Oahu] Let's enjoy surfing in Oahu, the holy land of surfers! Introducing popular surfing spots and tours!

Oahu, Hawaii's most popular resort island

Hawaii is such a wonderful land that many call it the best tourist destination in the world and would like to call it a paradise on earth.

Although it is listed as one of the states of the United States of America, the climate and climate are very different from the mainland U.S., which is more than 3,000 km away. Even in January, when it is at its coldest, the average maximum temperature is 25°C, the equivalent of a summer day in Japan, and the environment is truly an everlasting summer paradise.

It is no wonder that so many people flock to Hawaii every year to enjoy the beauty and spontaneity of the island.

Did you know that Hawaii is an archipelago of more than 130 islands? Although there is one island in the archipelago, it is not the center of the archipelago. Most of the images of Hawaii that you see in tourist magazines and television programs are of the island of Oahu, where the state capital, Honolulu, is located.

In this article, I would like to focus on the surfing content of Oahu, a very popular tourist spot.

 

What is Oahu like?

Oahu has an area of 1,545 km². This is the third largest of the tourist islands in the Hawaiian archipelago, and is larger than the main island of Okinawa in Japan. It is quite large for an outlying island.

Honolulu, the urban center, is the political, economic, and tourist heart of not only Oahu, but the entire Hawaiian Islands. This makes Oahu the center of the Hawaiian Islands.

The area is blessed with tourist attractions on land as well as sea, with Diamond Head and many other mountains and hills boasting spectacular locations.

 

How to get to Oahu

Because Oahu is a popular year-round tourist destination, many planes come and go between Japan and Honolulu Airport.

There are direct flights to Honolulu from major airports such as Narita, Haneda, Chubu, Kansai, Fukuoka, and New Chitose Airports, and a wide selection of flights from major airlines to inexpensive LCCs are available.

The outbound trip takes about 7 hours and the return trip takes about 9 hours, making it a relatively easy-to-access overseas destination.

 

Attractions of Oahu

Although the Hawaiian Islands, including Oahu, are now part of the United States as a national framework, they existed as the Kingdom of Hawaii as recently as 1893. The remnants of the Hawaiian Kingdom are still very much alive today, and Oahu is home to a variety of fascinating cultures that are different from those of the United States.

In particular, traditional songs and dances are still passed down from generation to generation as traditional culture and valuable tourism resources, which can be seen at the luau shows popular among tourists. Visitors can experience the spirit of hospitality at these events, where they can enjoy gourmet food while watching fire dances, hula dances, and other performances.

The duality of being a sophisticated tourist destination while at the same time retaining a traditional atmosphere is a major attraction unique to Oahu.

 

Beautiful beaches and vast wilderness

The waters of Oahu are extremely beautiful and crystal clear blue. The island is home to many famous scenic oceanfront destinations, such as Waikiki Beach and the North Shore on the northern coast. All of them boast world-class locations, making Oahu one of the best environments in the world for ocean-based tourism.

Oahu is also home to many land-based tourist attractions such as Diamond Head, Tantalus Hill, Manoa Valley, Koko Head, and Waimea Falls, as mentioned above.

In addition, air activities such as skydiving and parasailing are also popular, making Oahu a great place to experience sightseeing on land, at sea, and in the air.

 

One of the world's leading resorts

One of the factors that make Oahu an excellent resort destination is the mild climate that envelops the entire Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii can be described as a winter-free environment, with average high temperatures as high as 25°C (77°F), which counts as a summer day, even in January, the coldest month.

Many people from all over the world come to Hawaii to escape the cold, not to escape the heat, but to escape the cold. It is said that in a typical year, nearly 10 million tourists visit the islands, and the city continues to develop into a resort environment to accommodate such a large number of visitors.

The number and quality of accommodations are among the best in the world, and it is safe to say that a visit to Oahu guarantees a wonderful resort experience.

 

Shopping and restaurants are also recommended

For many people, shopping and dining are the best parts of a trip. On the island of Oahu, with its excellent resort environment, you will of course be able to enjoy both to the fullest.

A number of world-renowned commercial facilities are located on the island, including Ala Moana Center, Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, and North Shore Marketplace. All of them offer a full lineup of stores, covering a variety of shopping genres from fashion to culture.

