Hawaiian Surf Adventures – Authentic Hawaiian Canoeing
When I asked my husband what he’d like to do during our Hawaii vacation, he said “surfing”. While my pregnancy and gluten allergies got in the way of us doing any surfing, Hawaiian Surf Adventures offered for us to learn the ancient sport of authentic Hawaiian canoeing with a tour by a 12th generation native Hawaiian, Nobie.
We found this card hanging in the store, hilarious and so perfect!
We received the canoe tour in exchange for review, all thoughts are my own.
“This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for tourists and locals alike to learn REAL Hawaiian history, geography and folklore and see the “other side” of Diamond Head, along with the majestic cliff-line of Koko Head Crater.”
Nobie was friendly, helpful, and passionate about Hawaiian canoeing. He explained to our tour group that he made the canoes and paddles by hand. He cut down the tree used to make them himself. He took the time to show us the technique of holding the paddle the right way, how to move our bodies to get the most effective stroke, and the commands to work as a team in the long double hull canoes.
We learned so much and were able to see the south eastern shore of Oahu from a different vantage point than most tourists. The water was refreshing and a gorgeous hue of blue.
Nobie offered us a few chances to dive in the Pacific Ocean but I wasn’t sure I’d be able to get my pregnant self back up in to the canoe from the water. We saw sea turtles, the white sands beneath the salty water, and rode some fun waves!
Nobie is a knowledgeable guide who has studied Volcano-logy and wishes to spread his love for his land and people with anyone who will listen. He talks so fast, but is a gracious host answering any questions and diving deep in to the history of the land and its people.
The most memorable thing he taught us was the history of the “hang loose” hand signal. It’s not just for surfers! Hawaiians use the shaka to convey the “Aloha Spirit”, a concept of friendship, understanding, compassion, and solidarity among the various ethnic cultures that reside within Hawaii, lacking a direct semantic to literal translation.
Hawaiian Surf Adventures offers so much more than just surfing and canoeing. Check out their website for other activities like Stand Up Paddle lessons, Scuba lessons and tours, and Diving lessons.
Thank you! We want to try other activities in Hawaii next time!
I would love to surf, too! Although, Im sure it would be pretty hilarious to watch me try!
Ah, the turtles are so peaceful! I think the Hawaiian name for turtle is “honu”
Very nice! Are you from Oahu? The community seems so tight-knit!
It was so amazing! It’s fun with a nice group of people!
There’s so much to see and do! I’d like to visit a couple of the other islands as well!
It was so beautiful to see the island from a different vantage point!
Luckily I know my body so I wasn’t afraid of that. I did get a note from my Doctor before we left though!
I also knew I wouldn’t be able to get myself back in the boat if I jumped out for a swim, so that would be something I’d like to do when I’m not pregnant!
You should plan for it! Everyone is super nice and helpful at Hawaiian Surf Adventures!
I have SO many, more, too! Im glad I had plenty of space on my memory card and phone!
That shot was by Nobie with a GoPro camera! I bought the cd from our tour =)
It was popular in Austin, Tx, too! I hadn’t tried it when we lived there either, but looks fun!
It was! Well worth the effort!
Thanks! It was so much fun learning about Hawaii, too!
Oh sure you could! You get breaks and only do what you can. It’s a tour, not a race! =)
Good for you! I honestly didn’t notice that it said Atkins until you said something! Hah!
So much beauty in a small place!
These photos hardly do it justice! The breeze and perfect water temperature really make it amazing!
I can’t wait to go back!
Be sure to get good sun block! I sprayed us before we set out and apparently it wasn’t good enough. We looked like true Mainers (cooked lobster, anyone?) by the time we were done!
I think this was a little different than a traditional canoe because it’s double-hull so there’s more balance. The water was a perfect temperature, too!
Actually Nobie had a Go Pro camera and took a few of those shots- I bought the cd though!
Yes, it’s definitely a bit macho for the guys to do! The scenery was the best part!
