Threes, HI

One of many Waikiki surf spots, "Three’s" breaks on a coral reef in front of the Fort De Russy Military Reservation and just down the beach toward Diamond Head from the Hilton Hawaiian Village. This photo was actually taken from the 9th floor of the HHVwhen the surf was about shoulder high. Actually a large span of reef, Three’s stretches from the Kaisers/Hilton Pier channel to the Sheraton Hotel. One can paddle out almost anywhere from Waikiki Beach keeping in mind the reef does get shallow in certain spots near the break. For a safe paddle when it is big I would suggest paddling out through the Hilton Pier channel and then head left toward Diamond Head. Parking anywhere in Waikiki is a hassle; if surfing Threes’s many will park at the Harbor area near the Hilton Lagoon. I believe Three’s got its name by being the third recognized or named break in Waikiki. Though others have said it was named after life guard tower number #3 that once stood on the shore there. Three’s breaks more hollow than its neighbor "Popular’s" or “Pops” as many call it. Pops sits closer to Diamond Head and "Kaisers" is the neighboring break to the west for reference. Three’s breaks both left and right but the right breaks longer and more consistent than the left. The wave forms into nice long walls of water with fast sections which tube more often than not. As with any break, tides are a major factor and Three’s will break really hollow on all South swells especially at a lower tide but can also crumble and get mushy at high tide when small and if the wind is not blowing trades. Considered one of the steeper waves that Waikiki has to offer – it also has one of the longer paddles out which keeps the kooks and tourists away – thus this is a more local surf spot. Board Surfers will dominate here, though at head high this break provides some very good Bodyboarding potential and is a great wave to drop knee too. As with any Waikiki surf spot, Three’s is usually always crowded but certainly not the populated debacle of "Queen’s" or "Canoes" farther down the beach toward Diamond Head. If you are looking for a less crowded Waikiki surf spot with a little power then Three’s is highly recommended.

Wave Type: Reef Break
Swell Direction: South
Bottom Terrain: Mostly Coral
Experience: Moderate Skill

Photo: Surfer unknown - Photo by Annamarie Bader