| By Crystal
One of town’s more popular breaks, surfing Kewalo’s
requires some multi-tasking. Surfers here are on the
constant lookout for coral, boats, buoys and [perhaps
the most dangerous of all] other surfers. Because of
the channel that runs parallel between Point Panic and
Kakaako, this area is also frequented by sharks. Though
no shark attacks have been reported in Honolulu in recent
years many surfers here have had their fair share of
shark sightings, some even know the sharks in the area
by name!
Kewalos’ wave is a fast take off over a shallow
reef and is perfect in 3-4 ft sets [5-7 ft faces]. The
wave opens up for both left and right-handed rides. All
of this makes for a very contest-worthy wave which is
one of the reasons why many a surf contest is held in
its waters. Watch out for the annual summer, Quiksilver
Surf Shop Challenge amongst others, which force the Kewalo’s
regulars on the hunt for other rippable south shore waves.
For specific surf spot location check out our Oahu
surf maps.
Crowd factor: As with most town spots,
Kewalos stays crowded on the week days and turns zoo-ish
on the weekends and during south swells. Watch out for
the heavy locals who dominate the lineup and you'll
find Oahu's up and coming groms busting big airs on
the inside section as well. Bring your A game if you
want to catch a few waves.
Bottom: Shallow reef, wana [sea urchin]
and all that other good stuff. Beware of the large tiger
sharks that frequent the area and nearby channel/channel
entrance...a few surfers have been attacked there in
recent years.
Ability level: You don’t need
to be Andy Irons … but something [or someone]
close. Beginners, see Canoes.
Access: Park at Kewalo Basin - the
entry right before Ala Moana Park – and remember
to bring quarters to feed the meters. Regulars have
their own preference when scaling down the rock wall,
but the easiest is often to walk to the Diamond Head
side of the park and walk down the flight of stairs
there. It’s nice to have a buddy so that someone
can climb down first, and have the boards handed to
them, then the second person can follow. Always keep
an eye on the ocean – timing is everything. Also
beware of the occasional car theft in the Kewalo's parking
lot.
What board to bring: Shorty McShort
Short.
Places to stay: Located on the edge of Waikiki [just
a five minute drive from Ala Moana and Kewalo Basin]
is the Discovery Bay condominiums. Available for the
bargain rate of $950 a month, these rooms come fully
furnished with amenities such as a fully equipped kitchen,
cable television, washer and dryer, swimming pool, free
parking, sauna and exercise room. And with the lovely
ocean view you won’t even need to call surfnewsnetwork
[808-596-SURF] to check the daily surf report.
(Ph) 808-949-4505
Places to eat: Nico’s Pier
38, located on the pier 38 waterfront on Nimitz Highway,
is a great post-surfing spot. Breakfast here is a favorite
– you can choose from anything including Fish
and Eggs, Fish Omelette, Eggs ‘n Things, Local
Moco, Nico’s French Toast, etc - which makes it
perfect after doing dawn-patrol. On Saturdays Nico’s
offers patrons live music to enjoy while nibbling on
their ono plate lunches and fresh fish. Nico’s
Pier 38 is open 6 days a week, Monday – Friday
from 6:30 am to 6 pm and on Saturday from 6:30 am until
2:30 pm. (Ph) 808-540-1377
Surf shops in the area: Since 1978,
Tropical Blends located in downtown Kakaako [on Queen
Street right next to American Savings Bank] has produced
innovative, quality surfboards for long and shortboarders
alike. Tropical Blends’ boards are often noticed
by their bright colors and novel designs and shapes.
The store itself is a perfect surfer’s hangout,
filled with boards as well as surfing and ocean artwork
and photographs. Tropical Blends’ owner, Jim Hayes
is one of the friendliest men around and very knowledgeable
about the boards he sells. The store is often a meeting
place of surfers, water lovers, shapers and board-hunters,
all enjoying the ambiance and camaraderie of this homey
little store. Shapers for Tropical Blends are a long-list
of well-known names in the industry: Randy Rarick, Pat
Rawson, Mike Casey, Dennis Pang, John Pyzel, Chuck Andrus,
the Campbell Brothers, Jeff Bushman and Mark Richards.
(Ph) 808-593-0211
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