The Honolulu Surfing Museum, located next to Jimmy Buffett’s Restaurant and Bar at the OHANA Waikiki Beachcomber is an interactive immersion into “surfing culture”… fascinating, eclectic, and like surfers themselves, not afraid to break the rules. The museum’s collection of unique artifacts, displays and experiences celebrate the Hawaiian heritage and the ever-evolving sport of “HE’e Nalu” (wave sliding)… or simply-stated… SURFING.
The heart of the museum is the incredible collection of Surfing and Surfing Lifestyle artifacts. The museum explores the origins, evolution and current state of surfing, showcasing the top Surfing Legends from past and present, highlighting their contributions to the sport and offering inspiration for generations to come. The collection of surf memorabilia includes vintage surfboards, classic surfing footage, a Hollywood prop or two and a historic collection of musical instruments that are unique to Hawaii.
Upon entering, museum guests are immediately greeted by a large hanging helicopter; a replica from the movie “Apocolypse Now.” Adjacent sits Jimmy Buffett’s favorite museum piece, the original Yater surfboard used in the classic film. Other distinctive artifacts include: props from the movie “Ride The Wild Surf”, artifacts from Captain Cook’s voyages, authentic wood surfboards dating back to the 1930’s and even a few pop culture pieces like the shack board that Kathy Zuckerman (aka Gidget) rode as a young girl in Malibu, CA.
Additionally, video monitors throughout the exhibit run non-stop loops of surfing highlights filmed by several of the sport’s most well known and respected cinematographers intertwined with captioned black and white newsreels of surf riding in Waikiki in the days before ‘talkies’ brought sound to the big screen.
The casual ambiance of the Honolulu Surfing Museum is in sharp contrast to its staid museum cousins, yet it pays due respect to the extraordinary artifacts it showcases. Feel-free to belly-up to the museum’s bar, open a Land Shark Lager and “go off the Richter” over this awesome collection. Scenic murals of exotic islands and awe-inspiring waves blend with tropical materials and classic surf music to form a dramatic backdrop for visitors. Spectacular videos will tell the “surfing story” while unique interactive photo opportunities such as the “Silver Surfer” and “Apocalypse Now” allow the visitor to become part of the exhibit, and ride a piece of surfing history.
The Surfing Museum offers its patrons some unique fun (all of which are complimentary):
-Museum Tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4PM (Private group tours are also available). **Audio tours will be offered to patrons in English or Japanese by mid-late summer ‘09.
-Mixology classes at the restaurant’s Hot Spot Bar on Mondays and Wednesdays at 4PM. Guests can learn how to make some of the most popular Polynesian libations like the infamous Mai Tais.
The Honolulu Surfing Museum’s Curator, Mark Fragale is an avid surfer who’s lived in Hawaii since the 1970’s. Mark has a thorough background as a surf historian coming from not only his personal experiences surfing but also from his employment history with companies such as Bunger Surfboards and Hannon Surfboards. “The Honolulu Surfing Museum offers both locals and tourists alike a unique way to experience the rich surf history of Hawaii” says Mark. “Whether you are interested in educating yourself more about Hawaii’s surf culture, learning how to mix a good cocktail or just killing time before dining at the world famous Jimmy Buffett’s at The Beachcomber, the Honolulu Surfing Museum has something for everyone”.
For more information about the Honolulu Surfing Museum visit http://www.honolulusurfmuseum.com/ or visit us at 2300 Kalakaua Ave. Honolulu, HI 96815
About Jimmy Buffett's at The Beachcomber
Jimmy Buffett's at The Beachcomber is located on the upper lobby level of the OHANA Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel in Waikiki, Hawaii. Hours of operation are 7am-1:30am. Breakfast is available on the lanai daily from 7-10:30am. Lunch and dinner is served inside the restaurant from 11am- midnight and a poolside menu is offered until 7pm daily. For more information about Jimmy Buffett's at The Beachcomber surf over to www.jbabc.com or visit us at 2300 Kalakaua Ave. Honolulu, HI 96815, P) 407.514.8700. *Complimentary valet parking is offered to all guests who visit the restaurant or retail store.
The retail store is located on the street level of the hotel in the heart of the shopping district of Kalakaua Avenue, and offers a wide variety of unique merchandise ranging from Frozen Concoction Makers to Jimmy Buffett CDs, apparel and original souvenirs.