Outrigger Canoe Surfing

Recommended by 91% of travelers

Oahu, USA

Great choice

5+ bookings last month.

20 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Go canoeing the Hawaiian way, in an outrigger canoe, during this 30-minute activity from Honolulu. With your experienced guide, paddle out into the ocean and catch at least 2 waves. Learn about the history of Hawaiian outrigger canoeing, once the official sport of the Hawaiian Royal family, from your captain as he steers the canoe and you paddle. Suitable even for non-swimmers, the canoes carry 4 to 6 people of all ages and abilities.

Paddle an outrigger canoe in the waters off Waikiki
Suitable for the whole family, children and nonswimmers included
Learn about the history of outrigger canoeing, once the sport of the Hawaiian Royal Family
Feel safe under the watch of your licensed captain

What's Included

All taxes, fees and handling charges
Licensed Captain
Outrigger Canoe
Outrigger Canoe Paddles

Gratuities
Souvenir photos & video (available to purchase based on the availability of the photographer)
Transportation to/from attractions
Towels
Sunscreen

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Waikiki Beach Services @ Royal Hawaiian
2259 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
The service counter is located on the pool deck of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. It is accessible from the beach. If you are using the public beach access from Kalakaua Ave., the service counter will be on your fight as you hit the beach.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Start your outrigger canoeing adventure in Honolulu, where you’ll meet your guide and receive your equipment. Having canoe rental included eliminates the hassle of transporting heavy equipment to the beach.

Next, embark on an ocean journey with an experienced guide, ready to catch at least two waves during your session. The canoe is suitable for groups, accommodating 4–6 people, making it an inclusive activity for participants of mixed ages and abilities, including children aged 5 and above.

This experience isn’t just about the thrill of riding the waves; it’s also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the cultural history of Hawaiian outrigger canoeing. Learn about its significance and connections to the Hawaiian royal family.

Spend about 30 minutes on the water, enjoying the blend of sport and commentary. Then conclude your ocean adventure back on the shore, leaving you with new skills and insights into Hawaiian culture.

Waikiki Beach Services

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
A minimum of 3 people required to book. Up to 6 people can ride together.
Wheelchair accessible
If your party is less than 3 (1 to 2 guests), as long as you pay for the minimum of 3, you can book. All bookings are exclusive.
Non-Swimmers welcome
Stroller accessible
Minors must receive legal guardian's approval
Near public transportation
Waiver must be signed

Infants must sit on laps
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
Bring your own towel and sunscreen
A minimum age is 5 years old.
Children at age 12 and under will not be paddling
There are 4 seats for paddlers, and 2 seats for riders
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Patricia_F

This is an amazing experience. The staff made sure that there were enough crew members to give us the best ride ever. Do not hesitate. Sign up now. It surpassed all my dreams of being part of an outrigger crew team. The staff are all top notch experienced crewmen. Loved it! Don’t let age hold you back. I’m 65 and my husband 71.

Reviews

4.6

based on 123 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Best Outrigger ever

Ellen_G, Jan 2026

It was awesome and just about any age would enjoy it. ———————————————111111111-11111111122—————————-

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Aloha Ellen, Mahalo for sharing your experience! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed outrigger canoe surfing and agree—it’s truly an activity that can be enjoyed by nearly any age. We look forward to welcoming you back for another unforgettable day on the water!

There were difficulties...

Cate_S, Dec 2025

There were difficulties with this experience from start to finish. The company had members of our party sign the same waiver multiple times - they kept losing it. The ride was fun, but extremely brief. A member of the boat was overheard saying, "Well, we gave them two waves, lets cut it short and head in". Will not be doing this again.

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Aloha Cate, Mahalo for taking the time to share your feedback. We sincerely apologize for the difficulties you experienced with the waiver process and for any disappointment regarding the length of your ride. Your comments are very important to us, and we will review this with our team to ensure a smoother experience for future guests. We truly appreciate you giving us a try and hope you might consider visiting us again so we can provide the full, memorable experience you were expecting. Happy Holidays!

Loved it!

Jenny_B, Oct 2025

Fantastic experience. There were only two of us so we had to pay for 3 as they need to put on an extra crew member to help paddle, but it was still well worth the money.

