Meeting point is subject to change but will be decided in advance based on weather conditions
Description
Outrigger canoes first arrived in Hawaii around 200 AD, some large enough to hold up to 80 people, and were filled with essential items like edible plants, water and animals to ensure a somewhat safer voyage for the brave explorers who took off in search of land.
Learning to surf an outrigger canoe is a right of passage for men and women of the sea, and it is an honor to do so in the Hawaiian islands where surfing gained a global foothold.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Mon, Tue, and Sun
Next available
Sun, Oct 18
Adult (ages 8–80)
$150
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 13.
Tour Options
Private Outrigger Canoe Surfing Experience
What's included
Included
Outrigger canoe, paddle, lifejacket, water, small snack
Not included
Sunscreen, hat, swimming attire
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
13 reviews
5
13
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Oahu
Rated higher than 87% of 467 reviewed tours in Oahu
Starting price $150 is 41% above the typical $106 for tours of similar length in Oahu
Excurgo comparison of 854 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Private Outrigger Canoe Surfing Experience take?
Private Outrigger Canoe Surfing Experience lasts about 2 hours.
How much does Private Outrigger Canoe Surfing Experience cost?
Prices start at $150 per person for this Oahu experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Private Outrigger Canoe Surfing Experience run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Sundays.
Can I cancel Private Outrigger Canoe Surfing Experience for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Meeting point is subject to change but will be decided in advance based on weather conditions. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Private Outrigger Canoe Surfing Experience offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 6 travellers can book together.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Confirmation is sent by the operator within 24 hours of booking.
Is Private Outrigger Canoe Surfing Experience worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 13 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Hana Ke Kai Ocean Adventure Co..
Reviews(13)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
K
Kohlabelle
March 14, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience for the whole family!
Our canoe surfing adventure with Hanalei and Sarah was just amazing - they were so friendly and fun and also made sure we were all safe and comfortable. We were a group of 5 ranging in age from 15 to 78 and we all enjoyed the whole experience from learning to paddle as a team in the canoe, to seeing turtles up close and personal, to the thrill of riding the wave towards shore - this was particularly amazing for my mother-in-law for whom this was a 25 year dream!!! Highly, HIGHLY recommend this activity and particularly Hana Kei Kai Canoe Surfing!
2 people found this helpful
Operator response
It was so special! I’m so happy we got to share that dream of hers with you all!
J
JonRobin_V
March 4, 2025 · via Viator
Thrilling Experience. We felt the Aloha Spirit!
We loved our time with Sara and Hanalei. The experience itself was amazing. We left the beach at Hickman Field and quickly learned the proper techniques needed to catch a wave. We saw three turtles on our way out. We were able to get a unique view of Diamond Head before catching the first of four waves. They would have stayed out for a few more but we have to get back for dinner.
Riding the waves was an exhilarating experience. The feeling of the wave picking up the back of the boat and pushing us along was amazing. It is an experience we will never forget.
We also enjoyed our time with Sara and Hanalei. They felt more like ohana than guides. From the moment Sara picked us up at our hotel we felt comfortable talking about life in Hawaii and her experiences. Her and Hanalei both were fun to talk to.
Going out of Hickman Beach was also nice. It is about a 30 minute drive from Waikiki but it was interesting seeing the base. We saw where there were still scares on some of the buildings from the Pearl Harbor raids in WW2 and we saw some of the F22 fighter jets.
In all it was an experience we will never forget.
Mahalo to our new friends Sara and Hanalei
Operator response
It was our pleasure! Doing what we love with amazing people! Nothing but good vibes out there! Mahalo nui!
S
svenjam625
January 6, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
An Awesome Experience
We went outrigger surfing for the first time, with no prior experience and it was AWESOME! Everyone in the group had a great time catching waves and experiencing this unique way of surfing and felt save at all times. Highly recommend booking with Hanalei & Sara!
1 people found this helpful
B
bolJ1097UE
January 4, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Soooo good!
This was the highlight of our trip! Hanelei and Sarah were super nice and outrigger surfing is so fun! Highly recommend doing it.
6
624deenab
January 4, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Holiday Highlight!
Our ourtigger experinece with Hanalei exceeded every expectation! We went as a family and it was our first time in an outrigger canoe. From the initial communications to the welcome and the paddling introduction, he made us feel right at home. The paddling and the surfing was super fun for everyone in the group. The turtles, the music and the incredible feeling surfing in together made the experince magical. We'll definitely be back next time we're on Oahu. Huge thanks to Hanalei and Sarah for a wonderful experence.
F
F8713IFelizabethc
December 7, 2023 · via Tripadvisor
Must-do Hawaiian Adventure
I can't believe this is the first time all 3 of us (2 friends and myself) tried outrigger canoe surfing after living on Oahu for years..I'm obsessed!! When we arrived at the beach at 5pm for a sunset tour, the water looked totally flat..not a single wave in sight. Boy, did that change - once we started paddling out, small waves grew to over 6 footers and we rode over 10 waves easily, many that pushed us for over a minute each. Hana was very clear with instructions, he put any anxieties to rest as the waves grew larger, and you just know you're in good hands. If you like being on the water and want to ride fun waves without the effort and dangers of learning to surf, do NOT miss this tour! I honestly can't wait to do this again 🤗
J
joeoS4806AH
July 17, 2023 · via Tripadvisor
Helped us find the Hawaii we dreamed of.
Outstanding experience with Hanalei and Sara. It was obvious from the start that they were going to do their very best to ensure a wonderful excursion on their outrigger canoe. If you have the opportunity to book an adventure with them, do not hesitate. The high point of our week spent in Hawaii.
D
DNW444
July 2, 2023 · via Tripadvisor
The best experience all around
This was hands down the best part of our trip! Hanalei and Sara were super cool, professional and obviously experienced. We hit quite a few smaller waves to get the hang of it and then they felt confident taking us on some bigger sections. The more effort you are able to put in physically, the better time everyone will have. All about the teamwork and learning good technique from some great teachers. We rode at sunset and had the waves to ourselves, they had an awesome spot to launch from. Would love to do it again anytime we make it out to the islands!
V
Vivicka P
June 1, 2023 · via Tripadvisor
A Hawaii “must do”!
Outrigging w Hanalei and Sara was a great experience. We had a super fun time catching lots of waves. It was obvious we were in experienced hands and always felt safe. Not only were we provided a fun time but they had snacks and water for us- awesome. We were a family of 5, youngest is 14. I say put outrigging in your Hawaii "must-do” list. Worth every penny!
K
korib940
May 7, 2023 · via Tripadvisor
TRULY AMAZING!!!!!!
It was truly AMAZING! Far exceeded any expectations I had! We could go all day everyday! Something I highly recommend everyone does! They are so great to work with and give great leadership and examples of how and what to do. Thank you for the best experience!!!
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