Surf Etiquette in Hawaiʻi: What Visitors Should Know

No matter where you are in the world, basic surf etiquette keeps everyone safe in the water. In ancient Hawaiʻi, hierarchy in the lineup was taken very seriously. “If a commoner dropped in on a wave that an ali‘i wanted to ride, or rode a wave that an ali‘i was catching, those violations warranted the death penalty,” according to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

Thankfully, the consequences today are far less severe, but this history helps explain how deeply rooted respect and hierarchy remain in Hawaiʻi’s surf culture.

To keep yourself and others safe in the ocean, follow these unspoken rules of surf etiquette and always ride with aloha.

Basic Surf Definitions

If you're new to surfing, these terms will help you understand the rules:

Surf break - The location where waves break, such as a beach or reef.

Peak - The highest point of the wave where it first begins to break.

Lineup - The area in the water where surfers wait their turn to catch a wave. Think of it as a queue.

Dropping in - Catching a wave in front of the surfer closest to the peak. This is unacceptable behavior and can cause collisions, injuries and heated confrontations.

Basic rules of surf etiquette

1. Respect the locals. This advice applies everywhere, but especially at surf breaks in Hawaiʻi. Many local surfers have been riding these waves their entire lives. Stay out of their way and always let them go first, especially elders. Aunties and uncles sit at the top of the hierarchy. Watching from shore before paddling out will teach you a lot about the break and how the lineup works.

2. One person per wave. Do not drop in on a surfer already riding a wave. It’s dangerous and disrespectful. The exception is when a wave splits cleanly at the peak and one surfer goes left while the other goes right. Waikīkī is another exception. Because it is a beginner-friendly break with gentle waves and instructors in the water telling students when it is safe to stand up and where to paddle out, multiple surfers often ride the same wave there.

3. Closest to the peak has priority. Whoever is closest to the peak has the right of way. If another surfer stands up farther up the wave than you, back off. Remember: Elders and locals always take priority.

4. Respect the lineup. Wait your turn and do not cut in line. Giving up a wave occasionally is a kind gesture and a sign of aloha.

5. Give others space. Don’t paddle too close to other surfers. Paddle around the lineup where waves are not breaking and never paddle directly into the path of someone riding a wave.

6. Know your limits. Watch the ocean before paddling out. If it looks too rough for you, it probably is. Follow the old adage: When in doubt, don’t go out. Beginners should stick to learning breaks like Waikīkī before attempting more advanced surf spots. Waves are generally bigger during high tide and in the winter months.

7. Always use a leash. A leash helps you control your board and prevents it from hitting other surfers.

8. Bring a friend. Beginners should surf with someone familiar with the break. They will be able to help you navigate the water and determine whether it is safe enough for you to paddle out. One friend is enough, as larger groups tend to crowd the lineup.

9. Respect the beach. As important as respecting the locals is respecting the beach. In Hawaiʻi, land and sea are considered ʻohana, or family. Don’t leave trash on the beach, avoid stepping on coral reefs and never touch or approach sea turtles or monk seals. They are endangered and it is illegal to come within 10 feet of them.

Finally, don’t share secret surf spots. You will not be invited back.

Follow these rules and you’ll have a far better experience learning and enjoying Hawaiʻi’s time-honored tradition of surfing.

Also check out…

Surfing in Hawaiʻi

Surfing on Oʻahu

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