Waikiki Adventures
Let's Ride!
Waikiki Adventures
Let's Ride!
WAIKIKI beach ADVENTUREs
“Adventure is not outside man; it is within” > George Eliot
Waikiki Beach Adventures include Surfing, Stand-Up Paddle boarding, Outrigger Canoe Surfing, snorkeling with Hawaiian Green Sea-Turtles and sailing the legendary shores of Waikiki Beach… The playground where Duke Kahanamoku, “The King of Waikiki Beach” & “The Father of Modern Surfing” grew up on.
Check out this 1-minute Godspeed Adventures Waikiki Adventure Information video!
Surf's Up!
Let's Ride!
Surf's Up!
Let's Ride!
Professional Surf Lessons
Learn to surf where surfing was born; right here on Waikiki Beach centuries ago.
Surfing and surf lessons in Waikiki are without a doubt one of the most popular activities in Hawaii. And no wonder, surfing was born right here on Waikiki Beach centuries ago. Learning to surf in Waikiki is a unique and fun experience. If you have never been on a surfboard in your life, or even if you have some experience in surfing, there really is no better place than Waikiki. The waves are normally gentle rollers that offer a smooth, long ride. Also, there are no vicious undertows or rough waves in this protected bay. It is because of the excellent surfing conditions in Waikiki that people come from all over the world to surf here.
With Godspeed Adventures, you'll get personalized guidance from the best instructors, ensuring both safety and fun in a setting famous for its welcoming spirit and rich surfing history. Godspeed Adventures is very well connected with the Waikiki Beach Boys, both personally and professionally and have been for decades. We will arrange your professional surfing lessons while we capture your amazing experience with our cameras and drones so you can relive those memories for years to come. Together, Godspeed Adventures and the Waikiki Beach Boys are excited and ready to share the waves and Aloha with you.
What's SUP?
Let's Stand-Up, Paddle & Ride!
What's SUP?
Let's Stand-Up, Paddle & Ride!
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding/Surfing
Stand-up paddle boarding/surfing (SUP), or in the Hawaiian language; “Hoe he'e nalu”, is an emerging global sport with a Hawaiian heritage. Stand-up paddling began in the 1960’s when surfing instructors used the technique to position themselves for taking photographs. Supporters cite the ease of learning as a key to its popularity, with beginners becoming comfortable in as little as an hour of training. Traditional style surfers have converted to stand up paddling because of the versatility of the new sport. Stand-up paddle boarding offers surfers the ability to catch more waves in a set, as well as offering a better view of incoming sets.
Outrigger Canoe Surfing Adventure
Let's make Duke proud!
Outrigger Canoe Surfing Adventure
Let's make Duke proud!
Outrigger Canoe Surfing Video
Outrigger Canoe Surfing
Experience the thrill of Waikiki’s legendary waves Outrigger Canoe Surfing—a must-do adventure that blends excitement, Hawaiian tradition, and breathtaking ocean views. For centuries Hawaiians have been surfing waves on outrigger canoes and is one of the coolest things to do on Waikiki Beach. An experienced crew guides a multi-person canoe to ride waves back to shore, offering a thrilling and accessible way to enjoy the ocean without needing to surf a board. It's suitable for individuals, families, and groups of all ages and skill levels, typically requiring a minimum of two, and up to eight people to paddle the canoe. No experience is necessary, if you want, you can simply “go for the ride…”
The certified “Beach Boys” captain and crew, expertly maneuver the canoe to catch waves, providing a safe and exciting ride back to shore. It's described as a thrilling experience that is similar to a roller coaster on the water, with the exhilaration of riding waves. Outrigger canoe surfing is more than just fun; it’s a true cultural experience at the birthplace of surfing, making it the ideal way to immerse yourself in the spirit of Hawaii.
Catamaran Sailing Adventure
Let's Set Sail!
Catamaran Sailing Adventure
Let's Set Sail!
Catamaran Sailing Adventure:
Day Sails: $55 per person. Sunset Sail for $75 per person. Includes professional photography, unlimited snacks, and beverages, including alcohol. Experience the beauty of Waikiki Beach and its surrounding landmarks on our Catamaran Sailing Adventure.
Sailing Route and Duration:
Each sail lasts between 75 and 90 minutes, departing from the shores of Waikiki Beach. The route takes you beyond the iconic Diamond Head crater, along the picturesque coastline, and back to the starting point. As you sail offshore, immerse yourself in the refreshing ocean breeze and take in breathtaking views of Waikiki, downtown Honolulu, the Koolau Mountains, Diamond Head crater, and the expansive southern coastline.
