Need snorkeling and surf lesson advice

[GT Mom]

We will be staying at Aulani in February this year (yeah, almost there). My kids want to do snorkeling and surfing, but I kept reading about high waves and rough water. Is it safe? Should I wait until I get there to book for snorkeling excursion and surf lesson? Also, any suggestions on snorkeling excursion and surf lesson? Thank you.

 

[buffettgirl]

Ages? Snorkeling will be fine at places like Hanauma bay and lessons aren't really necessary. It's very shallow and most fish can be seen just by wading, not even swimming.

I would say beginning surf might be out for the younger kids this time of year. South shores are quieter (waikiki area) but nowhere on the north/west/east will be safe for them. Yesterday I saw easy 20 foot waves that kept all but the pro surfers and long time really great surfers out of the water.

 

[cgattis]

Can I hijack a little? In the summer time, is there a time of day/tide that is particularly good or bad for surfing lessons? DD15 wants to try in Waikiki, but we're kind of stuck with having to do it first thing in the morning--that's LOW tide then. Does that mean not enough waves?

 

[GT Mom]

Ages? Snorkeling will be fine at places like Hanauma bay and lessons aren't really necessary. It's very shallow and most fish can be seen just by wading, not even swimming.

I would say beginning surf might be out for the younger kids this time of year. South shores are quieter (waikiki area) but nowhere on the north/west/east will be safe for them. Yesterday I saw easy 20 foot waves that kept all but the pro surfers and long time really great surfers out of the water.

My kids are boy 15, boy 12, and girl 10. They tried a surf lesson two years ago near Aulani and totally loved it. They asked to do it again this time. I was going to until I read about high waves in winter time. They also want to do a snorkeling with turtles and dolphins excursion, and I am not sure if it is safe in Feb. I do plan on taking them to Hanauma Bay one day.

 

[alohamom]

Can I hijack a little? In the summer time, is there a time of day/tide that is particularly good or bad for surfing lessons? DD15 wants to try in Waikiki, but we're kind of stuck with having to do it first thing in the morning--that's LOW tide then. Does that mean not enough waves?

Morning is a good time, you see lots of people out just after sunrise, trying to get some surfing in before work. My daughter says smaller waves make it easier to paddle out LOL. Waikiki is a decent location to learn.

 

[alohamom]

They asked to do it again this time. I was going to until I read about high waves in winter time. They also want to do a snorkeling with turtles and dolphins excursion, and I am not sure if it is safe in Feb

I think it depends on the surf report and where you go. I know Sunset Surratt does winter lessons in Hale'iwa Beach Park (North Shore) because it is fairly sheltered. Here is their link...
https://surfnorthshore.com/

 

[TheHamm]

Hawaiian Fire does lessons in a calm stretch near Barber's Point, not far from Aulaini. I thought they were fantastic, and we had no problem with winter surf.