The South Shore Surf Guide Series: Concessions
Concessions: Less Crowd, Consistent Waves at Ala Moana Parkside
Concessions is a somewhat nondescript A-frame peak at Ala Moana Beach Park with a soft, semi-rippable right and a punchier left — breaking straight out from the concession stands on the beach.
Like Courts, Concessions is generally less crowded and less competitive than Bowls, which is on the other side of Magic Island. Concessions provides consistent, serviceable waves with a fraction of the crowd at nearby Bowls. The left peels towards Big Rights and tends to get more traffic because it has more push and form.
Photo Courtesy from Ala Moana Beach Org
The Left at Concessions Has More Punch Than the Right
The left tends to be better than the right at Concessions, so it gets a bit more traffic. The "channel" between Concessions and Big Rights is more of a shallow indentation in the reef, so when the swell is large, riders on the left at Concessions will find themselves kicking out near those surfing the neighboring wave when they get to the inside.
Concessions Works at Any Tide on South Swell
All the breaks at Ala Moana Parkside are relatively shallow, which means they don't handle big swell — but most south and southwest swells are in the chest-high to overhead range, which is perfect for Concessions. Concessions works at both high and low tide, and is offshore in the prevailing northeast and east-northeast trade winds.
Concessions: Serviceable Waves Without the Bowls Zoo
Concessions provides consistent, serviceable waves with a fraction of the crowd at nearby Bowls. The right at Concessions is more conducive to longboarding — a bit slow and soft. The left has a bit more push and form, making it a good option on either a longboard or a shortboard.
Ride a High-Performance Longboard or Shortboard with Volume at Concessions
High-performance longboards will work better at Concessions than traditional logs, and shortboards with a bit of extra volume will provide that extra bit of drive when the wave can't provide enough speed.
More in the HSS South Shore Surf Guide Series:
Frequently Asked Questions About Concessions
Where is the Concessions surf spot in Honolulu?
Concessions is located at Ala Moana Beach Park, straight out from the concession stands on the beach. Concessions sits west of Courts and east of Big Rights, in the stretch of reef known as Ala Moana Parkside.
How crowded is Concessions compared to Ala Moana Bowls?
Concessions draws a fraction of the crowd at nearby Bowls. Concessions provides consistent, serviceable waves with much less competition in the lineup — making Concessions a solid option for surfers who want quality surf without the zoo.
What swell and wind does Concessions need?
Concessions works on south and southwest swells, ideally in the chest-high to overhead range. Like all the breaks at Ala Moana Parkside, Concessions is offshore in the prevailing northeast and east-northeast trade winds, and handles both high and low tide.
What is the difference between the left and right at Concessions?
The left at Concessions has more push and form, making Concessions' left a better option for both longboards and shortboards. The right at Concessions is slower and softer, better suited to longboarding. The left gets more traffic as a result.
What type of board works best at Concessions?
High-performance longboards work better than traditional logs at Concessions. On the left at Concessions, shortboards with good volume also perform well. Concessions' pace rewards boards that can generate their own speed.
Is Concessions good for beginners?
Concessions is a relatively user-friendly spot but is best suited to intermediate and above surfers. The reef at Concessions is somewhat shallow, and the left can have more punch than the gentler waves in central Waikiki. That said, Concessions is far less intimidating than Bowls.