Not only that, Oahu's shopping centers also host a wide variety of events. The festive atmosphere, especially on holidays, is sure to bring out the glitz and glamour of a resort town that attracts people from all over the world.

Of course, there is a full lineup of gourmet foods as well, such as loco moco, which has recently become well established in Japan, and garlic shrimp using local shrimp, which is a must-try dish. You are guaranteed to find a variety of gastronomic delights that will make you want to eat too much!

 

Oahu is a mecca for surfers

Oahu is a wonderful tourist destination that is loved by everyone, but surfers especially love Oahu. For surfing enthusiasts, Oahu is a place they long to visit at least once.

The following section will take a closer look at why Oahu is so popular among surfers among the countless number of islands in the world.

 

How to enjoy surfing

Before we get to that, to understand why Oahu is so popular with surfers, we first need to know something broadly about surfing.

Surfing involves standing on a surfboard, balancing on it, and sliding along the board into the waves. It is extremely well known among the many marine sports and activities, and many people may know that it is popular for its smartness and stylishness.

First, let us show you how to enjoy it.

 

Surfing Attraction

While there is definitely a fashionable aspect to the appeal of surfing, let's focus on the pure appeal of surfing as an activity.

Surfing is loved by many people around the world because of its simplicity and depth of competition. The act of standing on a board and riding a wave has a very long history, having been enjoyed in many countries and regions before the sport of surfing was established.

The ease with which one can enjoy the sea without a boat is deeply fascinating to mankind. Yet, when pursued as a sport, the techniques and skills involved are so diverse that it has been adopted as an official event for the first time at the Tokyo Olympics.

 

The first feeling of riding a wave

Waves are much more powerful than they appear, and when you stand on top of them with a surfboard, you will be amazed at how powerful they are. Of course, it depends on the height of the wave, but it is very exciting to feel the wave glide over the top of the wave with no hesitation, even with one adult person on it.

There are many types of sports and activities, but those who have experienced surfing say the feeling is unmatched.

 

Become one with nature.

To begin with, surfing cannot be done without waves. And when it comes to waves that can be surfed on top of, it is not always possible to find them just by going to the ocean.

Surfers immerse themselves among the ripples, waiting for the desired big wave to arrive.

Although often thought of as an active sport, surfing is a meditative experience in which the surfer quietly faces the great nature of the ocean while waiting for a big wave. When the surfer is able to ride the wave without missing it, he or she feels a great sense of accomplishment and exhilaration.

One of the major attractions of surfing is that it combines both stillness and movement, and allows one to feel nature with one's whole body.

 

Engrossing and enjoyable

No matter how hard you work on your fitness and skills, the success or failure of surfing depends on the vagaries of nature, such as the timing and size of the waves. It is precisely because things do not go as planned that surfers wait for waves as long as they can, and perhaps that is why they are so fascinated by the depth of the sport of surfing.

And when it comes to surfing on Oahu, the beauty of the ocean goes without saying. The island's warm temperatures allow for year-round surfing, and the environment is extremely favorable. There are many good surfing spots, such as Waikiki and the North Shore, where you can choose where the waves are most likely to be suitable for your skill level.

How to find the waves of your choice is an eternal problem for surfers, and Oahu is the place that solves such problems. That is why so many surfers come to Oahu and are attracted to surfing here.

 

Popular Surfing Spots on Oahu

Let's take a look at the most popular surf spots on Oahu in order. These are all great spots, not only for their beauty, but also for their different personalities.

Let us show you why surfers are attracted to the area!

 

Waikiki Beach

The first beach we will discuss is Waikiki Beach, one of the most popular and well-known tourist spots in the Hawaiian Islands. This is a long beach that stretches for as long as three kilometers, and is actually a land divided into several beach areas rather than a single beach called Waikiki Beach.

The western end is Duke Kahanamoku Beach, where the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort is located.

The eastern end is divided into roughly eight areas, with Outrigger Canoe Club Beach, which includes the beachside restaurant Michelle's at Colony Surf.

 

Spot Features

Waikiki Beach is located in the heart of Honolulu. Because of its easy accessibility, the beach always attracts many people, not only surfers, but also tourists and local residents.

