Hi, I've travelled to Hawaii twice over twice in past 18months. Once in their summer and this time in their winter.
(got back monday this week

This time in Waikiki we stayed at Aqua Waikiki Beachside, pretty cheap and still got a balcony view! Two stars joint, pre-paid cheap w' internet rate. Everything you want, nice comfy queen bed, all the million tv channels work, ironing board, bar fridge to put your Kona Ales in etc. Laundromat is two blocks back as is two surf shops you're pretty much right in the middle of everything. There's an ABC shop (you know what I mean if you have been to Hawaii before) right next door
www.aquaaston.com
Next time I go back I'll stay there again. I have previously stayed in the Hilton Hawaii Village (too far out of Waikiki but lovely) and the Pacific (next door to the Aqua).

I hired and rode a SUP for the first time this trip (and loved it hence why I am waiting for my board back in Oz from AA and reading your forums!). They have 12' Lairds or 11' NSPs straight downstairs on beach with plastic/Al paddles. Not real cheap at $25/hr compared to a regular long board ($15.) they didn't seem to care if you got back in late.
The surf shops a few blocks inland I didn't see hiring SUPs but their longboards were cheaper rates (but you have to carry'em). They probably do long-term hire but it wasn't obvious, they didn't list the price on their window with the other equipment.

The SUP guys seemed to go out there real early or stay out real late in the evening to avoid the crowded surf.

I went to North Shore to see pipeline and there were zero SUPs there, waves were frightening and I only saw real short boards for hire but that doesn't mean you couldn't hire one, I guess the might have hidden them away!

Oh well, that was my first post, hello everyone.

aloha wodenau

Having been to Oahu a few times, I have previously stayed at the aqua in Kuhio Ave, all the aquas are good but try to stay in the upper floors, crew party until 3am in Waikiki! The hotel actually give out ear plugs in some places.

Regarding boards, I have also found blue planet and wet feet good, although wet feet are on the other side of diamond head which is a pain to get to. Taxis are more than happy to shove boards inside, just sit in the back, put the wife in the boot.

Island paddler is also good. Just google them.

It looks placid but the reef is razor SHARP and full of nasties in Waikiki. If u get a cut get some hydrogen peroxide and scrub the wound with it neat. You'll scream like a kitesurfer but you've got to get all the debris out!

Canoes is IMO the best for SUP, I found to avoid the crowds, get out early and late, avoid the fat arse yanks on holiday who bob around the line up like targets. Try to get to the Bishop Museum to see some old boards and Polynesian artifacts and take the #2 or 28 bus to Ala Moana mall for shopping frenzy. Have a cocktail at Dukes on the beach at sunset.

One last thing....give respect to get respect is big with Hawaiians. Act like a dick and they'll give it to you in spades. be humble and respectful and it wil come back 100%. Have a great time!

I'm going again..... in April ,and as I work for Qantas and been there a lot I've found this really good website www.bookit.com there in the USA and have found them to be the best.
We stay at the Ohana Waikiki West ,1 block back from the beach ,has all you need .It's curently at USD $89 a night ,kids stay for free ,keep an eye on that website sometimes they give you free nights as well .

I'm a longboarder , but this time I'll be checking out the SUP's ,also keep an eye on this website www.c4waterman.com as they may have a demo day while your there ,also check out there new store.

Overal enjoy the Aloha ,get out there early for a surf ....5am use the hotel lights on the beach to guide you out ..... go for a long paddle out to Pop's thats the break your see way out from the other end of Diamond Head .

Checkout Walmart ,it's a short walk from the Ala Monana shopping centre it 's at the back heaps cheaper ,just ask a local!

Enjoy!!!!!! one of my favorite spots ...... thats why we keep going back ...and I've travelled a lot!

Boylos

Wow, this is all great info - thanks to everyone who has posted a reply to help me out. Knowledge from people who have been there is invaluable - didn't think about street noise at all and the reef spots and shopping tips will keep everybody happy!

Please continue to add to this thread...

I was overthere Nov/Dec with the family and stayed at the aqua parkshore. It on the beach & at the far end of the strip so its fairly quite and the room rates are good. Rooms high up are the go we were 10th floor with ocean view.
The beach across the road is not as crowded as further up.
LuLu's bar is in the same building which is good food & excellent for late arvo maitai's & primos on the rail while you watch the world go by.

Yeah I'm going in August , a week in the zoo (Waikiki) the over to Kialua side to catch up with some outrigger mates.

Rob

Hawaiian Island surf in Maui is good for hire and advice, plenty of cheapish condo hire on the south shore (kihei - also thats where the best Summer surf is June - July) - Hire cars from Al West vans,

Maui is Awesome, we back there windsurfing in June for 3 1/2 weeks, life is so hard

boylos said...



I'm going again..... in April

Yeah see you there, I'm going in April also and staying at Ohana waikiki east.

boylos said...

cranky said...

boylos said...



I'm going again..... in April

Yeah see you there, I'm going in April also and staying at Ohana waikiki east.

Cool..... I'll be there from the 7-18 April.

Boylos