Oahu · WORKSHOPS
48 reviewed
The good workshops on Oahu fill up fast, and the best fill up first. Ranked below are the 15 to beat, with current prices and what sets each one apart, so you can lock it in before the calendar closes.
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. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼”
A certified-only two-tank scuba day off Waikiki with a shipwreck stop and a reef stop, snacks included, $269 value.
“Probably one if the best dives I’ve done. We saw the USS Tiger and a pipe reef. Saw turtles that swam right by us and guide was really good as he took us around. This is for experienced divers, you need to put your gear together, and change your tanks. The guides won’t really help giving a reminder or even ask how comfortable you are, not a bad thing, but just be aware if it’s been a minute since your last dive.”
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!”
Waikiki semi-private surf lesson with Ohana Surf Project: hotel pickup, small groups up to 8, gear included, and buyable photos. 2 hours.
“Very nice lesson. You start as a group to explain the basic than there is one instructor per 2 people. But the other instructors on the water also the ones taking pictures are there to help and guide your safety. We had the instructor Tyler very good & calm. Very straight & clear instructions. Take 2 hours! As a beginner you need it.”
Paddleboard yoga in Honolulu with small-group coaching at Ala Moana, balance work, sun salutations, and a rocking-board savasana.
“Really loved our experience. Kelsey was awesome and gave us options to challenge ourselves if we wanted to. Super fun experience. We even caught a rainbow before the class!”
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.”