To the east is a magnificent view of Diamond Head, one of the most famous spots in the world, and the vivid contrast of the blue ocean and white sandy beach will make you sigh in admiration. The contrast of the blue ocean and white sandy beach is breathtaking.

The best waves for surfing come to Waikiki from April to September. The waves are relatively calm and gentle for a surf point, making the beach suitable for beginners to experience surfing.

However, even for beginners, there are sometimes big waves that even intermediate and advanced surfers can have trouble with, so be prepared to take on the challenge without overdoing it.

 

Access

As mentioned above, Waikiki Beach is located in central Honolulu. It is easily accessible from the urban area of Honolulu by various means, such as walking, renting a car, or taking a bus.

If you are taking the bus, get off at the intersection of Kuhio and Kaiulani Avenues, no matter which direction you are coming from. From there, a short walk in the direction of the ocean will take you to Waikiki Beach.

 

Ala Moana

Ala Moana Beach is the second most famous beach on Oahu after Waikiki Beach. Although not as long as Waikiki Beach, Ala Moana Beach is also relatively long at 1 km in length.

It is located right next to Waikiki Beach, but has a friendly local atmosphere that is different from the touristy Waikiki Beach. It is more of a beach for local Honolulu residents to enjoy the ocean, but of course it is a very popular spot for tourists as well.

 

Spot Features

As a long beach, there is plenty of room to relax on the site, and the mood is laid-back during the weekdays, while on weekends, locals hold beach parties, which is the daily scene at this beach.

Thanks to its location on the inside of the reef, the ocean is almost completely free of waves on the beach, and the high level of safety combined with the presence of lifeguards has made it popular among families.

There are toilets, showers, and lockers for changing clothes, as well as a store, an area suitable for picnics, tennis courts, and beach volleyball courts. We recommend that you enjoy your meal at the beach park, especially since the concession stand offers a full range of snacks, including breakfast sets and plate lunches.

There are three surf points: Tenniscoats, Baglite, and Kewalo, all of which have a strong local flavor and are quite difficult. It may be safer to try them after you are used to surfing to some extent.

 

Access

It is very close to Waikiki Beach and is also very accessible by both rental car and public transportation. If you take the bus, get off at the bus stop near Ala Moana Boulevard.

If you take the Waikiki Trolley, get off at the "Ala Moana Center Seaside" stop and you will have immediate access to the beach.

 

Diamond Head Cliffs

Next up is Diamond Head Cliffs, which stretches directly below Oahu's landmark Diamond Head, visible from Waikiki Beach.

The ocean is located on the entrance side of Diamond Head, and the beach is a popular scenic attraction.

Its location, with its close proximity to Hawaii's most famous landmark, Diamond Head, makes it arguably one of the most spectacular locations on the entire island of Oahu.

 

Spot Features

Many surfers visit here, and it is a very popular surfing spot.

The level of difficulty is suitable for beginners to intermediate surfers, and is recommended as the next surfing point to visit after Waikiki Beach for beginners. From Diamond Head, Cliffs is on the left and Lighthouse is on the right, with Cliffs being intermediate and Lighthouse being for advanced surfers.

The ability to choose the level of difficulty that suits you makes it an attractive and enjoyable surfing point, along with the ease of visiting.

 

Access

The two main means of access to Diamond Head Cliffs are by rental car and bus.

If you are driving from Waikiki in a rental car, take Kalakaua Avenue toward the Waikiki Aquarium, then turn right on Diamond Head Road. 500 meters down the road, turn right at the fork, and there are spaces for street parking in that area.

The wide spaces make it easy to park, but be aware that this is a spot where car burglaries are relatively common. Tourists with rental cars are particularly vulnerable, so be sure not to leave valuables in your car.

If you are traveling by bus from Waikiki, take bus #22 from the ocean side of Kalakaua Avenue. Get off at the bus stop just before the fork in Beach Road, and from there you can walk down to the ocean to reach the beach.

 

Banzai Pipeline (Efukai Beach)

Banzai Pipeline is one of the most popular surfing meccas not only on Oahu, but also in the world.

The official name of the beach is Efukai Beach, and Banzai Pipeline is the name of the surf point. Here, you will encounter world-class big waves, and the powerful scenery is sure to overwhelm you. It is also known as the site of the Pipe Masters, the most prestigious of the three major world surfing competitions.

