Oahu · WAIKIKI SURF LESSONS
39 reviewed
Waikiki’s long, slow rollers are where the world learned to surf, and a good lesson has most people standing on day one. Below, the best Waikiki surf lessons ranked: group, semi-private and private, with prices, how many to an instructor, and which schools are best for kids and nervous beginners.
Learn surf in Waikiki with Hans Hedemann: 2-hour beginner group lesson, safety video, gear included, small instructor groups, beach photos.
“Kilani was the best! He was very helpful, walked us through everything, was encouraging and easy to talk to. He made sure we knew everything and kept us safe. He had a very positive attitude and was passionate about surfing and wanted us to love it too.”
Beginner Waikiki surf lesson on Oahu with small groups, reef shoes and rash guard included. Land tips, then 70 minutes on waves.
“The instructors were excellent. They were friendly, professional, personable. They tailored the surfing experience, they were patient, they explained things well, they share appropriate lesson technique because they are experienced. My instructor Shuzi, had been surfing for decades, a coach and mentor for surfing and other youth sports. It helped to be somewhat in shape, good balance, the instructor really made the difference.”
Beginner Waikiki surfing lesson with a max five-person group, safety coaching, and gear included at Big Wave Dave Surf & Coffee on Oahu.
“Great instructors, nice weather, great waves for beginners. I was part of a group of 7 people. Caught few waves with instructors’ help.”
Waikiki private group surf lesson: 90 minutes of coaching and ocean time for beginners, $123 per person with Stoke Drift.
“The instructors were patient and kept things really simple! They didn't give up on us and we successfully rode 3 waves! This was an awesome experience and they took great care of my 9-year-old son! Definitely recommend Stone Drift to Amy beginner looking for an easy, stress-free surfing experience!”
Beginner-friendly 90-minute surf lesson on Oahu’s North Shore with a 15-minute beach start, gear included, and turtle spotting.
“Andy is a great instructor. He made our girls feel confident that they would do great and they did! We had a blast and would definitely do this again!”
Waikiki private surf lessons with hotel shuttle, full gear, and patient coaching at Ohana Surf Project. Photos optional for purchase.
“This was one of the niiiiicest experiences ever. Best regards to instructor Kevin and our photographer (i forgot his name :( ), they were super nice and helpful. One of our biggest wishes was to go surfing, so thanks for being a part of it. We definitely recommend Ohana Surfing project for your first surfing experience. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼”
Waikiki’s beginner surf lesson in a small group, taught by pro surfers with CPR-certified safety, plus gear included to help you stand up fast.
“Turner took his time and coached me up well & I caught waves, great instructor!”
Private 90-minute Waikiki surf lessons with safety-first land training, board and wax included, and one-on-one coaching for beginners.
“Max was excellent. His comments made surfing easy. He was patient and explained proper standing, weight distribution. We highly recommend.”
A small-group beginner surf lesson in Oahu with GoPro filming, edited videos emailed after, and focused coaching at Ala Moana.
“I am so happy I booked it! This was my very 1st time and I had a great experience with the instructors. They made sure caught waves and were genuinely happy every time we did. Very smooth and enjoyable experience. I can’t wait to receive the GoPro footage. Definitely recommend!”
North Shore beginner surf lesson on Oahu with small groups, provided gear, and clear coaching at Waialua Bay and Haleiwa.
“This was a great experience for anyone looking to just try out surfing for the first time. Tanner took us out and was excellent at teaching us the etiquette and technique for surfing. We even got up on the boards and found some success in it! He helped us pick out which waves we were going to surf and made the overall lesson very personable. Thank you, we would 10/10 do this again!”
Private 2-hour North Shore surf lesson on Oahu with one-on-one coaching, gear included, and a focus on reading and catching waves.
A 1.5-hour Waikiki group surf lesson with premium gear, small-group coaching, and a beginner-friendly path to riding waves.
“Too many surfers together not all same level. Too slow to learn. 8 people too much and teenagers with old people does not work. They learned nothing.”
Private 1-on-1 surf lesson in Honolulu with videos and photos. Learn safety, paddling, pop-ups, and catch your first wave in about an hour.
“Jake was great! Great tips and instruction which allowed me to pick up the form quickly. Had a great time and caught some gnarly waves. 10/10 would recommend. Can’t wait to see the photos/videos.”
Private 90-minute surf lesson on Waikiki Beach with a certified instructor, tailored coaching, and multiple start times from Big Wave Dave.
“Booked each of my 3 boys a private surf lesson. They had great instructors who were fun and great with them. My boys loved surfing and well worth it”
Private 2-hour North Shore surf lesson with one-on-one coaching, included gear, and guided pop-up practice to your first waves.
“Incredible tlexperience learning how to surf on the NORTH SHORE! Connor was great at showing us, first timers, what to do. He personally navigated us around the busy waves, and got us onto a few fun waves. Connor was very patient and a good instructor for the two of us. He started us out on land, and then we transitioned to the water. We will definitely.be back!”
