Hawaii

what we found

The best guidebook was 'Maui Revealed' by http://wizardpub.com.

aloha

hello, goodbye or the feeling or spirit of love or kindness

lanai

porch

mahalo

thank you

pilikino pono'i

private

actually I never saw this in Hawaiian but it was the most used English word south of Kihei

We stayed at Wailea Ekahi vilage. It was nicely done. Units were solid, block, pored floors (w/16" marble tile) so pretty soundproof. Kitchen wasn't really functional for 2 cooks, the shower exited awkwardly right into the toilet and the drywall wrapped closet doors had that awkward break in the baseboard where the door closed. The 4-6 unit buildings were on a long gradual hill to the sea with most units oriented just enough off the east-west axis to give you a view down to the ocean from your back porch.

The first day I decided to walk the grounds heading to the sea. I kept looking out for flying golf balls. It wasn't a golf course, it just felt like one of those condo golf course things. (I went to one in DC with my brother. I hit a house with my ball, I could hear glass breaking. I started to run.)

I found a pool. Beyond it was a gate to the beach and the Pacific. It was locked from the inside and the outside. I couldn't get out. I backtracked and tried every way out of the complex. On the 4th try I found a way out.

Actually Hawaii is much better for beach access than the 'commonwealth' of MA where people own to the low tide mark. How uncivilized. Maui has shoreline access signed and numbered. The beach is the people's, generally.

The Kamaole's are probably the best people beaches with a nice feel, people playing ball on the lawn just up from the beach, barbecuing, playing ukelele, hanging out. I wanted to join every family. There were big shade trees. The beach was shore break with occasional rocky points that look to have modest reef. Facilities were good with showers and baths, you parked right off the road so the parking didn't uglify. You could get food and drink across the street. We had a pretty good margarita at Fred's Mexican restaurant. The Saturday special was fish tacos, mahi-mahi nicely spiced with some kind of lime based marinade.

Another nice scene was at Palauea (White Rock) beach. It isn't labeled on this map but you can see it drawn just below Polo beach. There was a local wedding over on one side. There were some tents and lots of family/friend party scenes. It was pretty small and the break was close to shore but the topo did seem to focus the waves here, they were bigger than elsewhere. It might be OK for body surfing if the surf was higher. We snorkeled the left (south) side. There were lots of bigger size fish and turtles but the coral wasn't great. There was shade. Stuck between high-end houses, this beach had no commercial life, it was deathly private as soon as you left the beach.

Down toward Makena state park we did find some commercial life: taco stands, sorbet stands, a guy custom making giant fish sandwiches with local onions, pineapple, lettuce and tomato (we split a $15 ahi sandwich, I thought it was worth it but Peri didn't think so but she only eats the inside). We went to Big beach, hung out on the left side in the shade. It had a nice public feel but it was shore break and the snorkeling where we were was OK, similar to Palauea (the beach below Polo).

Finally we hit the coral reef mother-load, at Maluaka beach (aka Makena beach or what this dumb-ass map calls 'turtle town'. Peri was blown away. She immediately wanted to draw the textures. They will, I am sure, inspire her knitting. Surprisingly, to me, there weren't as many fish around as in Big beach or Palauea. We accessed the beach from the south side, had to park in a random lot near a development-in-construction then walk an access path to the beach (that had showers and (dirty) bathrooms). The controlling interest was some big resort hotel/golf course. You could walk to the pool and have a drink at the bar. ($4.50 local lager) though it felt pretty iso-tourist.

That was day 1. Today we found a beach meeting our 2 primary objectives, body surfing and snorkeling. We may explore no more of South Maui. Somehow the waves here were more focused and bigger than everywhere else AND the bottom was flat and gradual, the waves started breaking in about 4'-5' of water and then ran in ~40 yards at best, not an outrageously long ride but satisfying. You could ride all the way in, the sand was real soft. They were good from low to hi tide (seems to be 2-3' tide). Today was hot, but it didn't matter, just ride dem waves and cool off. The beach had no shade except on the very edge, which was possessed by some old people all day.