 

Spot Features

The waves at Banzai Pipeline are at their most vigorous during the winter season, from January through March. Waves that are overwhelmingly taller than a person can stand are constantly coming in, creating the environment that advanced surfers have been waiting for.

The waves at this point are characterized by their tendency to form a tunnel-like shape called a tube, creating an exhilarating and fantastic sight.

Surfing at this point, however, is fraught with danger. The shallows near the shore are rocky, and if you are not skilled, you may damage your board. Furthermore, if you cannot handle the waves and lose your balance, you may get hit by a rock and seriously injured!

If you are a surfer, this is a sacred place that everyone wants to challenge, but you must hone your skills to the fullest before taking on the challenge.

 

Access

The main means of getting to Efukai Beach on the North Shore from Waikiki is by rental car or bus.

From the H1 freeway, take the H2 and then the Kamehameha Highway, follow the road and you will see the beach on the left. Parking is free and easily accessible.

On the other hand, if you choose to take the bus, take bus #52 from the Kapiolani Avenue + Pi'ikoi Road bus stop near the Ala Moana Center Eva Wing. After transferring to the No. 60 bus at the Kamehameha Highway + Loco Air Place stop, get off at the Kamehameha Highway + Kenui Road stop, which is a two-minute walk from there.

 

Haleiwa Ali'i Beach

Haleiwa Ali'i Beach, located on the northern coast (North Shore), is generally a popular spot to encounter sea turtles.

In the Polynesian culture of which Hawaii is a part, sea turtles are considered to be the guardians of the sea and are beloved as creatures that bring good luck. For this reason, Alii Beach is very popular among local residents.

Sea turtles can sometimes be seen basking in the sun on the sand, making this spot a different emotional experience from beaches that specialize in sightseeing.

However, it is forbidden by law to approach and stimulate sea turtles, so please keep that in mind.

 

Spot Features

Ali'i Beach is one of the beaches where surfing is enjoyed by many. The North Shore has many challenging beaches, giving the impression that it is for advanced surfers, but Ali'i Beach is a great introduction to the North Shore.

If you can ride a wave here, you can be judged to have the skills to challenge other spots, and it is also called the gateway to success on the North Shore.

Because of this environment, the town of Haleiwa itself, with its beaches, has a surfing atmosphere. Surfers are recommended to visit such stores, which are dotted here and there with stylish exteriors.

 

Access

The primary means of getting to Haleiwa is by rental car or bus. From Waikiki, the route is H1, H2, and Kamehameha Highway. From Waikiki, take the H1, H2, and Kamehameha Highway route, which will take you toward Waimea, then onto Haleiwa Road, and then another right turn. Parking is available at Ali'i Beach, and renters may take advantage of it.

On the other hand, if you are taking the bus, take the No. 8 or No. 23 bus from downtown Waikiki. Get off at Ala Moana Center and transfer to bus #52 bound for Haleiwa. After a short bus ride, get off at the bus stop in front of Haleiwa Beach Park.

 

Waimea Beach

One of the most popular scenic spots on Oahu is Waimea Canyon, which has become famous as a location for foreign TV dramas. From this valley, which is famous for its beautiful waterfalls, water flows into the ocean through the Waimea River. At the end of the river is Waimea Beach, which I will introduce next.

Waimea Beach is unique in that it has a different mood each season, summer and winter. In summer, the ocean from the beach is very calm, and there are almost no waves, thanks in part to the cove topography.

People can be seen enjoying activities such as snorkeling, and it is an impressive spot where local residents are spending their time in their own leisurely way.

 

Spot Features

It is in the winter that the surfers are seen more frequently at Waimea Beach. Strong waves come in one after another to the beach from the Aleutian Islands, located south of Alaska. The waves are often up to 20 meters high!

Although the waves are so high that you may shiver, it is an ideal environment for surfers, and in the winter, you can see many skilled surfers testing their skills.

Many spectators can be seen watching from the top of the cliffs to catch a glimpse of the surfers, creating an interesting and unique surfing environment.

It is not an easy challenge, but if you are very confident in your skills, you may want to try it if you have the opportunity.

 

Access

If you are accessing by rental car from Waikiki, take the H1 Freeway and then the H2 Freeway to Kamehameha Highway. Once in Haleiwa, go straight in the direction of the bypass and you will see Waimea Beach on your left. From there, go down the hill to the entrance of the beach park, where you can park for free.

