O’ahu is considered by many to be a surfing mecca, with some of the best and most famous surf breaks in the world. For groups and incentive travelers looking for a fun group adventure experience and a taste of the local surf culture for their next corporate event or trip, I’ve rounded up four O’ahu resorts (plus one in Maui) that offer a variety of ways to surf your way through Hawaii, whether you’re an expert surfer or a beginner, and whether you want to dive right in or enjoy the surf culture from land.
Design Your Own Surfboard with a World Longboard Champion
This Winter, Kaimana Beach Hotel is partnering with ISA World Longboard Champion Kai Sallas for a new experience where guests can design their own custom longboard alongside a pro. Guests will work personally with Kai to design their own longboard, which will be later shipped to them. The experience includes a private surf fitness class and longboard lesson with Kai so guests are well-equipped to put their new custom boards to use. Guests will pick everything from board model and color to create the perfect limited-edition board. Kai will even write a personal message on the board for the guest if desired! The package includes five-day suite accommodations at Kaimana Beach Hotel. Rates for the experience start at $6,999. The bookable experience will debut for holiday 2022 as a unique gift, and then stay available as an evergreen offering for luxury and adventure travelers.
Learn to Surf from the Legendary Waikiki Beach Boys
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa – located across from Queens, the most famous surf break on Waikiki – has an exclusive relationship with Waikiki’s legendary Beach Boys. Guests can arrange VIP off-property guest activities through this relationship including private surf lessons with the famed Beach Boys, continuing the tradition of Waikiki’s first generation of beach boys, the famed watermen who offered surf lessons and canoe rides to the island’s earliest visitors (more info here). Pricing and scheduling available on request through the hotel concierge.
Try Your Hand at Resin Painting on a Mini Surfboard
Not interested in getting your toes wet? Pay tribute to Hawaii’s surf culture on land by taking part in Four Seasons Resort O’ahu at Ko Olina’s Resin Painting Art Workshop, part of their interactive and educational #FSWAYFINDERS program. A local resin artist guides guests through the steps to create their own unique painting on a mini wooden surfboard, glossed with smooth resin, making the perfect handmade souvenir to take home with you.
Pau Hana with the Locals
For those looking for a local spot to hang loose and pau hana (happy hour) after a day of surfing, pop over to Heyday at White Sands Hotel in Waikiki. Their bamboo bar is the only place on the island where you can swing (yes, you read that correctly) while sipping on cocktails.
Embark on a Surf Safari Across Maui
Those island-hopping over to Maui can venture out on a Surf Safari with Hawaii’s first adults-only resort, Hotel Wailea. The “surfari” offers guests of all experience levels the opportunity to hunt down the best waves the island has to offer with a local surf pro. Beginner surfers will catch their first waves at Kalama Park on the sun-kissed Kihei coast, and depending on level of ability and conditions, the adventure can transport guests to different surf spots around Maui. The four-hour experience includes equipment, refreshments and lunch. Hotel Wailea offers the Surf Safari for individual guests ($520.80) and couples ($1,041.60).