The snorkeling was great. According to Peri, 'There were places that had the full range of texture and color in the coral' Between rock outcroppings there were schools of bigger fish too plus lots of turtles and eels. There were boys/men with harpoons on rubber bands. Peri started to go after them, she took exception to 'boys with toys' destroying the reef. I just wanted to know what was edible.

The scene was tourist condo, they let us through from a 8 parking place lot on a public access path on the south side since they had to. The north looked slightly more public. There was no commerce.

We may just keep going back there for our last 2 days in south Maui.

All in all South Maui is a privatized dream from Wailea down. But who cares. It is mostly boring with little life or commercial activity. I checked out all the beaches from the long dead Keawapaku beach in front of the $10 million dollar houses, and on down to the 'beach path' through resort land to the south. The surf sucked and the snorkeling was unexceptional.

So I'm here on vacation while back in Wisconsin the middle class is under assault. South Maui might be what America becomes, our shared wealth and common space sold off to the elite 2%. It will be a dreadful, sanitized, paranoid, armed and protected world, constantly being squeezed til all public ownership and access is denied.

itinerary

Alaska Air Flights

http://alaskair.com perilwinlke aa

Trip Information
Flight 	Departs 	Arrives 	Details

Alaska Airlines  35 	Boston (BOS)
4:25 pm  Fri, Feb 18 	Portland, OR (PDX)
7:51 pm  Fri, Feb 18 	Coach  ·  Boeing 737-800
Nonstop  ·  % On-Time: N/A
Meal: Available For Purchase§, Available For Purchase§
2,529 mi  ·  6 hr 26 min

Alaska Airlines  877 	Portland, OR (PDX)
7:35 am  Sat, Feb 19 	Honolulu (HNL)
11:35 am  Sat, Feb 19 	Coach  ·  Boeing 737-800
Nonstop  ·  96% On-Time
Meal: Available For Purchase§, Available For Purchase§
2,600 mi  ·  6 hr 

Total: 5,129 mi  ·  24 hr 10 min

Alaska Airlines  876 	Honolulu (HNL)
12:35 pm  Sat, Feb 26 	Portland, OR (PDX)
8:05 pm  Sat, Feb 26 	Coach  ·  Boeing 737-800
Nonstop  ·  % On-Time: N/A
Meal: Available For Purchase§, Available For Purchase§
2,600 mi  ·  5 hr 30 min

Alaska Airlines  30 	Portland, OR (PDX)
7:00 am  Sun, Feb 27 	Boston (BOS)
3:25 pm  Sun, Feb 27 	Coach  ·  Boeing 737-800
Nonstop  ·  80% On-Time
Meal: Available For Purchase§, Available For Purchase§
2,529 mi  ·  5 hr 25 min

Total: 5,129 mi  ·  21 hr 50 min

Italic text

Hawaii Air - Flight Summary

Confirmation Code: LSSGCK

Departing Flight - HA296 12:39

Oahu - Honolulu (HNL) to Maui - Kahului (OGG) Hawaiian Coach Saturday, February 19, 2011 12:39 PM–1:17 PM

Return Flight - HA145 9:45

Maui - Kahului (OGG) to Oahu - Honolulu (HNL) Hawaiian Coach Saturday, February 26, 2011 9:45 AM–10:19 AM

Cost Summary Cost per Traveler $192.00 Taxes and Fees Segment taxes, passenger facility charges, and September 11 Security Fee $12.40 Subtotal $204.40 Electronic Travel Discount

1. of Travelers X 2

Total Air Travel Cost (USD) $408.80 Additional Purchases See bottom of page for full details. Payment Method

Card Type: Visa Credit

Card Number: ************1605

Expiration Date: 02/2012

Card Holder: PERI MCKENNA

Billing Address: 12 PARLEY VALE, JAMAICA PLAIN, MA 02130 Passenger Information Name TSA Information HawaiianMiles # HNL OGG OGG HNL Peri L McKenna HA-303216176 21F 9F Timothy S McKenna HA-303216188 21E 9E E-Ticket Information Name E-Ticket Number(s) Peri L McKenna 1732132031269 Timothy S McKenna 1732132031270

car Alamo 464639066

TOUR_client_ratesconfirm

Dear Tim,

Your tour operator requested that we send you a copy of your Alamo reservation. Your confirmation number is: 464639066

Reserved rate reflects the pick up date and time, return date and time, and car class quoted at time of reservation. Any changes to the reservation may affect the rates quoted herein.