If you are taking the bus, go to Ala Moana Center first and transfer there to bus #52. Get off in front of Haleiwa Beach Park, cross the street and transfer to bus #55. 10 minutes' ride will get you to Waimea Beach Park.

 

Makapuu Beach

Unlike the southern and northern coastal beaches mentioned above, Makapu'u Beach is located in the eastern part of O'ahu. It is located in conjunction with Makapu'u Cape, and the view from the observation deck is truly beautiful.

On the left side of the beach, two island shadows called Rabbit Island and Turtle Island can be seen, and the view of the islands beyond the blue sea is very quaint.

The Makapu'u Lighthouse can also be seen on the right side, and is quietly gaining popularity as a secluded spot where one can take the time to appreciate the beauty of Oahu's oceanfront.

 

Spot Features

The ocean at Makapu'u Beach is known for its strong waves, but if you enjoy surfing, the strength of the waves is of course a great advantage.

Although you may encounter waves that come crashing down on you from overhead, you will be glad to know that the bottom of the sea is sandy, not rocky, to ensure a certain degree of safety. Of course, good surfing skills are required to ride the big waves, but the scenic beauty of the area makes it a highly recommended spot.

In addition to surfing, many people here also enjoy bodyboarding. Bodyboarding is an easier and safer marine activity than surfing, so it might be interesting to try this one.

 

Access

Both rental cars and buses can be used to get there from Waikiki.

If you are driving a rental car, go through Kalakaua Avenue, then Monsarrat Avenue, Diamond Head Road, 18th Avenue, and Kilauea Avenue. Once on Kalanianaole Highway, head east. You will pass Hawaii Kai, Hanauma Bay, and then descend downhill to the lookout at Makapu'u Point, which will take you to the beach parking lot.

If you are taking a bus, take the No. 22 bus from the ocean side of Kalakaua Avenue or the No. 23 bus from the ocean side of Kuhio Avenue. The bus will take you to Makapu'u Beach, which is easily accessible without having to transfer to another bus.

 

Sunset Beach

Last but not least, Sunset Beach is the most well-known beach on the northern coast of Oahu (North Shore).

The area around this beach is unobstructed, and as the name "Sunset" implies, it has a reputation for beautiful sunsets. Of course, the location is also wonderful at other times of the day as well, making it a spot that attracts many tourists throughout the year.

The sea changes its appearance depending on the season, but the sea surface is very calm in the summer when the bathing season is in full swing. The beautiful blue ocean, white sandy beaches, and the tropical sun will make for a great swimming experience.

 

Spot Features

And like all North Shore beaches, Sunset Beach is transformed into a great surfing spot in the winter.

In the winter season, strong waves arrive from the north, and the dangerous sea turns from the calm waters of summer to its fangs. Of course, high waves are favorable for surfers. The scenery and wave quality make it one of the most popular surfing spots, and it is very crowded during the season.

Sunset Beach is also the site of numerous world championships, including the Surfing World Cup from November to February.

If you enjoy surfing, this is a spot you should visit at least once.

 

Access

Sunset Beach is located a short distance beyond Waimea Beach.

If you are traveling by rental car, you can continue along the same route until you reach Sunset Beach, which is about 3 km further from Waimea Beach.

The bus is the same until you transfer to the 55 in front of Haleiwa Beach Park. From there, continue for about 20 minutes and you will find a bus stop right in front of Sunset Beach, where you can get off.

 

Three major world surfing competitions on Oahu

As we mentioned in our introduction to the beaches, there are a number of world surfing competitions on Oahu. Three of the largest are the Reef Hawaiian Pro, Vans World Cup, and Pipe Masters.

The three events are called the Triple Crown, with a total prize purse of a whopping $1 million. It is considered the highest honor for a surfer to win these events.

You should definitely try to compete! Although it is not a tournament that can be casually referred to as ......, the world's three major competitions are a must-see, even if you are not a surfer, to see the best surfers in the world.

Please take a look at them in the order they are presented.

 

Reef Hawaiian Pro (Haleiwa Beach)

The first event of the Triple Crown is the Reef Hawaiian Pro at Haleiwa Beach.

