Aloha Beach Services — Attraction in Honolulu

Please take this as a warning and skip this place!!

I was interested in renting a surfboard and wanted to ask about the prices and hours for renting. It was as if I was bothering them or I was unwelcome with my questions. I asked two different employees who both never looked towards me and seemed totally unfriendly. Eventually I asked a third employee why everyone was being so rude. He then proceeded to get in my face and accused me of calling his employees “lazy”. He put his hand on my shoulder at one point and tried to intimidate me. I was actually thinking he might get physically violent with me so I walked away. This all happened right on the beach in front of their rental hut.

I am not sure if it was a bad day for the business, if i was an unwelcomed tourist or something else. I am still utterly shocked and I have never felt more confused, uncomfortable and threatened while visiting a business. I hope that the Aloha Beach Service realizes that customer service and just being downright helpful is a benefit for business and the community.

There are two other rental places just a short walk down the beach. Please take this as a warning and...

These guys were great!

They don't take reservations, so it's first come first served. If you get there close to when they open (8:00 AM,) you're practically guaranteed to be in your own group.

Come later in the day, however, to potentially pay less by joining other people in a larger group.

The lesson consists of 10-20 minutes on the beach for tips and safety protocols, followed by an hour in the water with an instructor.

For us, he was very good about helping to let us know when we were too far backward/forward on the board, when we should start paddling to catch the wave, and when we tried to stand too early/late.

They provide rash guards so the board doesn't kill your chest, and they have a place for you to safely leave your valuables while you're out on the water. But make sure you bring water shoes, as the coral can be VERY sharp, which my fiance learned the hard way despite being warned several times by the instructor.

I was able to get the hang of it pretty quickly thanks to him, but he was very helpful for my fiance in turning the board around quickly and giving her a push to ensure she...

Rented a longboard this morning. Attendant had no greetings, aloha (to me at least). Only transcational: "Name?" "Write name there, sign." "$20 owa (hour). 5 dolla next owa." "Cash only." As a returning local, it was a sad experience. But next second a girl walks up and the guy perks up. Same when a Caucasian family approaches. Whatever...it's not a competition but why the 180 switch. So, I return the board and tell same guy I'm back. Zero acknowledgement like "hey" or "cool" or "welcome back", just head down & scribbles something on clipboard. I say thanks for watching my stuff while I was in ocean. Nothing. People aren't looking for red carpet service but have some courtesy. You are running, representing a business, rental service in a prime tourist spot. Try greet, treat customers with some level of consistent hospitality and...