The Surf Window

Canoes

Waikiki, USA

Reef breakBeginner

Waikiki's most beloved beginner break in the birthplace of modern surfing, where kings once rode waves and where every surfer should have their first proper experience in Hawaiian water.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size3-8ft

Wind

NE

Offshore

Tide

Mid to high

LowMidHigh

Season

October–March

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Both

Bottom

Coral reef (deep and forgiving)

Shape

Slow, long, rolling waves, very gentle

Length

100–200m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Beginner
  • •Why: Deep reef, slow waves, and open water, one of the safest and most forgiving reef break learning environments in the world.

Hazards

  • •Outrigger canoe traffic, Canoes is also used for canoe surfing tours
  • •Crowded year-round given its fame
  • •Occasional jellyfish in the bay

Local Tips

  • •The view of Diamond Head from the line-up is one of surfing's great panoramas, take a moment to appreciate it.
  • •Book a lesson with a local beach boy for the full historic experience; Waikiki's surf instructors have a century-long tradition.

Location

Map showing the location of Canoes in Waikiki, USA

21.2797, -157.8260