You will need this number to pickup your car, make any changes to, or cancel your reservation. Please print this e-mail message or record the confirmation number to pickup your car. eReciept

Confirmation # 464639066 RS0464639066Status: Booked ALAMO logo

Here's what you do to pick up your car:

1. The shuttle bus runs every 5 minutes just outside Baggage Claim.
2. Local renters go directly to our rental facility at 905 Mokuea Place.
3. Please call for convenient pier pickup service available 7 days a week.

Rental Information Name:

Tim Mckenna

E-mail:

mckenna.tim@gmail.com

Vehicle Type:

Midsize - 4-Door/Automatic/Air - Toyota Corolla Or Similar

Pickup Information

Location:

Kahului Arpt/Shuttle (OGGT71)

Date & Time:

Saturday, February 19, 2011 @ 01:30 PM

Address:

905 East Mokuea Place Kahului/maui, HI 96732

Phone:

(888)826-6893 ext:MAIN

Fax:

(808)871-2753

Hours:

Sun-Sat: 05:00 am - 10:30 pm

Dropoff Information

Location:

Kahului Arpt/Shuttle (OGGT71)

Date & Time:

Saturday, February 26, 2011 @ 09:00 AM

Base Rate - Midsize (USD) (1) Rental Rate ($159.00/rental) $159.00

Contract I.D. XXXXXXX Pay at Destination Inclusive Rate Items No charge distance Included Guaranteed Base Rate Included Unlimited Miles Included

Subtotal.............................................$159.00

Taxes, Surcharges and Fees Customer Facility Charge 4.50/day $31.50 Concession Recovery Fee 11.11 % $17.66 Rental Mtr Vhcle Schg 3.00 Usd/day $21.00 Veh.registration Fee / Weight Tax $2.45 Sales Tax (4.1660%) $7.46

Subtotal..............................................$80.07

Estimated Total......................................$239.07

Total may vary at time of rental based on the election of prepaid gas, optional coverage items or changes in taxes, surcharges and fees. Thank you again for choosing Alamo Rent A Car.

accomodations

Wailea Ekahi 40C 02/18-02/24/11

from Wendi Ching <wendi@kumulani.com> to Timothy McKenna <mckenna.tim@gmail.com> date Wed, Jan 12, 2011 at 1:56 PM subject Re: Inquiry from Timothy McKenna - Feb 19 to 26 - Listing #103579

Aloha Tim, Thank you for your inquiry. What I have open at Wailea Ekahi is #40C from 02/18-02/24/11 at $250.00 per night. Please let me know if that will work for you?

MADE RESERVATION AND PAID FOR 2/18-2/24

Best Regards, Wendi S. Ching General Manager Kumulani Vacations & Realty, Inc. wendi@kumulani.com www.kumulani.com 115 E. Lipoa St. Ste #205 Kihei, HI 96753 800-367-2954 Toll Free 808-879-9272 Local 808-874-0094 Facsimile

KUMULANI VACATIONS & REALTY, Inc. PO Box 1190, 115 E. Lipoa Street, #205 Kihei, HI 96753 TOLL FREE (800) 367-2954 Local (808) 879-9272 Fax (808) 874-0094 EMERGENCY PHONE 1-888-295-2624

WAILEA EKAHI VILLAGE

1. 40C

Unit Tel # (808) 879-1477 3300 WAILEA ALANUI DR. WAILEA, MAUI, HAWAII (808) 879-2770

INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE AIRPORT TO WAILEA EKAHI:

