Surf’s Up: Oahu’s Best Beaches

Aloha and welcome to Honolulu! Upon your arrival at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, grab your bags and get ready to for a warm Hawaiian welcome. From the airport, you will be transferred by shuttle to your accommodation where you will be able to put down your bags, put on your swimwear and get ready to hit the beach. If you didn’t bring your own board with you, start by grabbing a rental from one the local shops or schools and head over to Waikiki Beach to relish the late session.

Start your morning with a fresh and savory breakfast, because you’re going to need some energy in order to make the most out of the upcoming local beach cleanup. In collaboration with Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii, connect with locals in the community who are passionate about preserving the natural world. Lend a hand and contribute to protecting the well-being of the beaches that have been around for longer than you can imagine.

Today you will immerse yourself into the turquoise waters of Sandy Beach in South Oahu. Here you will get the chance to experience a unique local spot where many surfers and bodyboarders come to ride the waves. This beach is ideal for all types of surfers and riders of all levels will be able to enjoy the break here. 

After your surf session, take part in a beachfront educational talk with Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii and learn about the harmful effects of plastic in marine ecosystems. After this talk, you will better understand how you can do your part and better preserve the world’s oceans. 

If you are traveling between November and February, get out of town and take the opportunity to see some of the most iconic big waves in Oahu. Wake up early and gear up for a drive to Waimea Bay to watch some of the North Shore’s most talented surfers dominate this break. 

After you’ve witnessed some of the local talent, you’ll get the chance to talk directly with some of the local surfers and understand what these waters mean to them. Get local insights into how the beaches have changed over the years and some of the local history that gives the waves and Hawaii’s coastline such deep importance. If you are traveling outside of the months mentioned above, the waves will be much more moderate and this area may even be suitable to jump in for a dip.

Get ready for an exciting half-day surf trip to White Plains Beach. Grab your board or source a rental in the area and glide into the waters of White Plains Beach in Oahu. This break is ideal as there are generally waves breaking all year-round. It’s more on the mellow side, making it a great spot for surfers of all levels, especially longboarders as the waves here are slow and gentle. 

Once you’ve caught some waves and are feeling ready to wrap up your session, you will have the chance to talk with members from one of the indigenous communities on the island. During this discussion, you’ll get to know their views on the history, ecology and importance of the island. 

After multiple days of surfing and learning, a yoga session is in order to help you relax and let all the wisdom sink in. Many companies host open-air yoga sessions set in a beachfront cabana with views of the stunning Diamond Head mountain. Take some time to reflect on all of the insights you’ve learned and experiences you’ve had up until this point and let them all sink into your memory.
After your yoga session, the group will head back to Honolulu where you will have the choice to either go for an afternoon surf session or climb majestic Diamond Head and take in unbelievable views of the island.

After a nature-oriented and surf-filled week, the time has come to wrap up your Oahu excursion. Wake up early to make the most of the morning and enjoy a fresh acai bowl breakfast before your departure. 

Catch the sunrise with a beachfront stroll and reflect on all you’ve learned this week before heading to the airport to catch your flight. Just remember that these insights do not apply only for Hawaii, you can also apply the lessons you’ve learned from this trip to help protect the waters near you.