Thank you! Make a plan for it! You won’t regret it.
It made us smile despite the pain he was having. =)
Snorkeling sounds fun! I wish we could have seen more wildlife. Next time!
It’s not too hard and you just do what you can. That was the great part about being in the group (and in the back, 7 months pregnant!) I wasn’t pressured to go all Olympian out there =)
I couldn’t believe it either, I wonder how long it took him?
It was so beautiful! Our guide said that often times boats will stir up the bottom so it’s not as clear. We got lucky!
We did! It wasn’t really on my bucket list but it is now, to go back! I would go back when Im not pregnant so I can experience so much more!
It’s a lot of fun and they have the Aloha Spirit everywhere!
I think some parts of Hawaii would be good as a family but in my opinion it’s more for lovers! =)
It really is! Every where we looked we found ourselves saying “Oh, look at that!”
Hawaii looks so gorgeous. I’d love to go there and visit one day :)
The canoe tour looks fabulous! The Atkins joke cracked me up since I’ve just finished my second week on the diet!
Thanks for sharing your experience with us! I would love to surf one day.
WOW! What an experience….I love the gorgeous pictures. I don’t know if I could do it!
It looks like you guys had a GREAT time! I have never been canoeing but it looks like a blast! Thanks for sharing your experience…I loved your pics!
How beautiful! That looks like such a fun adventure!
These are beautiful photos! Stand up paddleboarding is very popular here in Florida! I should give it a try.
Everything looks beautiful! I’m curious how you took the picture in the paddleboat! And that card is hilarious!
You’ve got so many great pictures here. I’d love to visit Hawaii! :)
that looks like it was a lot of fun. I’d love to go and take a tour with them.
You’re much more adventurous than I was pregnant like that – I’d be afraid I’d go into labor out there in ocean! It looks like a beautiful ride though – those landscapes and views are just incredible.
This looks amazing! So beautiful and something that is definitely on my bucket list!
Looks like so much fun. Adding Hawaii to my bucket list.
Wow that water looks beautiful! I would love to join and be there!
I grew up in Hawaii. Your pictures make me miss it! Haven’t been back in a while. LOVE paddling!
That is AWESOME! Hawaii is on my bucket list, and now so is this surf adventure! It’s soo beautiful there, and what a great experience. My kids and I want to see sea turtles in a major way!
What a great family memory! Beautiful pics
What a wonderful trip to take as a family. I am definitely dreaming of the day when I can go to Hawaii
Hawaii is beautiful! I love that card, it’s too funny!
It sounds amazing! The photos make the water look s beautiful! I’ve always wanted to go to Hawaii.
Oh my gosh, I wish I were there! Looks so beautiful and what a great activity!
This looks like an amazing time. I would absolutely love to 1) go to Hawaii and 2) get on one of those. Every little thing about it looks awesome!
looks like a beautiful way to explore some of the ‘inside’ of hawaii!! and omg did you stand up to get some of those shots? i don’t know if i could stand up in those boats!
That looks like a blast. I’ve never been on a canoe but I’d love to one day. The water there is gorgeous!
This looks like so much fun! I would love to do this. I think this is something my husband would love too. Now, if only we could get to Hawaii!!
Such awesome pictures! I’m jealous! I want to go so bad!
LOL at the atkins shark card. That is hilarious!
So amazing! We visited Oahu a few years ago, when my brother lived there. We did many expeditions via kayak and also snorkeled several days. It was an unbelievable experience!
That water is so clear!! What a fun adventure!
WOW that water is beautiful and crystal clear! I cannot believe your guide made those canoes and paddles by hand. That’s pretty cool and I am sure it made the experience even more special.
I would love to go to Hawaii but I would most likely just sit and cheer everyone on.
Wow! You guys sure did have a great time! I never visited Hawaii and that’s on my bucket list to do. I wish I knew how to swim because I’d like to try surfing.
Wow, what an adventure. I have always wanted to go to Hawaii and I would love to try something like this if I ever made it out that way!