• EXIT AIRPORT AND STAY ON HIGHWAY 380 (YOU’LL PASS BIG K-MART ON YOUR LEFT).
• GO STRAIGHT ABOUT 1 MILE. TURN LEFT ON THE 5TH TRAFFIC LIGHT (PUUNENE AVENUE) AFTER KINGS CATHEDRAL.
• PUUNENE AVENUE MERGES ONTO HIGHWAY 311 (MOKULELE HIGHWAY). FOLLOW FOR ABOUT 6 MILES UNTIL YOU COME TO HIGHWAY 31 (PIILANI HIGHWAY).
• MOKULELE HIGHWAY MERGES ONTO THE PIILANI HIGHWAY.
• TURN RIGHT ON OKOLANI DRIVE. AT STOP SIGN, TURN LEFT OR GO STRAIGHT AHEAD. FOLLOW THE APPROPRIATE DIRECTION TO YOUR CONDO, AS DESIGNATED ON THE MAP.

YOU WILL ALSO NEED TO REGISTER IN BUILDING 18B AND GET YOUR PARKING PASS. OFFICE HOURS ARE WEEKDAYS FROM 8:30AM TO 12:00PM AND 1:00PM TO 4:00PM. IF THEY ARE CLOSED ON YOUR ARRIVAL PLEASE REGISTER LATER.

THERE WILL BE A LOCK BOX ON THE DOOR WITH A KEY INSIDE.

LOCK BOX INSTRUCTIONS:

TO OPEN THE LOCK BOX, USE THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. PRESS THE NUMBER “4”
  2. PRESS THE NUMBER “7”
  3. PRESS THE NUMBER “3”
  4. PRESS THE NUMBER “2”

IF YOU MAKE A MISTAKE, PRESS THE “CLEAR” BUTTON AND START OVER. ONCE YOU HAVE ENTERED THE NUMBERS, PULL DOWN, THEN OUT ON THE “OPEN” BUTTON AND REMOVE YOUR UNIT KEY.

TO CLOSE THE LOCKBOX, REPEAT STEPS 1 THROUGH 3. EXTRA KEYS ARE INSIDE THE UNIT.

CHECK IN TIME IS 3:00 PM

CHECK OUT TIME IS 11:00 AM

IMPORTANT UNIT INFORMATION:

For your convenience and comfort, each condo has a dishwasher, washer/dryer, FULLY EQUIPPED KITCHEN, and other items needed to keep you comfortable during your stay. We also provide a starter SUPPLY of bath SOAP, laundry DETERGENT, DISHWASHING AND DISHWASHER DETERGENT, paper towels, FACIAL TISSUE, and toilet paper. It is your responsibility to purchase any additional items that you may need.

EXTRA CLEANING CHARGES OCCUR WHEN EXCESSIVE GARBAGE, A MESSY KITCHEN, OR A LARGE AMOUNT OF LAUNDRY, SAND, OR LITTER IS FOUND IN THE CONDO UPON CHECKOUT. PLEASE USE THE FACILITIES PROVIDED IN YOUR CONDO TO ENSURE NO EXTRA CHARGES WILL BE ASSESSED. there is a $10 lost key charge. lockout of your unit may have a $20 service fee.

Long distance calls should be made with your calling card or on a collect call basis.

CHECK OUT INSTRUCTIONS:

LEAVE ALL KEYS INSIDE THE CONDO. CLOSE AND LOCK ALL DOORS AND WINDOWS. PLEASE TURN OFF AIR CONDITIONERS, CEILING FANS, LIGHTS, ETC. PLEASE TAKE OUT TRASH, START DISHWASHER AND IF POSSIBLE, WASH & DRY SOME TOWELS.

CHECKOUT IS AT 11:00 AM - IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST A LATER CHECKOUT TIME, PLEASE CALL KUMULANI VACATIONS (PREFERABLY SEVERAL DAYS IN ADVANCE). UNFORTUNATELY, WHEN ANOTHER PARTY IS SCHEDULED TO CHECK IN ON THE SAME DAY YOU ARE CHECKING OUT, WE CAN NOT GRANT A LATE CHECKOUT.

WE HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR STAY WITH US!

MAHALO & ALOHA!