Wildlife Sightings
During the tour, guests frequently encounter Hawaii’s remarkable marine life. Large Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles and Spinner Dolphins are commonly spotted. From October through April, there is also an excellent chance to see majestic Humpback Whales during their migration season.
Sailing Schedule
We offer five sails each day to accommodate various schedules:
10:30 AM
12:00 Noon
1:30 PM
3:00 PM
Sunset Sail at 5:30 PM
Professional Photos, Videos, Snacks & Beverages Included!
Booking with Godspeed Adventures ensures our spot on the boat as we accompany you to capture your memorable moments with professional photography and videography. Additionally, our price includes a wide variety of unlimited snacks and amazing beverages throughout your journey, including alcoholic drinks like beer, wine and mai tai’s.
Catamaran Sailing Adventure Video
The Waikiki Story
Aloha Duke!
The Waikiki Story
Aloha Duke!
Waikiki Beach Story
Waikīkī Beach boasts a rich and vibrant history, once serving as a retreat for Hawaiian royalty during the 1700s and 1800s. These royals indulged in the exhilarating sport of surfing, gliding across the waves on massive 18-foot wooden longboards. The beach’s legacy as a destination for leisure and adventure was further cemented in 1901 with the opening of the Moana Hotel, now known as The Moana Surfrider Hotel. Later, in 1927, The Royal Hawaiian Hotel welcomed guests as another iconic landmark. Both hotels quickly became renowned for catering to the rich and famous, placing the Hawaiian Islands squarely on the global tourism map.
The Waikiki Beach Boys
The intertwined history of Waikiki Beach, surfing, and outrigger canoe surfing is incomplete without acknowledging the Waikiki Beach Boys. The “glory days” of the Beach Boys unfolded during the 1920s and 1930s along Waikiki’s famous stretch of sand. This era saw an influx of tourists, including numerous wealthy celebrities, eager to experience the allure of Hawaii. The Beach Boys greeted visitors with open arms, teaching them the arts of surfing and canoeing, and providing entertainment infused with the spirit of aloha. This spirit of unconditional giving and the belief that “the ocean is life” are at the heart of every true Waikiki Beach Boy. Their welcoming persona and ocean-centered lifestyle left an indelible impression on all who visited the islands.
Duke Kahanamoku: The King of Waikiki Beach
Among the Waikiki Beach Boys, Duke Kahanamoku stands out as the most famous. Born in 1890 and raised in Waikiki, Duke earned titles such as “The King of Waikiki Beach” and “The Father of Surfing.” He was a true waterman—accomplished surfer, canoe paddler, and a record-breaking Olympic swimmer. Duke was also one of the founders of the Beach Boy Club, Hui Nalu, and went on to become Hawaii’s official “Ambassador of Aloha.” His remarkable life included an Olympic swimming career, appearances in 28 Hollywood movies, and service as the Sheriff of Honolulu. Yet, no matter where his journey took him, Duke always returned to the ocean, remaining the most iconic figure to embody the true spirit of aloha.
The Legacy Continues
Today, the legacy of Duke Kahanamoku endures through the current Waikiki Beach Boys, who continue to offer memorable experiences that originated on these shores centuries ago. Even before the founding of Godspeed Adventures, there were deep personal and professional connections with the Beach Boys—many have been cherished friends for decades and have been featured in our film documentaries dating back to the 1990s. Together, Godspeed Adventures and the Waikiki Beach Boys remain dedicated to sharing the waves and the spirit of aloha with all who visit Waikiki Beach.
The most famous Waikiki Beach Boy was Duke Kahanamoku, “The King of Waikiki Beach” and “The Father of Surfing” was born in 1890 and raised in Waikiki. Duke was a true waterman, surfer, canoe paddler, record breaking swimmer, and one of the founders of the Beach Boy Club; Hui Nalu. Duke later became Hawaii’s unofficial “Ambassador of Aloha”. Throughout Duke’s life he had an Olympic swimming career, was in 28 Hollywood movies, and worked various odd jobs, but always returned to the ocean. In his later years, Duke became an iconic figure that will forever embody the true spirit of Aloha.
Check out this video segment from the Video Postcard of Oahu... It features the story of World-Famous Waikiki Beach, history of surfing, Duke Kahanamoku & Diamondhead with actual film footage of Waikiki dating back to 1906!