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Aloha Jenny, we're so glad you had a fantastic experience on the outrigger canoe with our crew! Canoe surfing is such a unique and fun adventure, we're happy you got the chance to try it out! Come back soon!

Ball family.

Denise_B, Aug 2025

So much fun! Would recommend. I would give more stars if I could. Instructor gave simple instructions. Very friendly staff.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Aloha Ball 'Ohana! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are glad to hear you had a five-star experience with our crew. We hope to see you back soon!

Paddle hard

Steve_R, May 2025

Loved the excision. Catching waves and paddle int hard was so much fun. We recommend this to others Tour guide was so cool

Response from Host, Jun 2025

Aloha! We are so happy you loved the excursion. Paddling on the canoe definitely takes a lot of hard work but it's worth it for the ride! Come back soon!

Outrigger Canoe Surfing

Kris_W, Feb 2025

The Outrigger Canoe Surfing is a must do while in Waikiki! We had so much fun riding the waves! Mahalo nui loa to our skipper Russell and his first mate for ending our trip on a high note. We will definitely do this excursion again the next time we are in town.

Response from Host, Apr 2025

Aloha Kris! Outrigger canoe surfing is such a unique experience and we are happy to hear you caught some fun waves with Russell! Excited to have you join us again when you are back in Waikīkī!

Awesome

LuAnn_V, Jan 2025

Awesome experience. Lots of fun. Can’t wait to do it again!! Great company to use - friendly Easy to find

Response from Host, Apr 2025

Aloha LuAnn! We are so happy to hear you had an awesome experience. Mahalo for joining us and we canʻt wait to have you back soon 🤙

Outrigger canoe dream come true!

Patricia_F, May 2024

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Aloha Patricia! Iʻm so happy to hear you and your husband were able to enjoy the thrill of a lifetime, catching a wave on the outrigger canoe! Amazing to hear you both went for it! We hope to have you back again soon. Mahalo! 🤙

Highlight of my milestone birthday!

Lonnie_C, Apr 2024

What a great experience Canoe Surfing, my husband and I enjoyed this so much. It will have to be on our list for next trip to the island for sure. It’s a great alternative to board surfing, as a senior that doesn’t swim well, it felt very safe. The staff handling the excursion were awesome, and photographer did an amazing job capturing the event. If we had known about this, we would have done this on previous trips here. We will have lasting memories of this wonderful experience!

Response from Host, May 2024

Aloha Lonnie! We are so happy to hear we were able to assist in creating unforgettable memories of your trip! Outrigger canoe surfing is a feeling and thrill ride like no other- ʻthe original Hawaiian rollercoasterʻ! And we will be sure to acknowledge the staff for their exemplary service as well. We look forward to having you back sooner than later! Mahalo again for surfing with Waikīkī Beach Services 🤙!

Great Family Activity

Katharine_C, Nov 2023

Decades ago, mom and dad arranged for me and my youngest sister to take this ride. When my nephew and his lady friend came to visit Waikiki, this was high of the list of experiences to share. All of us agreed it is a most memorable activity. There were three of us, but the canoe will hold a party of four. Russell was an excellent captain. Thank you Waikiki Beach Services and Beach Boy Photography.

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Aloha! We are so happy you joined us for a canoe ride, and invited your nephew and company along. What a thrilling experience it truly is! We will send your regards to Captain Russell. We hope to have you back again soon! Happy Holidays 🤙

Fun and not too pricey

Rhonda_W, Sep 2023

It was super fun and the staff were accommodating and kind. Would do again. Was a good price overall.

Response from Host, Oct 2023

Aloha Rhonda! That is wonderful to know that our staff was very accommodating and kind. Catching waves on the outrigger canoe is such a wonderful and one of a kind experience. We are so. happy to have shared that with you. We hope to have you back soon. Mahalo 🤙!

Had a blast, a whole new...

Linda_W, Sep 2023

Had a blast, a whole new experience for someone from South Dakota, they took pictures of your ride and were very friendly and helpful.

Response from Host, Oct 2023

Aloha Linda! Mahalo for taking the time to give us a five star rating and write a review! We are so happy to hear we helped create an unforgettable experience for you riding the waves in Waikīkī! 🤙

Great experience and fun...

Ice_M, Aug 2023

Great experience and fun to do with kids! The guys were super professional and it was a blast. It's just too quick. We pretty much rode 3 waves and we were done.

