Oahu: Outrigger Canoe Surfing & Wave Rides
Three Waves on a Royal Sport—Now Open to Everyone
You paddle out with a licensed captain, catch three waves on an outrigger canoe, and ride them back to shore—no swimming ability required, no life jacket needed because the hull keeps you stable. Groups stay under six people, so it feels intimate rather than crowded. Kids from five up can join, and the fixed price covers the captain, equipment, and all fees.
20m
Step-by-step itinerary
Surf waves on outrigger canoe
- Arrive at Oahu, Hawaii
- Board the outrigger canoe
- Surf three waves on canoe
The Experience
You're in the water within minutes of arriving. The outrigger canoe sits steady in the shallows, six seats total—four for paddlers, two for riders—and a licensed captain who knows exactly where the next swell is coming. Outrigger canoe surfing used to belong only to Hawaiian royalty, but today you're paddling out to catch three waves yourself, no life jacket required because the hull design keeps everyone safe even when the water gets rough.
The canoe doesn't feel fragile the way you might expect. It's built to ride swells, and the captain positions you so that when a wave comes, the whole crew paddles hard and the canoe lifts and slides down the face of it—that moment when you're moving faster than the ocean, that's the thing. Kids as young as five can ride, and non-swimmers are welcome; the captain handles the navigation and timing, so you just paddle when he says paddle. Children under twelve don't paddle—they sit in the rider seats and feel the acceleration without the work.
The whole experience runs on a small-group model: minimum three people to book, maximum six in the canoe at once, which means you're not crammed in with strangers. If your party is smaller than three, you can still book by paying for the minimum, and the entire session stays exclusive to your group. Bring your own towel and sunscreen; the captain and paddles and all the taxes are included, so there's nothing else to arrange once you're there.
What’s included
- Your session includes a licensed captain who guides the paddling and wave selection, the outrigger canoe and paddles, and all taxes and handling fees.
- Bring your own towel and sunscreen.
- Groups of 3 to 6 people ride together, with four paddling seats and two rider seats; children under 12 typically occupy the rider seats.
Operated by Waikiki Beach Services
Is this one for you?Book this if you want to try a Hawaiian water sport without needing swimming skills or special fitness—the captain handles the technical work, and the canoe's design keeps everyone stable even when you're riding a wave.
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Top questions
Do I need to know how to swim?
No. Non-swimmers are welcome. The outrigger canoe is designed to be stable, and the captain manages the paddling and positioning.
What's the age limit?
Minimum age is 5 years old. Children under 12 ride in the designated rider seats and don't paddle.
How many people can go at once?
Up to 6 people per canoe. The minimum booking is 3 people; if your group is smaller, you can pay for 3 and book an exclusive session.
Do I need a life jacket?
No. The outrigger canoe is one of the few ocean vessels that doesn't require life jackets because of its stable design.
What's included in the price?
Licensed captain, the outrigger canoe, paddles, and all taxes and fees. Bring your own towel and sunscreen.
Can infants come?
Yes. Infants can ride in a pram or stroller, or sit on an adult's lap during the activity.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The activity and nearby transportation options are wheelchair accessible.
How many waves do we surf?
Three waves per session.