Hale Napili

arriving: on Thursday, February 24, 2011

====leaving: Saturday 808-669-6184 halenapi@maui.net http://

1/12/2011 Aloha Peri Levin,

Thank you for your deposit payment of $500.00, we look forward to your visit and want you to know that we will do everything possible to make your stay pleasant and enjoyable.

We show you arriving on Thursday, February 24, 2011 staying in GARDENVIEW STUDIO. If this is not correct, please contact us as soon as possible.

Your charges are as follows: Room: $320.00 Tax:$42.94

Total:$362.94

Amount Paid:$500.00

Amount Due:($137.06)

snorkeling

maui

http://www.mauiinformationguide.com/maui-snorkeling-maps.php

Black Rock at Kaanapali Beach

Famous for it's high volcanic ocean cliff which brave divers jump from, Black Rock is a wonderful place to snorkel and swim. The ocean is usually calm in this resort area inviting the masses to swim here. Off of the point, there are sometimes strong currents, so use caution. The beach is large and long with multiple hotels along it. Lifeguards are present, but you'll not find any restrooms unless you're staying at a hotel. Black Rock Maui can be found in the West in the middle of Ka'anapali Beach. Swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving at Black Rock are all amazing because of the abundant coral, bright tropical fish, and gentle sea turtles.

Kapalua Beach

One of the most beautiful beaches in Maui is Kapalau Beach. At the Kapalua Resort, this beach is the kind of tropical perfection you expect from Maui. It has great swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving all around this area. Another Kapalua Beach is Ironwoods. This beach is often uncrowded, but the water here isn't great for swimming. The reef is shallow from the shore all the way out. It's dangerous to be in the water here especially during the winter swells. But, in saying this, the beach is breath-taking.

Puamana Beach County Park

Another great spot on the way to Lahaina is Puamana Beach. It has all the facilities you may need with picnic tables, bbq grills, and restrooms. A popular Maui surf spot for longboarding, Puamana Beach Park is a great place to swim and snorkel as well.

body surfing

Maiu

Hamoa Beach (West Maui outside of Hana, off Haneo'o Road)

Lifeguard on duty? No For beginning/experienced bodysurfers? Both

Conditions for beginning bodysurfers are best here during the summer and fall. Larger winter and early spring surf, however, should be left to the more experienced.

Maluaka Beach & Po'olenalena Beach (South Maui, off Makena Road)

Lifeguard on duty? No For beginning/experienced bodysurfers? Both

Among a string of white sand beaches along the coast of the Makena Resort area, these two are the best for bodysurfing when the waves are up.

Lanai Hulopoe Beach (South Shore, adjacent to Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay)

Lifeguard on duty? No For beginning/experienced bodysurfers? Both

On a recent trip to Lanai, we found the island’s best beach for all manner of water activities (snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving) also one of the best we'd seen for beginner bodysurfing.

Little Beach Maui

Maui has a couple nudist beaches of which Little Beach is the Mecca for nudists. The waves here are perfect for bodysurfing, and sometimes surfing, but depending on what day and the time of day it is, you may be dodging naked people. During a South or Southwest Swell, the surf can be good here. It offers a left hand reef break off of the South side of the beach. This beach is beautiful and as perfect as can be. On Sundays, you'll find a different atmosphere than usual with crowds unusually large for Little Beach. For sunset, everyone celebrates by swimming and cheering as a large drum circle beats away. Once it gets dark, Little Beach becomes a real spectacle. All types of people, nude or clothed, begin to dance in the circle with fire. The fire dancers at little beach are incredible. You'll sometimes find professional fire twirlers with more than one ball of fire and fancy flaming outfits. The imagination is strong at Little Beach when it comes to new and entertaining ways to play with fire. We've seen everything from heated hula-hoops to burning bras. You'll enjoy this ceremony that occurs every Sunday night. You don't need to get undressed either. Bring a flashlight to get back over the cliff at night. Lately the police have limited the event to stop around 9pm, so get there before sunset to really experience Maui's Little Beach activities.