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Aloha! We are so happy to hear you and your keiki had an amazing time surfing on the outrigger canoe. We would love to have you back to catch some more waves. Mahalo! 🤙

Awesome experience!

Cynthia_P, Jul 2023

This was an amazing experience! We rowed out and then turned and waited for a wave. This gave us a chance to see Waikiki from the ocean. What a view. Then when we caught a wave, the ride was thrilling. The kids loved it. He staff at the check-I’m counter held our things because you do get wet.

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Aloha Cynthia! Outrigger canoe surfing is such a great way to get everyone in a group on a wave together, no matter the skill level! We are so happy to hear you all had such a thrilling experience on the canoe! Please do come back soon to catch some more waves. Aloha 🤙

Good tour but don’t use Viator to book!

Jennifer_M, Jul 2023

The outrigger experience was great. Viator experience was THE WORST! They changed our time from 11 to 1pm without informing me. So we missed our second reservation. I had to pay $62 for 2 chairs and an umbrella to wait for the 1 pm excursion… I called Viator about the mix up and was put on hold repeatedly. The woman from the actual outrigger company came up to me and ask if I had cancelled my reservation! I said NO! She had received a call from aviator stating that I had cancelled!!! Viator had canceled my outrigger reservation even though I did not want them to! Then they wanted to charge me ANOTHER $110 to reinstate it! I refused and went on as I had originally prepaid back in April! I will NEVER AGAIN USE VIATOR!

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Aloha Jennifer, we are happy to hear you had an excellent experience on the outrigger canoe. We are sorry to hear you had a negative experience with Viator regarding your reservation change. I encourage you to contact Viator directly with this feedback, and we can contact them on our end also to find out what happened if you can email us with your booking info- name & date on the reservation. info@waikikibeachservices.com We would appreciate if you would consider removing or changing your rating/ review reflecting Viator, as these reviews are solely reflecting upon Waikīkī Beach Services and the services we provide. Again, we will do everything we can to get more information on our end once we receive your email. Looking forward to hearing from you soon. Mahalo 🤙

Shared Experience

Geoff_G, Jul 2023

This was a highlight when I did this in high school. I was able to share this experience many years later with my wife and kids. It was just as I remembered it. My entire family enjoyed it!

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Aloha Geoff! We are happy to hear that you were able to experience and enjoy the thrill of outrigger canoe surfing with your family. We appreciate you taking the time to write a review. Please do let us know what could have made this a 5 star experience for you. We look forward to your feedback. Mahalo! 🤙

Short, but FUN!

Sharon_T, Jul 2023

The crew were great and very friendly! We weren't expecting too much, but the activity was super fun! No experience needed and it's great for those who don't know how to swim too (me). You WILL get wet, but that makes it all more fun. They also have a crew out on a surfboard to take photos and videos of you, which you can purchase later on!

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Aloha Sharon! We love hearing that your expectations were greatly exceeded! Outrigger canoe surfing in the waters of Waikīkī is truly unique, and we are happy that you were able to experience it first hand. Please come back and join us soon! Aloha 🤙

A true Hawaiian experience

Darin_C, May 2023

The crew was friendly and it was an amazing experience! It is everything that is says and is worth the experience!

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Aloha Darin! We are so happy to hear you had an amazing experience on the outrigger canoe! It is a truly unique way to catch waves for all, no matter your surfing skill level! We hope to have you back to catch more waves with us someday soon. Aloha 🤙

Pure Joy

Karleen_J, May 2023

This experience was absolutely fantastic! My husband is disabled veteran and was able to participate and to hear the exhilaration, laughter and pure joy coming from surfing the waves was priceless! Outrigger Canoe Surfing is a must do while in Hawaii!

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Aloha! We are so glad to hear you had such an awesome experience on the outrigger canoe! The canoe is so special in that it gives the opportunity to everyone to be able to experience the feeling of riding a wave, no matter their age or ability. Thatʻs amazing to hear your husband was able to get out there and have the greatest time. It sounds like you enjoyed it also. We look forward to having you all again to catch more waves. Mahalo 🤙!

Great canoe surfing

Debbie_P, Apr 2023

Great fun, great price, great staff. Great to experience surfing in a canoe with experienced guides. We would recommend this and do this everytime we are here.

