20 to 60 minutes · Ages 5+
Outrigger Canoe Surfing
Three wave rides in an outrigger with two captains.
| Rider | $48 |
|---|
Editorial spotlight · Royal Hawaiian and Sheraton Waikiki, Kalakaua Avenue
2026 Golden Lei Awards nomineeBest Waikiki Beach Experience
Waikiki Beach Services
Waikiki's beach boys have taught visitors to surf here for more than a century, and Waikiki Beach Services is the company that still holds the hotel beach in front of the Royal Hawaiian and the Sheraton. It dates from 1955, it is run by Traci Bush, and its canoe captains work in pairs. The beach-and-board side runs from a $48 canoe ride to a 37-guest catamaran.
- Canoe ride
- $48
- Private surf lesson
- $150
- Tripadvisor
- 4.7
- Since
- 1955
Editorial spotlight. Waikiki Beach Services is a nominee in the 2026 Golden Lei Awards. They did not pay for this page and had no say in it. We earn a commission when you book through the links here; your price is the same.
The company
A family business on the hotel beach
Waikiki Beach Services dates its start to 1955, and a 2024 profile credits founder Caroline Granelli. Traci Bush is owner and president; she took over from her father in 2008 and chairs the Waikiki Beach Special Improvement District Association. Her father, Ted “Teddy” Bush, is listed on the Meet the Team page as owner emeritus after fifty-plus years on the beach. Tripadvisor marks the business as women-owned.
The business has hotel beach concessions in front of the Royal Hawaiian and the Sheraton Waikiki, and its canoe crews have two certified canoe captains to a canoe. Instructors are certified in lifeguarding and CPR. The operator's rule on lessons: surf from age 12 (younger guests book private), stand-up paddle from 13.
“Hoe ka wa'a!” (Paddle the canoe!)
Owner and President
Traci Bush
Owner Emeritus
Ted Bush
Brand Manager
Lauren
Customer Experience Manager
Miwa
Names and titles as on the operator's Meet the Team page; other managers there are listed by first name and initial.
The one to book
Outrigger canoe surfing
Catch three wave rides, per the operator, in a six-person outrigger with two canoe captains aboard: up to four paddle, and two ride. Twenty to sixty minutes depending on the session, and ages 5 and up. The canoe needs at least three riders to go out. Children under 18 need an adult who stays visible on the beach.
Want the whole canoe? A private one-hour charter is $400 for up to six people.
| Rider | $48 |
|---|---|
| Private charter, up to 6 | $400 |
Checked against FareHarbor on September 30, 2026. Canoe dates at this check run through November.
Check AvailabilityThe equipment
Canoes, boards and a catamaran
All in front of the Royal Hawaiian and Sheraton.
Outrigger canoes
- Capacity
- Six: up to four paddlers, two riders
- Crew
- Two certified canoe captains
Surf and SUP
- Boards
- Surfboards, stand-up boards and boogie boards
- Provided
- Boards and rash guards for lessons
Catamaran
- Capacity
- Up to 37 guests
- Aboard
- Restroom
- Booking
- Call to book; no online dates at this check
Book it
Lessons and rentals
Per person unless noted. Only items with open dates at this check are listed. Checked against FareHarbor on September 30, 2026.
1 hour · Up to 6 · Ages 5+
Private Outrigger Canoe Charter
The canoe to yourselves.
| Private charter | $400 |
|---|
1.25 hours · Ages 5+
One-on-One Surf Lesson
One student per instructor, in front of the Royal Hawaiian.
| One-on-one | $150 |
|---|
1.25 hours · Ages 12+
Private Surf Duo
Two students, one instructor's attention.
| Per person | $130 |
|---|
1.25 hours · Ages 13+
One-on-One Stand-Up Paddle Lesson
Paddle lessons on the flat water inside the reef.
| One-on-one | $150 |
|---|
3.5 hours · Ages 5+
Beachboy Valet
A beach boy looks after you for the morning. One per person.
| Per person | $450 |
|---|
7 am to 5 pm · Royal Hawaiian Beach
Umbrella and Chairs
One umbrella and two chairs for the day.
| Set | $95 |
|---|
Not open online at this check: a one-hour daytime catamaran charter from $1,450 and a sunset sail from $2,000, both by phone; a Hawaiian burial at sea; and Royal Hawaiian pink-umbrella sets and pool cabanas.
Before you go
Know before you go
Where to check in
The beach desks at the Royal Hawaiian (2259 Kalakaua Avenue) and the Sheraton Waikiki (2255 Kalakaua Avenue). Sheraton surf lessons meet on the beach at Kawehewehe.
Lessons
Surf lessons run about an hour and a quarter, with fifteen minutes of safety instruction. Start times 10:00, 11:30, 1:00 and 2:30 per the operator. Pregnancy and prior neck or back injury exclude guests.
Weather
Activities run in clouds and light rain. Refunds are given only if the company suspends an activity as unsafe.
Cancellation
Full refund 48 hours or more ahead; none inside 48 hours or for no-shows. An optional 8% trip protection allows changes until 8 am the day of.
Bring
Reef-safe sunscreen, a towel and swimwear; boards and rash guards come with lessons.
Reviews
What guests say
- 4.7Tripadvisor289 reviews as of September 30, 2026
- #91of 393Boat tours and water sports in Honolulu, Tripadvisor
- 1955SinceWomen-owned, per Tripadvisor
Reviewers describe friendly, professional staff, knowledgeable instructors, responsive service and good value on board rentals. Complaints are about uncomfortable paid chair cushions, little midday shade at the cabanas, some pricey premium rentals and thinner service when the beach is busy.
Questions
Good to know
Who owns Waikiki Beach Services?
Traci Bush is owner and president. Ted Bush, her father, is owner emeritus.
What does it cost?
Canoe ride $48, surf or SUP lesson $150, surf duo $130 per person, canoe charter $400, umbrella set $95. Checked September 30, 2026.
Can kids take lessons?
Surf lessons start at 12 in a group, and younger children book private. Stand-up paddle starts at 13. Canoe rides start at 5.
What if it rains?
Activities run in light rain. Refunds are given only if the company suspends one for unsafe conditions.
Where do I check in?
At the beach desks at the Royal Hawaiian and Sheraton Waikiki.
Catch a wave the Waikiki way
Outrigger canoe surfing, private lessons and beach rentals from Waikiki's long-running beach-boy company.
Check Availability