“This was the best thing we did in Waikiki, pure joy riding waves together!”
Verified Review
Experience the original Hawaiian rollercoaster ride with a canoe surfing adventure in Waikīkī. This 30-minute ride puts you right in the middle of the action as you paddle out with certified canoe captains and catch waves in a traditional outrigger canoe. It’s safe, exciting, and surprisingly beginner-friendly—even if you’ve never surfed before. With space for up to six guests per canoe, it’s a perfect group or family activity that combines fun, teamwork, and cultural connection.
GUEST REQUIREMENTS
For ages 5+, group size limited to 6 guests.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Active, paddling
WHAT TO BRING
Swimsuit, Towel, Reef-safe sunscreen
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations must be made 48 hours prior via email.
WHAT GUESTS ARE SAYING
4.7★ from 270 reviews on TripAdvisor
Guests love Waikiki Beach Services’ canoe surfing for blending local surf culture with pure fun. Many say paddling out as a team and riding waves together is the highlight of their stay — part history, part adrenaline rush. Reviews mention the crew’s skill and friendly encouragement, making everyone feel safe and stoked, whether you’re a first-timer or reliving a piece of Hawaiian tradition. Families appreciate how kids and adults can share the thrill side by side.
Activity details:
Experience the thrill of canoe surfing, the original Hawaiian rollercoaster ride! Paddle out to the surfbreak with the guidance of certified Canoe Captains and catch waves on Waikīkī Beach in an outrigger canoe.
What's included:
- Canoe and paddles
- Certified Canoe Captains to guide and assist
What's not included:
- Lifejackets (available upon request for adults)
- Personal flotation devices (required for children, must be provided by guardian)
Itinerary:
- Paddle out to the surfbreak
- Catch waves in an outrigger canoe
Highlights:
- Surf waves in a traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoe
- Guided by certified Canoe Captains
- Perfect for all swimming and paddling abilities
- Fun for families with children aged 5+
Restrictions:
- Minimum of 3 participants required
- Maximum of 6 participants per canoe
- When filled with the maximum of 6 participants, 4 people wil be the paddlers, and 2 people will be the riders.
- Childen 5 - 12 will be the ridersWaikiki Beach Services has been carrying on Waikīkī’s beach boy tradition since 1955, helping visitors experience the ocean like locals have for generations. Their team of certified canoe captains keeps the spirit of outrigger canoe surfing alive — guiding families, first-timers, and return riders through this classic Hawaiian adventure with warmth, humor, and a deep respect for the waves.
Meeting Point:
Waikiki Beach Services at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel
2259 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Check-in Instructions:
Check in at the iconic Royal Hawaiian beachfront, directly at Waikiki Beach Services’ stand. Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Look for the canoe and your certified captains who’ll guide you to the surf break.If you wish to change or cancel your booking, please submit your request via e-mail to info@waikikibeachservices.com at least 48 hours before an activity/rental. No-shows or cancellation requests received within 48 hours will not be eligible for refund.
Please allow up to 10 business days for refunds to process between banking institutions.
FOLIO TRAVELOGUE
Riding the Waves of Waikīkī, the Traditional Way
There’s something timeless about the shoreline at Waikīkī—the steady rhythm of the waves, the silhouettes of Diamond Head in the distance, and the bright outrigger canoes dotting the surf. Joining this canoe surfing experience feels like stepping into that living postcard, but with a rush of adrenaline.
It begins simply: paddling out from the beach with your canoe captain calling the strokes. The waters are warm, and the mood is light. But when your group turns to catch that first wave, everything changes. The canoe lifts, skims forward, and suddenly you’re flying across the face of a wave with nothing but salt air, laughter, and spray all around.
"More than a thrill ride—this is surfing the Hawaiian way, fast, fun, and full of spirit."
You don’t need to know how to surf. You don’t need to be in peak shape. You just need to hold on and enjoy the ride. And what a ride it is—equal parts thrilling and graceful, rooted in a tradition that predates modern surfing by centuries.
Back on shore, the experience lingers. Your arms might be sore from paddling, but your heart is full from the shared joy of wave riding, Hawaiian style.