Surfers compete in various competitions throughout the season, earning points based on their rankings, with the highest points awarded for winning these competitions.

 

Features of the Convention

The waves at Haleiwa Beach during the competition season are often medium-sized for the winter season. This makes it a great place to watch the pros perform their technical tricks as they are tested on the precision of their lip action, which is very appealing.

Of course, there are also cases where powerful large waves come in, making this a tournament that also tests one's ability to respond to the situation.

 

When and where the event will be held

The event will be held from November 12 to 24.

It is located on the west side of Haleiwa Beach at Early Beach.

 

Vans World Cup (Sunset Beach)

The second round of the Triple Crown is the Vans World Cup at Sunset Beach.

With the big waves crashing into Sunset Beach at this time of year, there is a good chance that you will see the biggest waves of the three races.

 

Features of the Convention

As befits the World Cup name, this event features the same maximum points as the Reef Hawaiian Pro. Many players say that the Vans World Cup is the hardest and most fun surf they will encounter.

Of course, this can only be said of the world's top players who are able to compete in this tournament, but from a spectator's point of view, the more difficult it is, the more enjoyable and spectacular it is.

This is a very spectacular tournament that is sure to be a big hit.

 

When and where the event will be held

The event will be held from November 25 to December 6.

Sunset Beach is the venue for the event.

 

Pipe Masters (Efukai Beach)

Closing out the Triple Crown is the Pipe Masters, which I mentioned above.

Surfers and surfing fans from all over the world are eagerly awaiting the Pipe Masters at Pipeline, which has been called the best surfing point in the world.

 

Features of the Convention

Only a limited number of the world's top surfers are eligible to compete in this tournament. The top 22 surfers from the previous year's WSL (World Surfing League) Championship Tour rankings are used as a reference, and the top 22 surfers from there. The top 10 surfers from the WSL QS ranking below that. And two more wildcards are included, for a total of 34 competing in the final round of the Championship Tour.

The winner of this competition will be crowned the world champion of the year in both name and reality.

You will surely experience the greatest excitement when you see the battle that is sure to be heated.

 

When and where the event will be held

The competition is being held at Pipeline from the 8th to the 20th of December.

However, since the tournament attracts a large number of people, including spectators, it took a different form last year, when the new coronavirus was prevalent. It was the first online tournament where players posted videos and the winner was determined by the content of the videos. That in itself was an innovative and interesting experiment, but it meant that the competition was not held in the traditional way.

It is uncertain how the tournament will be held after this year, so if you are planning to go and watch the games, please make sure to check the schedule well in advance!

 

Recommended tours to enjoy surfing

Finally, we would like to introduce three local tours that are perfect for surfing.

By joining a tour, you will definitely be able to immerse yourself in surfing without the various hassles associated with travel.

We have included a brief introduction to the tour and links to detailed information for your reference!

 

Surfing lessons in the real North Shore

This tour offers a surfing experience on the North Shore, where surfing is very popular.

The tour is attractive for its wide range of difficulty settings, with lessons in coves with low waves for beginners and tours of popular surfing spots for advanced surfers, to suit all skill levels.

Each instructor will guide you according to your skill level, so you can aim for a higher level of skill than you have now.

 

Surfing Experience Learn from local surfers

This tour has three start times to choose from: 6:00, 10:00, and 14:00, making it easy to freely incorporate into your travel plans.

Local surfers who are certified by the state of Hawaii will accompany the tour as instructors to help you hone your surfing skills.

Instruction from surfers who know the local environment inside and out is reputed to be easy to understand, and is guaranteed to help you improve!

 

Choice of surfing/stand up paddle lessons
Waikiki Beach Wave Riding Experience!

You can enjoy surfing or stand-up paddleboarding on the popular Waikiki Beach.

Surfing has been introduced in detail above, but stand-up paddleboarding, or SUP for short, is another very popular activity in Hawaii.

It is a photogenic experience and we invite you to enjoy the Waikiki Beach environment!

 

summary

We have introduced you to surfing on Oahu, how do you like it?

Surfing is often thought of as a highly specialized activity, but in fact each spot has its own level of difficulty, and beginners can slowly become accustomed to it if they choose the right spot.

Why not use your trip to Oahu as an opportunity to try surfing?