What’s in a Name?
The best place to learn to surf is in the waters off Waikiki. Photo: Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson
The Story Behind the Breaks
Queen Lili‘uokalani had a beach house and pier at what is now referred to as “Queen’s Beach” in Waikiki. Duke Kahanamoku made surfing here famous, spending the sunlit days “owning” the break that churned just 75 yards from shore, all of which paved the way for it to become one of the world’s most famous beaches and surf spots of all time.
(A statue of proclaiming him “Father of International Surfing, Duke Kahanamoku” resides overlooking the break, and is often draped in lei.)
A gentle, perfect curling, right-hand (moving right, facing shore) wave, Queens is great for beginners, yet a draw to experience local surfers who flock to its perfection. The inside (closest to shore) section can be teeming with keiki, usually learning the ropes of surfing.
