| By Crystal
Ala Moana Bowls is one of the hollowest and also most
crowded spots in town regardless of wave heights. Ala
Moana Bowls got its namesake bowl years ago when the
channel was dredged creating the very fast, thick break.
Many wait on the outside to catch the larger, main break,
but if you are less experienced [or just plain don’t
want to deal with the crowds] it’s also possible
to wait it out on the inside break and catch what the
outsiders miss.
The beach inside Ala Moana Bowl’s [and Rockpiles
and Kaiser Bowl’s] is also a popular surf hangout.
After a session you can find any number of regulars hanging
out, talking story and barbequing up a storm. For specific
surf spot location check out our Oahu
surf maps.
Ala Moana Bowls Surf Video
(Summer 2005)
Crowd factor: When you come to Ala
Moana Bowls be prepared to share. On busy days, especially
when a south swell is due, there have been known to
be no less than three surfers … all riding in
the same direction. With a six person per wave average
its safe to say that this wave requires a great deal
of patience and ALOHA.
Bottom: It’s the same bottoms
as Kaiser’s and Rockpiles, meaning there is just
as much vana [sea urchins] underfoot as there is reef.
Ability level: Intermediate to advanced.
Access: Most people eave your car
in the parking lot behind Ilikai and paddle out from
the beach. Others however, walk out from the boat dock
and jump off the rocks and still others paddle out from
the Magic Island channel.
What board to bring: Short or long,
it doesn’t really matter, just so long as you
know what you’re doing.
Places to stay: The Hilton Hawaiian
Village Beach Resort & Spa spans 22 acres of oceanfront
property offering deluxe accommodations, more than 20
restaurants, various shopping venues, beautiful pools
and beach facilities, an adorable penguin enclosure,
etc. During the summer the Hilton offers cultural Hawaiian
entertainment as well as a lovely fireworks display
every Friday evening. Rates start at around $209 a night
and can run to about $569 for an ocean front view. (Ph)
808-949-4321
Places to eat: The Mai Tai Bar is
one of Oahu’s most beloved open-air bar. Mai Tai’s
has won a variety of local accolades, the most recently
voted the Best Happy Hour. This bar is beloved for its
comfortable, laid-back atmosphere. Patrons revel in
the live, Hawaiian music, the comfortable chairs, as
well as the delicious, icy beverages [beers, wines,
martinis, mai tais, and a variety of island cocktails].
(Ph) 808-947-2900
Surf shops in the area: The recently
opened Rip Curl store on the third floor of Ala Moana
Center caters to the avid surfer with a variety of surf
apparel for men and women, surfboards and an abundance
of surf accessories [waterproof ipod cases, skateboards,
leashes, stickers, etc]. Rip Curl is open Monday through
Saturday from 9:30 am until 9:00 pm and on Sunday from
10:00 am till 7:00 pm.(Ph) 808-943-2490
Back to Oahu Surf Spots
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