Hawaii is among the best places in the world to take a surf vacation.
Hawaii is a popular vacation destination for many reasons. The year round warm weather, exotic culture, romantic setting and natural wonders of the islands are all part of the allure of Hawaiian travel. As the place that boasts the best surfing in the world, many people choose to come here to either ride the big waves or learn the skill. People seeking a surf vacation couldn't choose a better place to do it than the Hawaiian Islands.
Waikiki For Beginners
Waikiki is one of the world's most famous beaches and the area on the south side of Oahu is heavy with tourist traffic because of this fact. Duke Kahanamoku was the father of modern surfing, and this was his home turf as he popularized surfing in Hawaii and across the world. However, for a beginning surfer looking to learn ride the waves no place is more appropriate than Waikiki. Not typically known for large sets of waves, this surf break is predictable and mild enough for the beginner.
Waikiki hotels like the Hilton Hawaiian Village offer beginner's surfing lessons. The Hilton's program called "Surfing 101" includes a surfing history lesson followed by demonstration of surf basics. This will give visitors the opportunity to rent a board and try out their newfound knowledge on the waves in this beautiful place.
Hilton Hawaiian Village
2005 Kalia Road
Honolulu, HI 96815
808-949-4321
hiltonhawaiianvillage.com
North Shore Excursion
The North Shore of Oahu is ground zero for big wave surfing. Throughout much of the year, waves are suitable for any level of experience. Yet, the North Shore winters see huge swells that only the brave and highly experienced should try. However, it's still a great scene to watch as daredevil surfers take on 20-plus-foot faces in Waimea Bay.
To hone your skills as a surfer, either with or without experience, the Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore offers a surf school taught by the top surfers in the area. Surfing lessons for teenagers and adults in groups are available at the hotel for a fee. Otherwise, caution is advised to inexperienced people attempting to surf the breaks along the northern portion of Oahu.
Turtle Bay Resort
57-091 Kamehameha Highway
Kahuku, Oahu, HI 96731
808-293-6000
turtlebayresort.com
Big Island Boogie
While many people are able to paddle in and pop up on their board at one of Hawaii's many surf breaks, some people are more comfortable with body surfing or boogie boarding. This activity takes less practice and is possible in shallow, sandy shore break areas all around the state.
One of the best beaches for boogie boarding is on the Big Island of Hawaii at a place called Hapuna Beach. This state park beach area is wide, has a varying wave height depending on the weather and is almost entirely sandy bottomed. Waves here are often only 2 or 3 feet high, but can creep up to 6 to 8 feet or more during the winter months to make for treacherous situations and a powerful riptide.
Perhaps the best way to take advantage of this great beach is to stay at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. The hotel joins the beach and is the only structure visible from the beach, making this piece of old Hawaii desirable to many tourists. For those who do not wish to pack a boogie board, beach rentals are available.
Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel
62100 Kauna'oa Drive
Kohala Coast, HI 96743
808-880-1111
princeresortshawaii.com
Tags: North Shore, Hapuna Beach, Beach Prince, Beach Prince Hotel, boogie boarding, Hapuna Beach Prince