In traditional Hawaiian culture, the outrigger canoe was a revered object. It was such an important part of life that if a commoner wanted one, he had to first make the request of the chief to allow his master builder to build it. Each canoe was given a name and the construction was inaugurated with special religious ceremonies.

According to Pleasant Hawaiian Holidays, the largest travel company to Hawaii, today, no one has to go to these kinds of extremes to ride an outrigger. Three waves for $5! That’s right – one of the best bargains on Waikiki Beach! You can flag down a deeply-tanned beach boy, climb aboard a real outrigger canoe and paddle out past the waves to one of the best views of Waikiki and Diamond Head. You and your skilled paddling mates catch and ride three waves in the canoe before you hit the shore again!

It’s a truly Hawaiian adventure and a real thrill – just the kind Hawaii’s first visitors, the mighty Polynesian seafarers, got when they rode their powerful canoes made of wood, coconut fiber and pandanus leaves into shore.

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