O'ahu is the perfect destination for ocean lovers. The warm Pacific that surrounds the Island creates endless possibilities for water adventures.
Surfing
Among surfers, O'ahu is not only an international destination, but is acknowledged as the birthplace of modern surfing. It was Duke Kahanamoku, with his "mile-long" ride in Waikiki, who put modern surfing on the map. During winter, when waves can measure up to 50 feet high, there is no hotter spot on O'ahu than the legendary North Shore, where the giant surf made the names Waimea, Sunset, Pipeline and Hale'iwa famous. In the summer months, the North Shore flattens out, while the big surf hits the South. Ready to stop watching and dive in? Whatever your age, skill or interest, there is someone who can teach you to surf.
Underwater
Underwater O'ahu is every bit as lush and dramatic as the Island's topside scenery. Snorkeling is great and there are hundreds of sites around the Island where you'll find fascinating underwater life.
A hybrid of snorkeling and scuba, scuba lets you breathe under water without wearing a tank. If you're not certified, dive shops around O'ahu offer classes, equipment and information on dive sites and conditions.
Overwater
Don't want to surf or snorkel? Body surfing, body boarding and stand up paddle boarding are popular alternatives. Perhaps this is the time to try windsailing, parasailing or hang gliding! Or try windsurfing out by Le'ahi (Diamond Head) or on beautiful Kailua Beach.
There's wakeboarding (it's something like waterskiing, but wilder), kite surfing (a combination of kite-flying, wakeboarding, surfing and flying) and stand-up paddle boarding. Stand-up paddle boarding is more tranquil sport, unless you're good enough to surf! Lather on the sunscreen, pack a picnic and a towel, and paddle a kayak to one of O'ahu's nearby protected islets, or moku. Stroll the isolated beach, cool off in the water, and then paddle back in time for a refreshing shave ice or mai tai.
