Surf and Chill at Diamond Head
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Added by Erik Holmes
One of the most iconic and beautiful spots on all of Oahu that is great for families and people looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. With a little ingenuity you can manage to find your own slice of beach to relax, surf, and swim.
Diamond head has a couple of good breaks close to town if you're looking to get away from the crowds at Waikiki Beach. There are easy trails down to the beach and channels to paddle out in - the paddle is a little long, so mentally prepare yourself. The two main breaks are Cliffs and Lighthouse. Cliffs is a more user-friendly wave with rights and lefts and Lighthouse is a higher-performance wave. These breaks pick up south swells and trade wind swells from the east, which means it can get really blown out by the afternoon. The breaks are fairly spread out so crowds usually aren't a factor unless there is a swell running or it's the weekend.
Check it out, have fun, and be respectful! If you need to rent a board, check out Koa Boardsports, they have a pretty good selection and are really helpful.
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Easy Trail w/ Solid View of Downtown
Not a strenuous trail by any means, but worth a quick trip for the beautiful beach lined coast over looking downtown Honolulu on a sunny day. Go early to avoid the crowds (very touristy), and don't wear slippers people! There's gravel and a few stairs.
3.0
Awesome
A must-see on the Hawaiian islands.
4.0
Watch the reef
Great break near town... Consistent (even in the winter) and the views are also well worth the paddle. For those unfamiliar with the break you should be cautious of the shallow reef... there have been many a coral kicks at this break!
5.0
Little Oasis
This place brings in a ton of swell, if everywhere is flat, this place will have something to ride...and you can sometimes find a peak all to yourself
5.0
There are a few paths down to the beach from up on the ridge where you park. The path on the north end is paved and is pretty easy to navigate. I recommend wearing your sandals down and leaving them on the beach. You'll thank me on the way back up!
4.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
