legacy of Waikīkī’s beachboys is more than a profession; it is a way of life rooted in aloha, culture, and an unwavering connection to Hawaiʻi. Every wave ridden, every guest welcomed, and every story shared carries forward generations of ʻike (knowledge) and kuleana (responsibility). For some, that…
Is Waikīkī Good for Beginner Surfers?
By Brianna Johnson If you’ve ever wondered, “Can you surf Waikīkī if you’ve never tried before?” The answer is yes — and it’s actually one of the best places in the world to learn. Waikīkī is known for its long, gentle waves, warm water, and sandy bottom, which makes it the perfect spot for first-time…
Five Things to do in Waikīkī for Spring Break
By Brianna Johnson Spring break in Waikīkī is all about sunshine, ocean adventures, and a little bit of island indulgence. Whether it’s your first visit or a yearly tradition, there’s no better place to soak up the aloha spirit. “If you’re planning your days in Waikīkī, here are a few must-do waikiki beach activities to…
Empowering Dreams: Meet WBS Scholarship Recipient Koa Chang
By Kyani Bateman At Waikīkī Beach Services, the legacy of the Waikīkī’s beachboys and beachgirls extends far beyond the shoreline. It lives through values like stewardship, community, cultural pride, and the commitment to uplift future generations. The Waikīkī Beach Services Scholarship Program was created to support students in Hawaiʻi who embody these values while pursuing…