The 8 Best Surf Lessons in Waikiki

1.Kayak, Snorkel, and Surf with Turtles in Honolulu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 95 reviews · from $200Our pick

Join local guides Shane and Neil for a three-hour Waikiki water adventure. Paddle by kayak or stand-up board, snorkel at Turtle Canyon and a shipwreck, then receive patient surf instruction. Hotel pickup, gear, water, snacks, and a group limit of five are included.

“I can’t thank these two enough. They were so gracious and patient with us. The kayaking and turtle snorkeling was so much fun. But for us the highlight was watching our daughter’s first attempt ever at surfing. We have memories thanks to Read more”

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2.Private Surf Lessons in Honolulu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 76 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $199

Meet at 150 Kapahulu Ave for a two-hour private surf lesson at Waikiki Beach. Your instructor provides a board and waterproof gear, then adjusts coaching to your level. Guides such as Niko, Chris, Charlie, Charles, and Kalani have helped first-timers and young surfers catch their first waves.

“My son had an amazing time with his instructor Chris. The whole crew made sure that we had the best time out there on the waves. They had patience and compassion for a first timer and it showed. Highly recommend. Worth every penny.”

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3.Surf Lessons

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 73 reviews · 2 hours · from $112

Meet Hans Hedemann Surf School inside the Queen Kapiolani Hotel for a two-hour Waikiki lesson led in English, Korean, or Japanese. Certified instructors teach paddling, standing, and wave riding in small groups, with boards, rash guards, reef shoes, and lockers provided.

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4.Waikiki Beginner Private Surf Lesson- Female Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 40 reviews · 1 hour · from $135

Meet Ali at Duke Kahanamoku’s statue for a private Waikiki surf lesson made for beginners. You’ll get 20 to 30 minutes of shore instruction, a board and leash, then guided time in the water. You must know how to swim. Drone photos and video may be available for purchase.

“Amazing experience! My daughter was a little hesitant but Ali made sure she was comfortable and felt safe. Ali worked with my daughter to maximize her surfing experience. 100% would book again!”

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5.Surf Lessons Easy 60 min classes no crowds!

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 21 reviews · 1 hour · from $100Best value

Meet Eddie, Ryan, or another Island Fiel Surf instructor at the surf bus near Ala Wai Boat Harbor. After a land lesson and gear fitting, you’ll surf Waikiki’s Kaisers, Rockpiles, or Bowls break in a small group of up to four, with lockers and changing space included.

“Eddie is the best surf instructor you will find on the island. It was my girlfriend’s first time and she got up many times under Eddie’s watch. He is a very nice guy and we booked a second lesson with him since we had such a good time the first time. We even saw some turtles!! Highly recommend”

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6.1-on-1 Surfing Lesson in Waikiki

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 1h 15m · from $178

Meet Jake at a small triangular beach in Waikiki for a private 75-minute surf lesson. You’ll learn safety, paddling, pop-ups, and wave timing, with a guaranteed wave to ride. Boards, rash guards, and water shoes are included. Photos and videos cost extra.

“Sure, here’s a concise and positive review you could use: ⸻ I had two amazing surfing lessons with Jake and really enjoyed the experience! The first day had bigger waves and better weather, which made it extra fun, but both sessions were great. Jake was super attentive and made sure I felt comfortable and had a great time throughout. Highly recommend taking lessons with him if you’re looking for a supportive and fun surf instructor.”

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7.Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 1h 30m · from $125

Meet near Ala Moana Beach Park for a 90-minute beginner-friendly surf lesson with an instructor speaking English, Japanese, or Korean. You’ll cover safety and technique on the beach, surf for an hour, and use a GoPro to capture your rides.

“Overall this was a great experience, John my instructor was very knowledgeable & made it such a great time learn to surf. The GoPro footage really topper off the experience 😊 highly recommend!”

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8.Family, Private, and Group Surfing Lessons

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 1 - 2 hours · from $110

Meet the Ohana Surf Project near Waikiki Beach Marriott, get fitted with a board, rashguard, and reef shoes, then ride Waikiki waves with a patient instructor such as Kai or Chelsea. Small groups, multilingual support, and shuttle service make this a practical first lesson for families and beginners.

“Todo estuvo espectacular Kai fue magistral nos tuvo mucha paciencia y nos ayudó a coger muchas olas. Sin duda alguna si regreso iré nuevamente.”

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