OK so I have a last minute chance to go to Honolulu cheap, and stay near Waikiki.
Wondering where to surf without getting killed by monster swell or pounded by locals, and am I smarter to rent a board on the island than trying to fly mine over there?
Any info would be appreciated … probably leaving Saturday or Sunday from California.
THANKS
Billy
well, you’re not likely to get killed or pounded in Waikiki, particularly if you stick to the easier breaks. Use good manners and you’ll be fine.
Rent vs bring, I usually bring a board or two, but if its a really short trip or you won’t get to surf much, renting is not bad. check w/ the airline you are on and see what they charge per board, or per board bag, then decide how badly you want your own boards with you.
http://www.hawaiianwatershots.com/
http://www.hawaiianwatershots.com/eosgalleries/SANDYS/BOWLS-SANDYS-02-21-2007/index.htm
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BOWLS-02-21-2007
I am not there presently but…there may not be much on the south shore this time of year except small waves which would be fun with a longboard.
On the North Shore…Should be waves…I would go there and then see what type of board the waves would warrant and where you want to surf and then go and rent one at one of the numerous shops on the N.S.
Roger
In a past age but still crowded I had good luck being parked at Ehukai Beach Park, Pipeline, all day every day, getting good surf out front, Rocky Point various breaks, Kammies, all seeing and walking distance from parking spot, rental cars are a tarket. I even got Pipe and Sunset at given moments because being right there with your eye on it gets you out before the word gets out especially later in the season like now. You’ll have a great trip no matter what you do, take a wet suit top.
Good for you EndlessWinter you’ll have a blast!
do you mainly shortboard or longboard? what’s your skill level?
circle island bus will pick you up at the airport and drop you off on the north shore for cheap.
if i remember right, it used to be $2 when i used to do it. about a 2 hour ride. lots of interesting
things to see. right across the street from the big surf shop as you go into Haleiwa (i forget the name),
Uncle Andy Manalo will rent you a board for good price. or if you’ve got the coin, buy a used board
for cheap when you get there. give it to a grom before you leave. last time i was there i bought a
6’0" in great condition for like $120. cheaper than flying to and back with one. then, if there’s swell,
pretty much every nook and cranny out there will have waves. hitchike… walk… have a blast…
haven’t been in over 4 years. would love to go back…
sorry for the ramble… just reminiscing
used boards are no longer that cheap on the NS i was just there and they all started 250 bucks for a used beater
I just checked the surf report and no new swells are forecast for the next week so I wouldn’t worry about monster swells. They’re calling for small swells and light winds, so the conditions should be just about perfect if you’re new at surfing. If you’re staying in Waikiki and traveling on the cheap, I’d stick to surf spots in Waikiki and Diamond Head. Stand by for huge crowds, but a mellow attitude will keep you from any problems. The North Shore is a mixed bag IMHO: best surf on the island (when it’s happening) but also the biggest, most aggressive crowds (also IMHO). West Side (where I live) is probably a bit too “wild” for most visitors and not worth the drive for someone unaccustomed to local ways. So my advice is to stick to the South Shore and Waikiki. Lots of breaks, just pick one. Chances are pretty likely you’ll be able to walk everywhere from your hotel.
You’re gonna have to pay at least $150 to $200 to fly your board with you. If I were in your shoes, I’d check Craigslist.com and email a couple guys about boards for sale. I see beat up boards there all the time for $75 to $150. Buy a beater, use it, then sell it or donate it to Goodwill on your way out. Other option is to rent a board. Tons of places to rent them, it’ll probably cost you $20 and up a day though.
Probably the most important advice I can give is to not be afraid to pour on the SPF 30 sunscreen. Can’t tell you how many tourists I see proudly sporting their “lobster red” sunburn. Oh, and leave the wetsuit and booties at home, you won’t need them.
Have fun, I’ll be looking for you in the line up! 
used boards are no longer that cheap on the NS i was just there and they all started 250 bucks for a used beater
… that’s 'cause you didn’t know where to shop!
Here:
http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/spo/
I counted a half dozen boards under $150 on the first page.
when on a vaction or quick trip who has the time to be shopping on craigslist? or who wants to?
well you can rent boards from a few places on kapahulu ave. If your in town chec out diamond head, or maybe ala moana beach park. Waikiki can be fun for longbaording but get out REAL early to beat crowds. If you go up north check out lani’s (the first clearing you come to after haleiwa town). There is also a fun left (thisnk its alled pauana point or something) right behind (well a little to the right if your looking at the ocean) surf and sea surf shop. You should be fine at any of those breaks.
Thanks for the help guys … appreciated much. I’ve held off on reserving a rental car … might just do that for one day rather than the whole trip … I dunno have to call hotel and see if they have an airport shuttle (likely.)
I found a place online that rents real boards (epoxy popouts) reasonably … so I’ll probably go that route … why risk having my board trashed by the airlines …
Tried out the new board @ Oceanside in some trashy waves this afternoon though … and it has potential … I’m stoked can’t wait to try it out in good surf (maybe it’ll be nice in the morning here.)
Billy
the 19.00 flight go air to kauai
phone earl’s son steve for a wrent a reck
I got a pile o’ boards kona winds this next week
swell sunday north but kinda small
water’s warm and so’s the air
with conditions like that whaddya care
have fun where ever you go
the spirit’s in the water
jus watch the show
burma shave
…ambrose…
phone me
822 3926
if’n ya come down
to kauai…
been about a year since i have been over, but figure on $80 per flight for your boards… and if i were you i’d do the kauai thing… in my humble opinion, best of all the islands and from my experience, pretty laid back line-ups (as long as you are polite and remember you are the visitor). Have a blast, just thinking today how much i want to get back…