D.T. Fleming Beach Park

Kapalua has many of the best beaches Maui offers. From Ironwoods to D.T.Flemings, you'll love the beautiful perfect beaches here. Flemings is located on the Upper West of Maui, and the North of Kapalua. It is a public beach park with lifeguards, facilities, picnic tables, barbeque grills, and great water People swim, body surf, and surf here regularly. Flemings has a good-sized parking lot and plenty of beach to lounge on. Like most beaches in Maui, Flemings can get windy in the afternoon.

Maui

snorkeling

• http://www.hawaiisnorkelingguide.com/maui_snorkeling.html

Honolua Bay - The diversity of marine life is second to none

Kapalua Bay - A calm sheltered cove, ideal for snorkeling

Turtle Town Maui & Maluaka Beach - My favorite snorkeling beach on the south shore

Kaanapali Beach - Black Rock - Rated one of the top beaches in the world

Ahihi Kinau Reserve - Protecting our marine life for future generations

Molokini - Possibly the clearest water in all of Hawaii

body surfing

http://www.mauiinformationguide.com/best-beaches.php

Ka'anapali 'Dig Me'

1. Hamoa Beach. The ever popular Hamoa Beach is one of the best Maui bodysurfing beaches. Bodysurfing requires large waves and Hamoa Beach offers some of the biggest waves in all of Hawaii. There are no lifeguards on this beach so use caution when bodysurfing.
2. Baldwin Beach. The beautiful Baldwin Beach is another one of the best Maui bodysurfing beaches yet it may not be around too long in the near future. According to the Hawaii PV Coalition, Baldwin Beach is one of the beaches Maui stands to lose because of rising sea levels due to carbon dioxide emissions. Bodysurfing Baldwin Beach is a must if you want to get in on the action before it’s too late.
3. Mokuleia Beach. If you’re looking for the perfect beach for bodysurfing during the winter, then Mokuleia Beach is the perfect destination for you. Be sure to dress accordingly when bodysurfing during the harsh winter months as the water can get quite chilly.
4. Kapalua Bay Beach. Located in west Maui, Kapalua Bay Beach is another one of the best Maui bodysurfing beaches. If you don’t mind crowds, Kapalua Bay Beach is the perfect bodysurfing destination to be.
5. Honolua Bay Beach. Honolua Bay Beach is not only one of the best Maui bodysurfing beaches, it’s also one of the most beautiful boasting crystal clear waters, an abundant marine life, a rocky shore line, and lush, green vegetation. It's remote destination also makes it a great beach to bodysurf in Maui. If possible, plan on bodysurfing this area during the summertime as you’ll experience greater visibility than during the wintertime.

other research -not going here

Ke'e Beach

A popular beach (yes it's crowded), the end of the road offers a protected lagoon teaming with tropical fish.

Makua (Tunnels)

Tunnels beach offers more privacy than Ke'e with similar ocean wildlife.

Poipu Beach Park

Not so many fish, but great for learning, Poipu beach is protected and lifeguarded.

Lydgate Beach Park

Lydgate is protected which makes it another great beach for beginners.

kauai

http://www.kauaiexplorer.com/

Snorkeling the clear warm waters of Kauai Snorkeling is often the highlight of many people's vacation -- and Kauai offers a wide range of locations, from beginner to expert.

Kee Beach

The reefs off Kee Beach and Haena Beach Park make for great shoreline snorkeling.

Haena Beach

Tunnels Beach in Haena has a wide reef area with a lot of variety. Check ocean conditions prior to your drive there -- you don't want to go if the surf is up or if there's a strong current.

