Surf Cat

Born and raised in Oahu, Zak Noyle is considered one of the preeminent surf photographers in the entire world. His documentation of the tropical landscape has had a significant influence on the cultural landscape of his home island. Though he’s worked with brands such as Patagonia, his recent collaboration with the Waikiki Beachcomber, a member of Outrigger Hotels & Resorts, marks his first collaboration with a resort in Hawaii. Herewith, the local legend reflects on the surf scene, and the arts scene, in Honolulu. Read on for how to experience Waikiki like a local legend.

You grew up surfing in Oahu, and today you’re one of the best surf photographers in the world—and you still live in Oahu. How do you think your childhood surfing these iconic waves impacted your photography and the way you conceptualize space and subject?

To me, I got into photography to be able to share these truly unique and amazing views I am able to see from within the waves. It’s a way for me to spread to the world this vision, allowing me to portray the power and beauty of a world seldom seen  

Being 2,400 miles away from the nearest landmass (California), Hawaii is, geographically, the most isolated island on the planet—though it may not seem to be in the popular imagination. How do you think this distinct sense of community and the islands’ history contributes to the art scene today?

Hawaii is a magical place geographically, spiritually, and creatively. The sense of pride of the people of Hawaii is immense. It is something that brings our community together. It drives our creatives to share and show Hawai’i in such a bright and amazing light, always. 

I know you’ve traveled quite extensively in recent years for work—shooting on location in Tahiti and Puerto Rico—but you’ve kept Hawaii as your home-base. Is there any part of your work that you believe is distinctly Hawaiian? Or, what do you find most inspiring about the island of Oahu?

Hawaii will always be my home. I travel and enjoy these amazing cultures, which helps me to grow as a photographer. But Hawai’i is where I am born, live, and treasure the most. I love the people and never take a day granted for the amazing beauty it has.

While Waikiki Beach is considered the birthplace of recreational surfing, travelers come here for much more than the surf scene!

Now you’re sharing your vision of Hawaii with guests from all over the world at the Beachcomber. How did you first get involved with the project? 

When Outrigger began the process of modernizing the Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger property in the heart of Waikiki Beach, they were dedicated to keeping the Hawaiian culture, heritage, and beauty front and center. One of the many ways they did this was by forming the “Beachcomber Originals”—a collective group of socially-savvy taste-makers who manifest their shared love of Waikiki Beach and Hawaiian culture through their artwork and aloha. And I was beyond proud to be asked to part of the group and contribute my photography to the space. Outrigger had been aware and following my work for years, as well as my dedication to the Aloha State, and approached me to curate pieces that would showcase Hawaii’s beauty throughout the property. 

What was your mindset when you first began visualizing the concept of how your photography would fit into the Beachcomber by Outrigger space? I know the goal of the Beachcomber Original program was to bring Hawaiian culture within the walls of the hotel.

Through my imagery, I always want to immerse the viewer to that moment. I want to have them feel the power and beauty through the image. The Beachcomber allowed me to creatively do this with larger-than-life imagery throughout their property. It really was a dream come true to see my work displayed with such respect and size throughout a place I have frequented while growing up.

This emphasis on sharing the Aloha Spirit is what sets Hawaii apart as a destination. It’s more than just sea and sand, but the hospitality of the people, and the Beachcomber Originals initiative reflects that. I know you’ve also worked with other Hawaiian companies, such as Hawaiian Airlines, can you share more about that? Do you see this as a natural extension of sharing your love for the island?

Sharing the beauty of the islands is a part of the Aloha Spirit. It’s welcoming and accepting of all. It’s a place to gather and enjoy. We are very fortunate to call it home. Working with brands such as the Waikiki Beachcomber and Hawaiian Airlines is imperative in being able to amplify and share the stories and beauty of Hawaii to further reaches than I could ever have imagined. 

Surfing is art. A great surfer will make it look like art!

Is the Beachcomber the first resort you’ve worked with to collaborate on creating a distinct Hawaiian ambiance and experience? 

I’ve been extremely fortunate in that my work has inspired so many people and companies—such as RVCA and Patagonia, to name a few. In the hospitality space, Outrigger is the first and only resort brand I’ve worked with so far and it was such a natural partnership as this directly supports tourism in my home state. Founded in Hawaii over 70 years ago, the brand is a beacon of what true Hawaiian hospitality is, and I’m super excited to be a part of this new and modern take on Waikiki Beach while keeping Hawaiian culture front and center. 

Waikiki is occasionally dismissed as not being a cultural destination within the Hawaiian islands, why do you think visitors should consider staying in the south shore (aside from the waves on Waikiki Beach?)

The passion and hospitality among Hawaiian locals on all islands is something that you cannot replicate and won’t find anywhere else. While Waikiki Beach is considered the birthplace of recreational surfing, travelers come here for much more than the surf scene! Beyond the beach, Waikiki provides travelers with opportunities to experience the rich Hawaiian culture, world-class food, and shopping, amazing music, breathtaking scenery, bucket-list hiking trails, and much more. Not to mention, the Beachcomber hotel property encourages guests to enjoy all that the region has to offer. And its prime location grants guests easy to the Waikiki Beach Walk, the International Market Place as well as provides free transportation to iconic Hawaii experiences such as Diamond Head Crater.

What do you recommend visitors do while visiting Honolulu to get a sense of the local culture and identity?

Enjoy the ocean. Enjoy the beach. Eat all the amazing local foods and meet the friendly locals. 

Respect the locals! Then go and get in the water and try out surfing for yourself. Have fun always, and just be in the moment.

Are there any specific art galleries that you recommend to visitors or other cultural activities visitors should look into/sign up for? Music venues, museums, concerts, or festivals, perhaps an iconic neighborhood to spend some time in?

My fellow “Beachcomber Original,” Jonathan Rotmensch owns Hawaiian Aroma Caffe at the Waikiki Beachcomber and spearheads the Beachcomber’s TOMA (Terrace of Modern Art)event series. I highly recommend visitors stopping by to see one of those exhibits! Pow!Wow! is also incredible and just down the road in Kakaako. Great street art throughout the neighborhood. 

Hawaii is a magical place geographically, spiritually, and creatively. The sense of pride of the people of Hawaii is immense. It is something that brings our community together. It drives our creatives to share and show Hawai’i in such a bright and amazing light, always. 

Beyond the nightlife and the arts scene, surfing is obviously a big part of Hawaiian culture. Aside from showcasing local artistry, the Beachcomber has a Surfers in Residence program too. These are obviously two major passions in your life, how do you believe they inspire/ enhance one another?

Surfing is art. They go together. Watch some waves as you sit along the beach and a surfer riding it. A great surfer will make it look like art!

For visitors staying at the Beachcomber that become inspired by your underwater portraits hanging throughout the property and decide they want to try to hang ten the next morning, what’s your number one piece of advice for catching some waves?

Respect the locals! Then go and get in the water and try it for yourself. Have fun always, and just be in the moment.