Surfing was a central part of ancient Polynesian culture.  Historically, the chief was often the most skilled wave rider in the community and rode the best board made from the best tree.  Today, while surfing is no longer a status symbol, the sport indigenous to Hawaii has been spread around the world, including the southern hemisphere where surfing is now a popular industry in Australia, Indonesia, Fiji, and a variety of other Pacific destinations.  While the rough winter waters are often saved for professional and highly experienced surfers, the calmer summer months are perfect for people looking to learn how to surf.  Several Oahu vacation rentals line the north shore and act as home bases for large groups of amateur surfers learning to catch their first wave.

Especially during the rougher winter months, notable surf spots like Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach come alive with towering waves and pounding surf.  A particular spot on Ehukai Beach, known as Banzai Pipeline, is the most renown surfing spot and hosts a number of competitions during the high surf season.  Every December, three competitions are held on the north shore to comprise the Triple Crown of Surfing: the Reef Hawaiian pro, the O’Neill World Cup of Surfing, and the Billabong Pipeline Masters.  A similar arrangement for women is also held.

Nicknamed the Aloha State, the beautiful state of Hawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. states and has a population of about 1.3 million. However, over 90% of Hawaii’s population is centered in Oahu, which can be considered the economic center of the Hawaiian Islands. Honolulu, the largest city in Hawaii and the state capital, is also located on Oahu. Hawaii is made up of an archipelago known as the Hawaiian Islands located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States. There are eight “main islands” that make up the archipelago including (from northwest to southeast) Ni’ihau, Kaua’i, O’ahu, Moloka’i, Lana’i, Kaho’olawe, Maui, and Hawai’i (also referred to as the Big Island).

Hawaii is home to several protected natural areas, including Haleakal National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Kalaupapa National Historical Park, Kaloki-Honokohau National Historical Park, and Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park. The Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, which was established by President George W. Bush in 2006 under the 1906 Antiquities Act, is a protected marine sanctuary that covers about 140,000 square miles of reefs, atolls, and shallow and deep sea in the Pacific Ocean. This monument is larger than all of America’s National Parks combined. Although Hawaii may seem isolated and cut off from the outside world due to its location, Hawaii is truly a modern place that still preserves many of its historic and cultural roots.