Anini Beach

Anini Beach is perfect for beginners, with a safe, shallow area for snorkeling. ====Poipu Beach Park==== has some good snorkeling to the right side of Nukumoi Point, the tombolo area (narrow strip of sand dividing the ocean). Salt Pond Beach Park, near Hanapepe, has good snorkeling with bountiful marine life in a protected cove.

oahu

http://www.hawaiisnorkelingguide.com/oahu_snorkeling.html

Kuilima Cove

The best place for beginner snorkeling in the islands

Kahe Point Beach Park

Definitely my favorite snorkeling beach on Oahu

Sharks Cove

One of the most famous snorkel and dive beaches on the North Shore

Hanauma Bay=

Probably the most fish in one place in all of Hawaii

Kaena - Blue water... white sand... postcard perfect

big island

http://www.hawaiisnorkelingguide.com/big_island_snorkeling.html

Mauna Kea Beach, Kaunaoa Bay

On the Travel Channel's "World's All Time Best Beaches" list

The City of Refuge, Puuhonua O Honaunau

My favorite Big Island snorkeling beach

Kahaluu Beach Park=

The perfect beginner snorkeling beach. Convenient, calm, loads of marine life.

Oahu

Waikiki Beach (South Shore)

Lifeguard on duty? Yes For beginning/experienced bodysurfers? Both, but best for beginners.

Conditions are almost always good somewhere on Waikiki's beaches for bodysurfing ... especially for beginners. The simple rule here? Always take note of and obey posted warnings regarding surf conditions before heading into the waves. ====Becoming knowledgeable about the 5 best Oahu bodysurfing beaches is a must if you plan on visiting this tropical, carefree destination at a future date. From the challenging Makapu'u Beach to the daring Sandy Beach, there are many great places for bodysurfing in Oahu.

Makapu’u Beach

The Makapu'u Beach is one of the best Oahu bodysurfing beaches. According to the University of Hawaii, Makapu’u Beach is the perfect beach for “experienced” bodysurfers as it features strong currents and an equally strong undertow. Along with boasting key requirements for bodysurfing, Makapu'u beach also features blue crystal clear waters, over-towering cliffs in the distance and tropically cool waters.

Pounders Beach

The naturally beautiful Pounders Beach is another one of the best Oahu bodysurfing beaches. According to the University of Hawaii, Pounders Beach is one of the most popular bodysurfing beaches on Oahu. If you want to beat the crowds, be sure to visit during a weekday morning when most people are either too busy with work or school.

Ehukai Beach Park

The Ehukai Beach Park is the place to be if you’re an adventurous, risk taking type of guy. The National Healthy Beaches Campaign reports that Ehukai Beach is one of the world’s most famous surf sites, making it an excellent location for bodysurfing. According to Hawaii Beach Safety, traffic is very heavy everywhere on the north shore especially during the winter surf season, so be sure to steer clear of this place during the winter season if you don’t like crowds.

Waimanalo Bay Beach

If you’re looking for the perfect family friendly bodysurfing beach, then look no further than Oahu’s very own Waimanalo Bay Beach. Accrding to the National Healthy Beaches Campaign, this beach features a shallow sandbar at the water’s edge that provides good waves for bodysurfing and body boarding. This is a great place if you’re a beginner at the sport of bodysurfing.

Sandy Beach

Sandy Beach is another one of the best Oahu bodysurfing beaches. The University of Hawaii reports that the currents on Sandy Beach can be quite strong, so it’s not recommended to go into the water unless you’re an experienced body surfer. If you’re not an experienced bodysurfer, steer clear of this place as it’s only for professional, experienced bodysurfers.

Big Island of Hawaii

Hapuna Beach (South Kohala Coast, off Queen Kaahumanu Hwy)

Lifeguard on duty? Yes For beginning/experienced bodysurfers? Both.

The Big Island’s most popular bodysurfing beach is also one of its most beautiful—a half-mile stretch of white sand dunes with the most crystalline surf on the South Kohala Coast. Surf here is almost always ideal for bodysurfing. Beginning bodysurfers, however, should stay out of the water during occasionally higher surf sets.

beaches

Hanalei Bay Beach, Kauai

Kauai Kalapaki Beach (Lihue, off Rice Road)

Lifeguard on duty? No For beginning/experienced bodysurfers? Both, but best for beginners.

The generally mellow surf on this crescent-shaped white sand beach fronting the Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club is great for beginning bodysurfers. More experienced bodysurfers take to the waves when the surf is a bit higher.

by island

Lanai

Hulopoe Bay

best snorkeling on Lanai