Waikiki Beach
Surf Guide
Waikiki Beach consists of numerous spots that offer rights and lefts, as well as world-renowned crowds. It is one of the birthplaces of recreational surfing and a pillar in the quintessential Hawaiian surfing experience. Surf Waikiki and you'll share waves with people from all over the world, many just learning how to surf. While Waikiki conjures images of small, soft, rolling waves, when there's a solid Southern Hemi swell running, many of its breaks turn on enough to keep the beginners on the inside, leaving the better outside rollers for more experienced surfers. *Note: This surf zone has bleeding control emergency supplies provided through the Adopt a Cove program. Learn more here.
Ability Level
All Abilities
All levels, but best suited for beginner to intermediate most of the time.
Local Vibe
Welcoming
Usually mellow and friendly, lots of tourists.
Crowd Factor
Heavy
All the spots through Waikiki are pretty much always crowded all the time.
Spot Rating
Fun
Many people surf their first and last time here. Always something to ride on the proper board, but usually mellow waves.
Shoulder Burn
Light
Long paddles to and from beach, but not bad once you're out there.
Water Quality
Clean
Clean for the most part, but most of Hawaii's population lives on the South Shore of Oahu. Tons of people. And occasional outfall.
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
Anything from the SE to SW, but usually from the S to SW.
Wind
Calm or offshore from NW to E, with NE straight offshore.
Surf Height
Waist high-well overhead
Tide
Medium