Oahu is one of 8 Hawaiian islands located in the Pacific Ocean, about halfway between California and Japan. Although it is the third largest island in the group, the majority of the population lives here. Oahu is considered of as a paradise, a mixture of spectacular exotic scenery and fantastic weather. Waikiki is a tourism gem and the place where Duke Kahanamoku helped revive surf a long time ago. In summer (from April to September) the waves reach 0.6-2.5 in height. In the stretch of coast that goes from “Duke Beach” to “Kuhio Beach”, hundreds of surfers enter the water almost every day of the year, enjoying the fun and friendly conditions (as opposed to the wild and dangerous North Shore). Surfers, what are you waiting for?
On the east side, Kailua Bay is more suitable for kitesurfers, but on days when the wind is light or absent it is possible to surf the reef in the north of the bay, working with swell from east. Makupu’u Point is probably the best spot for bodyboarding and bodysurfing with long lefts ending in large tubes in the shorebreak: works best in winter with swell from E. Sandy beach is a “neck cut” shorebreak that works in swell situations from S and E: it is suitable for insane and talented. Close to Kawaiku’i Beach Park check out the Secret offshore reef with its long and good lefts (at high tide) or Toes, which offers perfect waves for longboarding when the winds are light or from north.
Cliffs is a reefbreak that sends out steady, long waves that absorb the crowds of surfers and kiters. Although it is often windy, it is the largest spot on the south shorebreak. The lefts of Tonggs are easy and perfect for those who want to improve. Paddle off the small beach outside Kalakuana. Queens & Canoes are Waikiki’s legendary and fun reefs suitable for all types of surfing skills. Queens offers good right up to 2m, while Canoes is more suited to longboarders and beginners.
Skilled surfers can try to jump into the Ala Moana bowl: this is the hottest left on the south shorebreak, it breaks on a very low reef and it is located outside Ala Wai Harbor. If Ala Moana is too crowded, another option might be the fast lefts of Kewalo , but among the dangers are the coral heads and sharks in the channel full of boats and current.
Further towards Ewa Beach there is Kehai Point, a long beach with many windswept reefs that only clear with N winds. Shortboarders can find a good peak along the beach or in the reef between Ewa and Nimitz Beach called Coves . This spot sends lefts (not always regular) with swell from south or west. Near the industrial area there is Barbers Point that offers lefts up to 1-1.5m with swell from south or more decomposed waves with swell from N – NW. In Kahe Beach Park, Tracks breaks on a sand-covered reef that produces lefts with swells from S-SW and swells from N-NW. Continuing north there is Maili Point , often offshore and crowded, with its fast right-handers breaking over a coral reef with SW-W swells. The last beach to check out is Makaha and its 4 line ups: The Point, The Bowl, The Blowhole and The Inside Reef. Ride on in any size, these epic days become a challenge over 11ft.
Tariff per person, starting from:
| Departure | Ala Moana Hotel | Polynesian Hostel Beach Club | Ilikai Hotel Private Residence by Airpads |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double | Double | Double | |
| From 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020 | € 515 | € 242 | € 273 |
Notes
In Oahu conditions are suitable for surfing come from all over the Pacific. Swells from the North Pacific release the highest waves (8-20ft) mainly from October to May. From April to November, the coasts are hit by windswells from NE from 4-12ft. Very frequent from April to October, South Pacific swells travel great distances. These S swells are very strong when they hit the south face of the coastline. Waves from hurricanes and tropical storms (from June to November) can reach extreme heights (10-26ft) and it occur mainly in the south-east and west sides of the coast. The tides are semi diurnal and rarely reach 2ft.
How to get there : Honolulu (HNL) is the Pacific’s largest hub with daily flights from the west coast of North America, Sydney, Auckland, Manila and Japan. Most companies get to Oahu or any other Hawaiian island for just $ 80, but return travel is often not guaranteed for the boards !! Choose well the airline to fly with or rent the board.
Getting around : The Bus is Honolulu’s public transport. Oahu-Maui is the only “inter-islands” route made by Hawaii Superferry. Most car rental services ask for a minimum age of 25. Rent costs around $ 150-200 / week for a cheap car. Gas is about 25% more than in the US. Traffic can get heavy on the weekend.
Accommodation and Food : It is possible to find everything: from historic hotels to apartments, resorts with views and boutique hotels. The price varies greatly according to the location such as the Diamond Head view, the ocean or the Ko’olau mountain. Aloha surf is a 3 star hotel and costs around $ 85-100 / night. Renting apartments from April 16th – September 30th costs around $ 150 / day for 4 people.
Climate : Waikiki is characterized by a tropical climate being in the middle of the Pacific and at the equator. The area enjoys a warm climate all year round with temperatures ranging from 19-27 ° C in winter and 21-30 ° C in summer. From October to April, Kona winds (SSW-SW) bring warm, sticky air, while NE-E winds that blow throughout the rest of the year, bring cooler air.
Nature and Culture : It is one of the most popular destinations to spend the honeymoon. Waikiki provides many services like large American cities such as shopping, culture and entertainment. Honolulu was recently ranked among the most beautiful American cities due to its water and clean area, and the lowest crime rate. Visit the Bishop Museum.
Dangers and annoyances : Coral cuts and unpredictable shorebreaks have caused many neck and spine injuries to all types of surfers. Very rough sea conditions are often accompanied by strong currents. Localism is also present on the south coast.
Practical advice : Hawaii is influenced by pidgin, a type of slang found on many islands in Polynesia. Surfboard rental prices are low: Nsp boards $ 50 for the first 2 days then $ 10 / day for the whole week, performance boards $ 75 for 2 days and then $ 15 / day thereafter.
Exchange rate 1 EUR = 1.08 USD; 1 € = 1.51 NZD; 1 EUR = 1.41 AUD
Exchange rate variations (more than 3%) will lead to an adjustment of costs. They will be communicated within 20 days of departure.
The tariff does not include
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