Response from Host, May 2023

Aloha Debbie, we are so happy to hear you had an amazing experience on the outrigger canoe with the captain and crew! It truly is such a thrilling, and one of a kind adventure. Please come back and catch some more waves soon 🤙!

Don't book with Viator unless you get a refund possible

laurakimsey, Apr 2023

I can't believe you wouldn't let me change dates. Do to a family crisis we needed an earlier date and you refused to move out date even tho thwe had to pay for a new daysere was vacancy. We had to pay for a new date.

Response from Host, Apr 2023

Aloha. We are very sorry to hear you had such a negative experience while attempting to change your reservation. Unfortunately we are unable to amend certain functions through third party bookings. Can you please email us directly so we can see if there is something we can do? info@waikikibeachservices.com Looking forward to hearing from you.

Highly recommend

Debbie_B, Apr 2023

I felt like I was flying!!! Crew was fantastic. This was the closest I came to feeling like I was flying.

Response from Host, Apr 2023

Mahalo Debbie for joining us on the outrigger canoe! We are so happy to provide the ultimate of thrilling experiences! Please come back soon. We hope to have you again! Aloha 🤙

Paddle in Paradise

Gayle_S, Apr 2023

This is a wonderful experience! The price made this possible for our family to all enjoy it. My mom was not able to paddle due to a shoulder injury and they made her the queen and allowed her to go along. LOVED it!

Response from Host, Apr 2023

Mahalo Gayle for bringing the whole ohana along to catch some waves on the outrigger canoe! We are so happy to hear your mom got the 'royal' treatment and was also able to enjoy the ride. We hope to have you back soon. Aloha 🤙

The captain and check-in...

Julie_G, Mar 2023

The captain and check-in staff were excellent! The canoeing itself was very fun! Great way to get out on the water!

Response from Host, Apr 2023

Mahalo Julie for taking the time to write a review and give us a 5 star rating. We appreciate it! It's great to hear you had an amazing time on the water. Please come back soon and catch more waves with us 🤙

Fantastic experience-just do it!

Michelle_N, Mar 2023

This was an awesome experience, I just wish it lasted longer! My daughter was a little apprehensive but they reassured her and we all felt safe and thoroughly enjoyed canoeing.

Response from Host, Apr 2023

Mahalo Michelle! We are so happy to hear you and your daughter had a wonderful experience on the canoe, despite her apprehension- riding a wave on the canoe is truly an experience like no other! Please come back soon and catch more waves with us 🤙

Lots of fun!

Nicole_B, Mar 2023

Staff was very helpful as it was our first time trying this. So much fun! Definitely an arm workout.

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Aloha Nicole! Mahalo for taking the time to give us a 5 star rating and write a review. We are so happy to hear you had a great experience and a good workout on the canoe. Please come back and catch more waves with us soon!

Hawaiin surfing

Julie_H, Jan 2023

Great experience. One of a kind, something you can’t experience anywhere else. We were left wanting more as it is a little short.

Response from Host, Feb 2023

Aloha Julie! We are so happy you enjoyed your experience on the canoe. It is truly one of the most unique ways to experience the waves in Waikiki, and an opportunity specific to this special place. We do have options for longer canoe experiences and charters that are available to reserve. We would love to have you come back to catch some more waves!

The best experience I could imagine at a bargain price.

Kelly_D, Nov 2022

This was so much better than I anticipated. Wonderful experience really great instructor. It was such fun and I can’t believe more people don’t do it this thing should be booked all day long. It was rather inexpensive and great family fun. Doesn’t require a great deal of athleticism.

Response from Host, Dec 2022

Aloha Kelly- We are happy to hear your experience on the outrigger canoe exceeded your expectations! Mahalo for taking the time to give us a 5 star rating and write a review. Please come back again soon 🤙

Try outrigger canoe surfing with the Beach Boys

Lisa_W, Nov 2022

Fantastic experience. The Captain and crew were encouraging and the ride was fun. Give it a try. It’s an amazing experience of a lifetime and something to check off your bucket list. We would definitely recommend.

Response from Host, Nov 2022

Aloha Lisa! Thank you for checking off one of your bucket list items with us! We appreciate you taking the time to write a review and give us a 5 star rating. Please come back soon. Mahalo :)