Surf Oʻahu: Lessons, Surf Spots and Board Rentals

Oʻahu is often called the birthplace of modern surfing, and there’s no better place to paddle out than here. Whether you’re hoping to catch your first wave in Waikīkī or challenging yourself with stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) along the island’s calmer coastlines, surf culture is woven into the rhythm of daily life.

Proceed with caution during the winter months. Massive swells roll into the North Shore, drawing pros from around the world. Beginners should stay in calmer, protected waters. Here’s what you need to know about surf and SUP rentals across the island, plus essential winter ocean safety tips.

If you’ve dreamed of standing up on a surfboard for the first time, Waikīkī is the place. The long, gentle waves break just offshore from the hotels, creating an ideal environment for beginners. Rental stands line the beach between Duke’s Waikīkī and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, with boards available by the hour or day.

Most shops offer both soft-top surfboards (great for safety and stability) and SUPs for those who prefer a more relaxed paddle. Group and private lessons are easy to book, and help ensure you’ll learn surf etiquette and catch a wave.

Traveler tip: Many beach stands only accept credit card deposits, and boards need to be returned before sunset. If you want to paddle out later in the day, consider a shop just off Kalākaua Avenue that allows 24-hour rentals.

This year, Romer House Waikīkī launched Après Surf, a community surf club in partnership with St-Germain. The quarterly series invites locals and guests to join a morning "Board Meeting" surf session, followed by wellness recovery and St-Germain spritzes at The Backyard to connect through surf and storytelling. Everyone from first-timers to seasoned surfers are welcome. The Après Surf program is available to both Romer House guests and the public as a complimentary paddle out with friends 18 and older.

• Ala Moana Beach Park (Honolulu): Just a five-minute drive from Waikīkī, Ala Moana has a mix of mellow waves and calm lagoon waters. Several surf shops in town rent gear that you can take anywhere. It’s a popular SUP spot because the inside waters are usually pretty calm. Some well-reviewed options include:

• North Shore (Haleʻiwa & Waialua): In summer, the North Shore is perfect for stand-up paddling along the Anahulu River or catching small waves near Haleʻiwa Harbor. Rental shops in town offer both surfboards and SUPs. But in winter, this coastline transforms into the arena of the famous Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. Unless you’re an experienced surfer, winter waves here are for spectating, not riding. Surfing Lesson on the North Shore

• East Oʻahu (Kailua & Waimānalo): Kailua Bay is one of the best SUP destinations on the island, with turquoise waters and access to offshore islands like the Mokuluas (for confident paddlers only). Rental companies deliver boards directly to the beach or even to vacation rentals. Waimānalo offers a more local vibe with fewer crowds but equally beautiful paddling conditions in summer.

• West Side (Mākaha): Known as one of Hawaii’s historic surf breaks, Mākaha has deep surfing roots. In winter, it can be powerful and intimidating, but in calmer months, you’ll see locals cruising on longboards and SUPs. Rental options are fewer here, so plan ahead if you want gear.