Catch waves with certified Canoe Captains on a 30-minute Waikiki ride
30 minutes
Up to 6 people
Canoe, paddles, Certified captains
Experience the thrill of canoe surfing, the original Hawaiian rollercoaster ride. Paddle an outrigger canoe on Waikiki Beach with certified Canoe Captains and catch waves together.
Minimum of 3 participants required; maximum 6 per canoe. Ages 5+ welcome; a guardian must hold children during the ride and provide a flotation device. Activities may be canceled or rescheduled in large surf or unpredictable conditions.
Q: Can children participate?
A: Yes, children aged 5+ are welcome with a guardian who must hold them during the ride.
Q: I cannot swim, but can I participate?
A: Yes, non-swimmers are welcome.
Q: There are only two of us. Can you put us with other guests?
A: As long as you book for the minimum of 3, staff will help you paddle. Bookings are exclusive; we do not mix strangers.
Q: What is the difference between "Canoe Surfing" and "Canoe Charter"?
A: "Canoe Surfing" guarantees 3 waves and takes 20-30 minutes. "Canoe Charter" is one hour with as many waves as time allows.
Q: What happens if the surf is too large?
A: Safety is the priority; bookings may be canceled or rescheduled.
Q: Who can paddle or be a rider?
A: With 6 participants, 4 paddle and 2 ride. Healthy individuals 13 and older can paddle.
Change or cancel at least 48 hours before your activity. No-shows or cancellations within 48 hours are not eligible for a refund. Refunds may take up to 10 business days to process.
Royal Hawaiian Hotel, 2259 Kalākaua Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815
The beach services team at the Royal Hawaiian consistently delivers exceptional experiences that keep visitors coming back year after year. Staff members like Miwa, Russell, Darryn, and Keola earn regular praise for their attentiveness and genuine care. Multiple reviewers highlight how team members go above and beyond, from moving bags away from incoming tides to coordinating complex group bookings with patience and detailed communication. Canoe surfing stands out as a particularly popular activity, with guides creating memorable experiences that often become trip highlights. Private surf lessons also get enthusiastic recommendations, with instructors demonstrating real skill in getting beginners up on boards quickly. The umbrella and lounge chair rentals ($99 for a full day) provide comfortable home bases, and staff actively patrol to prevent unauthorized use while you're away. The personal touch really shines through, with returning guests noting that staff remember them from previous visits and provide that rare first-class service that makes a Hawaiian vacation feel special.
I took a One-on-One Private Surf Lesson through Waikiki Beach Services at the Royal Hawaiian and had a great experience! Keola was an excellent instructor for my first time ever on a surfboard. He was easy to talk to and be around, demonstrated confidence and mastery of teaching, and was patient and clear in his guidance. Would absolutely recommend a lesson with Keola!
Megan Federico
November 17, 2025
I took a One-on-One Private Surf Lesson through Waikiki Beach Services at the Royal Hawaiian and had a great experience! Keola was an excellent instructor for my first time ever on a surfboard. He was easy to talk to and be around, demonstrated confidence and mastery of teaching, and was patient and clear in his guidance. Would absolutely recommend a lesson with Keola!
Megan Federico
November 17, 2025