Ride The Waves In Waikiki

By Fiona Tapp

The jetlag I experience travelling from Canada’s east coast to Waikiki in Hawaii is working in my favour. It sees me cheerfully jumping out of bed before 5 a.m. to wander down to the beach and welcome the sunrise with a traditional Hawaiian ceremony.

Held every Wednesday in front of the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, and on Fridays in front of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, guests are guided through a moving spiritual sunrise welcome. Kehaulani Kam, Marriott’s director of cultural relations, is joined by Kalama Cabigon who is dressed in traditional clothing and chants as the sun rises slowly above Ko’olau Range and Diamond Head.

Participants are encouraged to kneel on towels stretched over the sand. When the chanting comes to a close, we are invited to silently wade out into the ocean waves in a symbolic act of purification and new beginnings. It’s certainly a peaceful way to start the day.

In Hawaii, the ocean is always calling, so it’s not long before I am back in the waves, this time in an outrigger canoe. Once everyone is seated on the sturdy craft, which has lateral floats to keep it well balanced, we paddle through the waves and turn around back toward the shore, patiently waiting for a wave.

Once the surf comes in, we paddle manically until the whole boat is swept up in the forceful power of the ocean and we ride the wave all the way to the beach. It really is a thrilling ride!

Waikiki Beach is the only place where you can go outrigger canoe surfing and, as you need no special training or experience to take part, it’s truly a unique experience for everyone to enjoy.

Waikiki Beach Services takes guests out on the ocean from a few different beachside hotels and is one of a handful of operators to offer visitors this experience. On Waikiki Beach, also look for stand-up paddleboards, surfing, and catamaran sailing. Whether by ancient tradition or on an exciting surf ride, the waves of Waikiki must be experienced.

Both the sunrise ceremony and outrigger canoe surfing are just a few sandy steps away from the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa. It was built back in 1901 before Waikiki was a beach resort for tourists and when visitors arrived by ship after a long sea voyage with trunks and trunks full of their belongings.

The rich history of this elegant Victorian hotel can be experienced during the complimentary tours held at 11 a.m. every Monday and Wednesday. Kehaulani Kam runs the tour and enthralls guests with secrets of the more than 100-year history of this elegant hotel, including a murder mystery.

Jane Stanford, the co-founder of Stanford University, was found dead in her room from poisoning back in 1905. Guests can also view memorabilia and artifacts from over a century of past visitors.

After the tour, head outside to the veranda and see the ancient Banyan tree in the hotel’s courtyard. Then enjoy a traditional afternoon tea service with a decidedly Hawaiian twist, including tropical pineapple and coconut tea blends to taste.

Moana Surfrider is part of Ensemble’s Hotel and Resort Collection and includes the following

• $75USD resort credit per room, per stay

• Full Breakfast for two daily served at the The Veranda

• Moana Surfrider Historical Book