Outrigger Canoe Surfing

Question

Hi- I was looking at the Outrigger canoe surfing, but you can only book in a group of 3. I emailed and they said even if it’s 2 of us, we have to pay for 3 and no one else would be on the canoe with us. Does that even seem right? It doesn’t seem ok to pay for more people than we’re taking and that no one else could ride at that time either.

Answer

What you’re being told is actually very typical for outrigger canoe surfing in Waikiki, especially along the beach near the Royal Hawaiian, Outrigger, and Sheraton area. These rides operate more like a “per canoe” experience rather than per individual, even though the booking system may be displayed in terms of “per person.”

Each canoe requires a specific crew setup for safety and balance: generally two professional watermen (one steering, one paddling) plus up to a certain number of participants. Whether you have one rider or three, they still need the same full crew for the run. That’s why they charge a minimum equivalent to three riders—it covers the operational cost of launching the canoe.

The other part—saying no one else would be placed with you—is also standard. They want to keep groups private so strangers aren’t mixed in, and it allows the canoe to stay properly weighted with the crew controlling the experience.

If you don’t want to pay for the “minimum 3,” here are some practical alternatives that still let you enjoy the ride:

Check with other beach stands – Different beachfront kiosks sometimes have different minimum rider requirements, though most will still charge for 3. Some allow sharing with walk-ups during slower times.
Wait until you’re in Waikiki – If you go early in the morning, you may find a stand that will put you together with another couple or solo rider so you can split the cost.
Try another canoe vendor at a nearby hotel zone – The Queen’s Beach / Kuhio Beach area sometimes has smaller operators who are more flexible about mixing groups.
Do a private booking intentionally – If you want all the attention and fewer people, paying the 3-person minimum turns into a private experience, which some guests prefer.
Consider another ocean activity – Catamaran sails, surfing lessons, SUP, or outrigger paddling (non-surfing) through clubs like Hui Nalu or Waikiki Beachboys can be less expensive for 1–2 people.

But in terms of whether what you’re seeing is “normal”: yes, it is unfortunately standard across most Waikiki outrigger canoe surf operators. It’s not a scam—just an industry norm based on staffing and safety requirements.