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Ocean Adventures

ALOHA KAI - LOVE OF THE OCEAN
Oahu is the perfect destination for anyone who loves the ocean. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, Oahu offers some of the best beaches in the world. With balmy weather all year long, and warm, pleasant waters, O‘ahu provides endless opportunities for water activities.

SURFING
It's inevitable. The moment you stand up and ride your first wave, you're hooked. But before you go gliding off in a watery bliss, how about a little background to help you truly appreciate the Hawaiian sport of kings?

THE BIRTHPLACE OF SURFING
For thousands of years, the art of he'e nalu (wave- sliding) has been a part of Hawaiian life, woven into its culture and rituals. With the arrival of Captain Cook in the 18th Century, and soon after, the haole missionaries with their religious beliefs, life of Hawaiians life was inevitably changed. All of this ultimately brought about the decline of surfing for the 150 years. Surfing Becomes Popular Around the Globe: Fast forward to the turn of the 20th Century, where a young Hawaiian with a royal name would not only breathe new life into surfing, but ultimately spread it beyond the shores of Hawaii . His name was Duke Kahanamoku. While passing through Southern California on his way to the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, a young Duke Kahanamoku gave surfing demonstrations; thereby planting the seed of what would be the cornerstone of the Californian lifestyle. He didn't stop there. The Australians were completely taken with the Duke's surfing exhibition at Manly Beach which sent them down the path to what is today a national obsession.

"Why is O'ahu one of the world's top surfing spots? Nowhere else on earth can you find that stretch perfect of shoreline called Waikiki. This short stretch of coast has more than 20 breaks gentle enough for the novice or just tricky enough for the experienced surfer. The waters are warm. The waves are forgiving and long enough to let you go the distance. Every visitor to O'ahu should ride a wave. You can travel anywhere in the world and take a sightseeing tour, but for surfing, this is the center of the universe." Hans Hedemann, Hans Hedemann Surf Schools

PADDLING HISTORY
About 30,000 years ago, outrigger canoes were used in the coastal culture of the Pacific Rim. Outrigger canoes also played an important role in the survival and transmission of ancient cultures. The canoe was primarily used by ancient Hawaiians for fishing and traveling between the islands. Not until many thousands of years later it became a competitive sport. Today in Hawaii, some canoes are still used for recreational inter-island travels, but mainly for competition racing. The first canoe race ever was in fact held in the Hawaiian Islands in Waikiki in 1917, and it included only men. Today, people of different ages, and gender are enjoying the ancient sport of outrigger canoe paddling.

Outrigger canoe racing has become a very popular paddling sport, with many sporting and social clubs located around the world. There are over 20 paddling clubs in the state of Hawaii today, but did you know that outrigger canoes have been around for many thousands of years? Polynesians arrived to the Hawaiian islands from Tahiti, between 300 - 750 A.D with outrigger canoes. The first canoe race in the world was actually held in Waikiki in 1917. Hawaii with its gorgeous islands, beautiful weather, and fantastic ocean is a fabulous place for canoeing. It is even possible to catch big waves with an outrigger canoe, and visitors can try this thrill today at Waikiki beach.

SAILING
Enjoy the beautiful sights of Oahu from the ocean on a sailing boat! Let the trade winds take you on a trip and enjoy marine life encounters, such as the dolphin and whale watching. During the late winter and early spring months from December through April you may be able to see some of the many humpback whales that come to spend the winter season in Hawaii.

SNORKELING
Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities for a Hawaiian vacation. The Hawaiian underwater world is fascinating with tropical fish and coral reefs in clear and pleasant ocean water. The sub tropical weather and accessibility to Oahu's many beaches make snorkeling extra enjoyable, so get your snorkel equipment ready and start to explore the fantastic underwater world surrounding Oahu.

SPORT FISHING
Ready for an exciting open water adventure? Then sport fishing might be the thrill for you! Experienced crew can take you to some of the best fishing spots around Oahu, and provide all the fishing equipment and knowledge you will need. Are you up to the challenge of fighting and catching fish like Pacific Blue Marlin, Ahi (yellowfin tuna), Ono (wahoo) or Mahi Mahi (dorado or dolphin fish).

SWIMMING
On Oahu you will find some of the most fantastic beaches in the world. The soft sands and warm, tropical ocean waters invites swimmers to enjoy water activities almost every day of the year. You will find beautiful, safe, and family friendly beaches all around Oahu. To add an extra Hawaiian kick to your swim, try swimming with wild dolphins with Wild Side Specialty Tours.

DISCOVER OAHU BEACHES

JETSKIING, WAKEBOARDING, PARASAILING
Warm, calm water and sunny skies are ideal for wake boarding and jet skiing. You will find that Oahu has the perfect combination of both to get you on the water any time of the year. Just contact any of the rental shops and they will guide you to the best wake boarding and jet skiing spots on the island.

WIND SURFING, KITE SURFING, BOOGIE BOARDING
The steady trade winds blow almost every day of the year on Oahu, making it a great destination for windsurfing and kite surfing. Kailua Bay is not only gorgeous, but offers accessible beaches and rental shops nearby. During the winter season waves are up, and during the summer season trade winds are extra strong and steady, so pick your favorite season to catch Oahu's trade winds.