The South Shore Surf Guide Series: Walls
Walls Is Waikiki's Go-To Bodyboarding Spot
Walls in Waikiki is the go-to spot for groms and bodyboarders — a nonstop hive of action, with a raucous and fun-loving crowd all day, every day.
Notorious for the antics of stand-up bodyboarders and kids sneaking past the lifeguards to jump off the wall, this right-hander rests between Publics and Queens, breaking outside of the eponymous wall before peeling dangerously close to it, and then eventually on toward the beach.
Photo Courtesy from Shutterstock
Walls Is a Bodyboard-Only Wave — and That's the Rule
Between the backwash and ever-present crowd of spectators, Walls is more of a novelty show than a traditional surf spot — but don't tell that to the hundreds of kids who descend on the wave each day.
Walls is generally a bodyboard-only wave, and that rule is officially enforced when lifeguards are present. That doesn't stop people from surfing finless soft-top boards like Beaters and other stand-up bodyboards, which is largely what the spot is known for.
Less Crowd: Paddle Just West of the Wall
Those who want to avoid the inevitable crowd can paddle just west of the wall, where a semi-straight-hander right breaks toward the concrete structure. It's not an epic wave, but it is a good option for some less-crowded, user-friendly bodyboarding.
Walls Works on Any South Swell, Almost Every Day
Walls picks up any swell from the south or southwest, and doesn't need to be very big to be fun. Walls is straight offshore in the predominant ENE trades, and gets cleaner the more north there is in the wind. It's never epic, but it's always fun — and that's exactly what surfing is supposed to be.
Walls Is the Perfect Family Beach Day Base
With shortboardable waves at Publics on one side and the premier longboarding wave at Queens on the other — not to mention the zoo a short walk from the sand — Walls makes for the perfect family outing.
- Diamond Head
- Tongg's
- Publics
- Walls
- Queens
- Pops
- Canoes
- Threes
- Kaisers
- Bowls
- Courts
- Concessions
- Big Rights
- Kewalos
- Point Panic
FAQ: Walls Waikiki
Is Walls in Waikiki good for beginner surfers?
Walls in Waikiki is technically a bodyboard-only wave, and that rule is officially enforced when lifeguards are present. Walls is a fun, forgiving wave for bodyboarders of all levels, but stand-up surfers should head to neighboring Publics or Queens instead.
What kind of boards do people ride at Walls?
Walls in Waikiki is primarily a bodyboard wave. Finless soft-top boards like Beaters and other stand-up bodyboards are also popular at Walls. When lifeguards are present, the bodyboard-only rule is officially enforced.
What swell does Walls need to break?
Walls picks up any swell from the south or southwest and doesn't need to be very big to be fun. Walls is one of the more forgiving waves in Waikiki in terms of swell size requirements.
What are the best wind conditions at Walls Waikiki?
Walls is straight offshore in the predominant ENE trade winds and gets cleaner the more north there is in the wind. Like most Waikiki breaks, Walls is well-protected and surfable most days of the year.
Is Walls good for a family day at the beach?
Walls is one of the best spots in Waikiki for a family outing. With shortboardable waves at Publics on one side and the premier longboarding wave at Queens on the other — plus the Honolulu Zoo just a short walk from the sand — there's something for everyone at Walls.