Burial At Sea
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be comfortable swimming and have basic surfing skills.
Overview
Discover a private and meaningful surfing experience in Honolulu with Waikiki Beach Services. 'Burial At Sea' offers personalized coaching and a deep connection to Hawaii’s oceanic spirit, perfect for adventurous souls seeking exclusivity and cultural depth.
Burial At Sea
up to 1-hour • Ages 5 yrs+ • A Hui Hou, Until We Meet Again
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Experience a heartfelt burial at sea service in Waikīkī, where you can scatter a loved one’s ashes from a traditional outrigger canoe. Under the iconic Diamond Head, honor their memory with a prayer or song, and conclude the ceremony by riding the symbolic "last wave" back to shore.
THE SCATTERING OF ASHES into the open ocean is a timeless tradition that spans across many cultures around the world. Many people, from former residents, to return visitors have made Waikīkī their final resting place.
Duration
- Up to one hour
About
Waikīkī Beach Services provides a simple, yet beautiful burial at sea service aboard our outrigger canoe. A loved one’s ashes can be scattered in the open ocean off Waikīkī, under the shadow of Diamond Head. Say a prayer, sing a song, or simply rest in silence while you say “aloha”.
At the end of each burial at sea, in true Waikīkī Beachboy tradition, our crew will catch and surf a wave into shore, honoring the deceased with “the last wave”.
Additional Information:
- Maximum limit of 6 people per canoe.
- Photography will be provided and will take 1-2 days to process.
- Flowers and leis are NOT provided, but guests are welcome to bring their own. A list of flower/lei vendors can be found on our FAQs page.
- Please wear comfortable clothing that you do not mind getting wet.
- Do not bring valuables.
- Parking is available at The Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center for a fee and is about a 10 minute walk to our location. Other parking options can be found on our FAQs page.
Safety is of the utmost importance to us; in times of large surf or unpredictable ocean conditions, it may not be possible to use the canoe safely. In cases such as these, we will try to give us much warning as possible should we need to cancel or reschedule a booking.
Adventure Tips
Check Ocean Conditions
Always review surf and weather forecasts before your session to ensure optimal safety and wave quality.
Arrive Early
Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your booked time for gear setup and a relaxed start.
Respect the Ocean
Follow your guide’s instructions carefully to ensure safety and preserve the environment.
Bring Sun Protection
Use reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from prolonged sun exposure.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Sea turtles
- Humpback whales (seasonal)
History
Honolulu’s waters have long been revered by native Hawaiians, who consider the ocean a sacred space and vital part of their heritage.
Conservation
Waikiki Beach Services emphasizes eco-friendly practices, including reef-safe products and beach cleanup initiatives to protect Hawaii’s marine environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Wetsuit
Keeps you warm and protected during longer sessions in the water.
summer specific
Reef-safe Sunscreen
Protects your skin from harmful UV rays while caring for marine life.
Surfboard
Provided by the company but consider bringing your own for familiarity or comfort.
Waterproof Camera
Capture your memorable waves and ocean moments safely.