Surfing

Every year, they come: millions of people journeying thousands of miles to arrive on the sandy shores of this storied surf mecca. Surfboards adorn buildings, cars and beaches, and are an inescapable icon of Hawaii. The winter waves on Oahu’s storied North Shore are notorious for challenging even the most seasoned surfers and have been assigned the duty of testing them during the Vans annual Triple Crown competition. For surfers, this is the region to aspire to; Pipeline, Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay are the stuff of legends. For fans, it’s the show of a lifetime.. If you’re hoping for a gentler, more beginner-friendly ride, head for Waikiki. Duke Kahanamoku first popularized the sport in these waters, and now they’re where many visitors stand up on a board for the first time. A bevy of schools provide budding surfers instruction, and rental stands equip you once you’re ready to strike out on your own. While traditional surfing still reigns supreme, stand-up paddling is a quickly growing take on the sport—it’s a great workout, and in gentle water involves fewer wipeouts.