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.

Hawaiian Surf Adventures - Authentic Hawaiian Canoeing #BabyMoon

We found this card hanging in the store, hilarious and so perfect!

Hawaiian Surf Adventures - Authentic Hawaiian Canoeing #BabyMoon 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.”

Hawaiian Surf Adventures - Authentic Hawaiian Canoeing #BabyMoon

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.

Hawaiian Surf Adventures - Authentic Hawaiian Canoeing #BabyMoon

Hawaiian Surf Adventures - Authentic Hawaiian Canoeing #BabyMoon

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.

Hawaiian Surf Adventures - Authentic Hawaiian Canoeing #BabyMoon

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!

Hawaiian Surf Adventures - Authentic Hawaiian Canoeing #BabyMoon

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.

Hawaiian Surf Adventures - Authentic Hawaiian Canoeing #BabyMoon

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 - Authentic Hawaiian Canoeing #BabyMoon 
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.

http://www.hawaiiansurfadventures.com/

66 thoughts on “Hawaiian Surf Adventures – Authentic Hawaiian Canoeing

  • April 15, 2014 at 9:13 pm
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    Thank you! We want to try other activities in Hawaii next time!

  • April 15, 2014 at 9:12 pm
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    I would love to surf, too! Although, Im sure it would be pretty hilarious to watch me try!

  • April 15, 2014 at 9:10 pm
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    Ah, the turtles are so peaceful! I think the Hawaiian name for turtle is “honu”

  • April 15, 2014 at 9:09 pm
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    Very nice! Are you from Oahu? The community seems so tight-knit!

  • April 15, 2014 at 9:07 pm
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    It was so amazing! It’s fun with a nice group of people!

  • April 15, 2014 at 9:06 pm
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    There’s so much to see and do! I’d like to visit a couple of the other islands as well!

  • April 15, 2014 at 9:05 pm
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    It was so beautiful to see the island from a different vantage point!

  • April 15, 2014 at 9:05 pm
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    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!

  • April 15, 2014 at 9:03 pm
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    You should plan for it! Everyone is super nice and helpful at Hawaiian Surf Adventures!

  • April 15, 2014 at 9:02 pm
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    I have SO many, more, too! Im glad I had plenty of space on my memory card and phone!

  • April 15, 2014 at 9:02 pm
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    That shot was by Nobie with a GoPro camera! I bought the cd from our tour =)

  • April 15, 2014 at 9:01 pm
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    It was popular in Austin, Tx, too! I hadn’t tried it when we lived there either, but looks fun!

  • April 15, 2014 at 8:59 pm
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    Thanks! It was so much fun learning about Hawaii, too!

  • April 15, 2014 at 8:59 pm
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    Oh sure you could! You get breaks and only do what you can. It’s a tour, not a race! =)

  • April 15, 2014 at 8:58 pm
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    Good for you! I honestly didn’t notice that it said Atkins until you said something! Hah!

  • April 15, 2014 at 8:56 pm
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    These photos hardly do it justice! The breeze and perfect water temperature really make it amazing!

  • April 15, 2014 at 8:55 pm
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    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!

  • April 15, 2014 at 8:53 pm
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    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!

  • April 15, 2014 at 8:52 pm
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    Actually Nobie had a Go Pro camera and took a few of those shots- I bought the cd though!

  • April 15, 2014 at 8:51 pm
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    Yes, it’s definitely a bit macho for the guys to do! The scenery was the best part!

  • April 15, 2014 at 8:50 pm
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    Thank you! Make a plan for it! You won’t regret it.

  • April 15, 2014 at 8:49 pm
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    It made us smile despite the pain he was having. =)

  • April 15, 2014 at 8:49 pm
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    Snorkeling sounds fun! I wish we could have seen more wildlife. Next time!

  • April 15, 2014 at 8:46 pm
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    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 =)

  • April 15, 2014 at 8:44 pm
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    I couldn’t believe it either, I wonder how long it took him?

  • April 15, 2014 at 8:44 pm
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    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!

  • April 15, 2014 at 8:43 pm
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    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!

  • April 15, 2014 at 8:41 pm
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    It’s a lot of fun and they have the Aloha Spirit everywhere!

  • April 15, 2014 at 8:41 pm
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    I think some parts of Hawaii would be good as a family but in my opinion it’s more for lovers! =)

  • April 15, 2014 at 8:40 pm
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    It really is! Every where we looked we found ourselves saying “Oh, look at that!”

  • April 12, 2014 at 8:57 am
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    The canoe tour looks fabulous! The Atkins joke cracked me up since I’ve just finished my second week on the diet!

  • April 11, 2014 at 10:58 pm
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    Thanks for sharing your experience with us! I would love to surf one day.

  • April 11, 2014 at 10:11 pm
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    WOW! What an experience….I love the gorgeous pictures. I don’t know if I could do it!

  • April 11, 2014 at 6:17 pm
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    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!

  • April 11, 2014 at 5:56 pm
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    How beautiful! That looks like such a fun adventure!

  • April 11, 2014 at 2:59 pm
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    These are beautiful photos! Stand up paddleboarding is very popular here in Florida! I should give it a try.

  • April 11, 2014 at 2:49 pm
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    Everything looks beautiful! I’m curious how you took the picture in the paddleboat! And that card is hilarious!

  • April 11, 2014 at 2:07 pm
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    You’ve got so many great pictures here. I’d love to visit Hawaii! :)

  • April 11, 2014 at 12:01 pm
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    that looks like it was a lot of fun. I’d love to go and take a tour with them.

  • April 11, 2014 at 11:53 am
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    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.

  • April 11, 2014 at 11:48 am
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    This looks amazing! So beautiful and something that is definitely on my bucket list!

  • April 11, 2014 at 11:09 am
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    Wow that water looks beautiful! I would love to join and be there!

  • April 11, 2014 at 9:21 am
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    I grew up in Hawaii. Your pictures make me miss it! Haven’t been back in a while. LOVE paddling!

  • April 11, 2014 at 9:08 am
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    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!

  • April 11, 2014 at 5:14 am
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    What a great family memory! Beautiful pics

  • April 11, 2014 at 2:31 am
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    What a wonderful trip to take as a family. I am definitely dreaming of the day when I can go to Hawaii

  • April 10, 2014 at 8:57 pm
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    Oh my gosh, I wish I were there! Looks so beautiful and what a great activity!

  • April 10, 2014 at 8:40 pm
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    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!

  • April 10, 2014 at 7:13 pm
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    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!

  • April 10, 2014 at 4:15 pm
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    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!!

  • April 10, 2014 at 3:00 pm
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    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!

  • April 10, 2014 at 2:15 pm
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    That water is so clear!! What a fun adventure!

  • April 10, 2014 at 1:37 pm
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    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.

  • April 10, 2014 at 1:35 pm
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    I would love to go to Hawaii but I would most likely just sit and cheer everyone on.

  • April 10, 2014 at 1:31 pm
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    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.

  • April 10, 2014 at 12:30 pm
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    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!

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