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“Surfing is not just a sport but a way of life.”

The Azure Road Take

A few months back, I returned to Oahu for the first time in over two decades to explore some of the island’s ocean conservation initiatives. One morning, I headed to Moniz Family Surf just off the main stretch of Waikiki, where I met Micah, one of the oldest brothers from the renowned Moniz ohana. One of the biggest names in Hawai’ian surfing, the Moniz family shares their expertise and culture with anyone interested in learning the sport. After a quick review of foundational techniques, we carried our boards to the beach and paddled into the ocean.

While not a novice surfer, it had been some years since my last lesson and attempt at riding a wave. I was laser-focused on remembering each step and executing it flawlessly. I paddled out again and again, listening to Micah’s careful cues. As I shakily caught a few waves and wiped out on others, it wasn’t standing up on my board that stuck with me. It was the conversation with Micah during the in-between about the inseparability of Hawai’ian culture and surfing.

As we bobbed in the water, we spoke about the origins of Oahu surf culture, how the entire Moniz family grew up in the waves of Waikiki, and his deep connection to the ocean, thanks to stories shared by his family. 

“My husband carries a legacy of passing down the culture of surfing, not just as a sport, but as a way of life,” Tammy Moniz, mother of Micah and co-founder of the surf school, later reflected. 

Beyond teaching, Micah plays Hawai’ian music and is an ambassador for Hawai’ian culture. He’s passionate about keeping alive traditions and sharing the same love and reverence for the ocean, nature, and culture that have been passed down through generations. “I want to share the aloha spirit,” Micah told me. And with the risk of sounding cheesy, I absolutely felt the warmth of the aloha welcome. 

Who’s It For?

Whether you’re a newcomer excited to catch your first wave or are an experienced surfer looking to refine your technique, Moniz Family Surf caters to all skill levels. Book a morning or afternoon lesson, or invest in several lessons if you’re in Waikiki for longer. This adventure is ideal for travelers who love the ocean and staying active, are curious about Native Hawai’ian culture, and want to surf with a well-known Hawai’ian surf family.

Guests of Wayfinder Waikiki, a mid-century modern meets island-inspired property a short walk from the surf shop, get a sustainability bonus. In April, Wayfinder Waikiki joined a new partnership between Benchmark Hotel and Resorts and 4ocean that brings marine conservation awareness and action closer to travelers. 

Guests at Wayfinder Waikiki can book the Surf’n’Stay package, which includes a surf lesson with Moniz Family Surf and contributes $10 from each night’s stay to 4ocean to support the B-Corp-certified company’s efforts to clean plastic from the ocean.

Sustainability Chops

Questions like “Is tourism threatening local ecosystems and the Native way of life?” and “Should we be visiting Hawai’i at all?” are important reflections for anyone thinking about a trip to Hawai’i. While tourism is central to its economy, visitors have a responsibility to shape their visits to the islands in ways that honor and invest in local communities and the environment.

This mindset shift can start with something as simple as a surf lesson. Surfing Hawai’i’s famous waves is central to many people’s visit to the islands. How we do it is what makes a difference. Non-Hawai’ian businesses and real estate developers have bought prime real estate over the years and pushed many Hawai’ian-owned businesses off the beachfront, causing them to lose business. 

A little research can go a long way. Booking a surf lesson (or package of surf lessons) with Moniz Family Surf supports a local, family-run business that reflects a lineage of surf tradition and a family that is dedicated to caring for the island and ocean.

Location, Topography, and Highlights

There are few better places to learn surfing than Waikiki. Although it originated in Polynesia, surfing — “Heʻe nalu” in Hawai’ian —  was revitalized during the 20th century on the shores of Waikiki, where it developed into the modern sport that it is today. 

“Right in Waikiki, where we are blessed to pass down our culture to the world, Kings and Queens, royalty, Chiefs and Warriors surfed in these exact waves,” commented Tammy Moniz. The long, rolling waves, comfortable water temperatures, and backdrop of Diamond Bay make Waikiki an even more ideal spot to surf. 

Located in the Hyatt Waikiki, just a few minutes’ walk from Waikiki Bay, Moniz Family Surf is accessible for visitors staying in the heart of Honolulu. In the coming months, they anticipate opening another shop. The location is still to be confirmed. 

The Moniz family is one of Hawai’i’s most recognizable surf families and is considered a legend on Oahu. All five kids became professional surfers, including their daughter Kelia Moniz, a two-time women’s world longboard champion. 

Preparation Needed

No prior surfing skills are required, although confidence in swimming is essential for paddling in the ocean and catching waves safely. A basic level of fitness is recommended as paddling requires some upper-body strength. Bring a swimsuit and t-shirt to prevent rashes from the board, and apply reef-safe sunscreen, as the sun can get bright on the water.