The 15 Best Surf Lessons in Hawaii

1.Two Hour Beginner Group Surf Lesson in Kihei

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 950 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $98Our pick

Meet at Surf Shack in Kihei for a two-hour beginner lesson with no more than six students. Instructors such as Mike, Ivan, Sofia, Jay, and Francisco teach beach safety, surf etiquette, paddling, and wave riding before helping you catch small waves. A board, rash guard, and booties are included. Ages under 9 should book privately.

“We have a fun time learning surfing. The parking is convenient. Coach Mike did a wonderful job! The photographer took a ton of awesome pictures for us”

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2.Open Group Surfing Lesson in Waikiki, Hawaii

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 582 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $112

Meet Hans Hedemann Surf at 150 Kapahulu Ave for a two-hour Waikiki lesson with a certified instructor. You’ll watch a safety video, practice on land, then paddle out with a board, rash guard, reef shoes, and locker included. Instructors such as Niko, Luis, Charlie, and Tyson are praised for patient coaching, and you may spot a sea turtle from the water.

“We had a great time and all of us were actually surfing by the end of the 2 hour lesson. Our teachers were Niko and Gavin and they were both fantastic. They gave us tips to help us improve and were super encouraging and patient. It was a great activity for our family (2 teenage boys + mom and dad).”

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3.Outrageous Surf ScHool Lesson on Lahaina Side

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 547 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $75

Spend 90 minutes learning to surf with Outrageous Adventures Surf School on Maui’s Lahaina side. Instructors such as Scott, Tyler, and Patrick teach paddling, wave timing, and standing up, then get you into warm, shallow water quickly. Groups are capped at five, and boards, booties, and rash guards are included. Photos are available to buy afterward.

“Scott is a nice guy. The lesson would be a bit too easy if you have absolutely zero idea how to surf because Scott doesn’t teach you a whole lot of advanced techniques. But if you are just looking for a fun time riding waves and feeling the movement, this is a really good one as Scott is very experienced at finding good waves for beginners and helping you get a lot of practice which is more important for this sport.”

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4.Beginner-Friendly Waikiki Beach Surfing Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 425 reviews · 2 hours · from $125

Spend two hours learning to surf at Waikiki Beach with Surfer Girl Academy. You get 20 to 30 minutes of beach instruction, then about 70 minutes in the water with a small group and a maximum four-to-one student-to-instructor ratio. Instructors such as Noah, Yuko, John, and Shuji have been praised for patient coaching. Boards, reef shoes, rash guards, and leashes are included.

“Excellent teachers and the pictures came out awesome! Highly recommended.”

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5.Po’ipu Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 361 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89

Meet at Koʻa Kea Resort on Poipu Beach for a 90-minute beginner surf lesson with Hoku Water Sports. You’ll practice paddling and popping up on land, then work on real waves with an instructor such as Kele, David, Dave, or Ikeake. Boards, booties, and rash guards are included.

“The surf lessons were fun and for all levels. The instructor was patient and kind and made us feel welcomed. Would recommend 10/10”

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6.Private Hanalei Sandy Bottom Surf Lesson on Kauai

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 339 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $118

Spend about 90 minutes learning to surf in Hanalei Bay with a private Hawaiian Surfing Adventures instructor such as Nick, Luca, Patrick, or Tapu. You will receive a safety briefing, rash vest, leash, and surfboard, then practice reading waves and standing up. Check in 30 minutes before your lesson.

“Our surf instructor, Luca, did an amazing job. He was very patient with my two daughter and me. His instructions were clear and on point which allowed us to “catch” waves with each set. The front office and shuttle drive were also kind and helpful. Would highly recommend to anyone looking to learn how to surf.”

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7.Surfing Lessons On Waikiki Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 317 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $129

Meet at Big Wave Dave Surf & Coffee near Waikiki Beach Walk for a 90-minute beginner lesson. You’ll learn safety, paddling, and board control on land, then practice with an instructor in Waikiki’s shallow, sandy water. Boards, leashes, and a locker are included. Guides have included Derek, Josh, Joshua, Alex, Cody, Tanner, and Mouse.

“Awesome experience! My 18, 15, and 10 all took a lesson at the same time and all of them loved it! Everything was seamless. Highly recommend bringing your own or renting the rash guards which are not included- $5 to rent though!”

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8.Waikiki Private Group Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 298 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $123

Meet Stoke Drift at Ocean Patio B for a 90-minute Waikiki surf lesson. You’ll spend 15 to 30 minutes learning safety and technique on land, then about an hour catching waves with your private group. Instructors such as Justice, Keith, Joey, and Cole are praised for patient beginner coaching. Swimming ability is required.

“This place was fantastic. Dane & Leah were spot-on I can safely say that they made the best highlight of my 9 days in O'ahu! Mahalo”

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9.Surf Lessons on the North Shore of Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 267 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $95

Meet Sunset Suzy’s Surf School in Hauula for a 90-minute beginner lesson with instructors such as Suzy, Andy, John, Matthew, or Kaiser. You’ll spend about 15 minutes on the beach learning safety and technique, then practice in the ocean with a board, rash guard, leash, and local guidance included. Turtle spotting is also offered.

“My daughter and I enjoyed learning how to surf with Andy! We each caught several waves and had a wonderful time. This was a great experience for beginners. Highly recommend!!”

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10.Group Surf Lesson at Kalama Beach in Kihei

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 264 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $108

Spend about two hours learning to surf at Kalama Beach in Kihei with Surf Club Maui. You’ll get reef shoes, a rash guard, a short beach lesson, and hands-on coaching in waist to chest-deep water. Instructors such as Bryan, Sarge, Epps, Pablo, and Brendon have earned praise for patient coaching. Ages 11 and up only.

“Bryan was an AWESOME teacher!! My husband and I can’t stop talking about how we want to quit working and live the surfer beach life. The whole experience was amazing, and we are renting our own boards to keep riding! Thanks so much Bryan and the team at Surf Club Maui 🏄”

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11.Maui Lahaina Group Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 235 reviews · 2 hours · from $125

Spend two hours learning to surf near Lahaina with a CPR-certified instructor and no more than four other surfers. You get a board, rash guard, water shoes, a 15-minute beach lesson, and plenty of water time. Instructors such as Lee, Steve, Inaldo, and Connor are known for patient coaching, while an on-site photographer captures optional action shots.

“Very nice and patient instructor, really friendly staff. I felt so comfortable and had a great time! Full recommendation! Thank you alm for a great experience!”

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12.Waikiki 2-Hour Beginner Group Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 191 reviews · 2 hours · from $103

Spend two hours learning to surf about a mile outside Waikiki with current pro surfers such as Turner, Kai, Noah, and Noa. You get a 20-minute beach lesson, surfboard, leash, rashguard, and reef booties, then head into beginner-friendly water. Groups cap at six, and children under 11 need a private lesson.

“Turner was an excellent teacher and we could not have been happier. Everyone in our group got up multiple times and we had a great time doing it.”

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13.Kauai’s Ultimate Group Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 110 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $121

Meet Hawaiian Style Surfing at 2440 Hoonani Road in Koloa for a 90-minute beginner lesson near Poipu Beach. You’ll get a board, rash guard, and water shoes, then learn ocean safety and basic technique on land before heading into the water. Instructors including Adam, Austin, Tom, Kai, and Hudson are praised for patient, upbeat coaching.

“Instructor was very, very good and friendly thank u!!! Will definitely do it again, and look forward to it!”

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14.Outrigger Canoe Surfing at Kalapaki Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 54 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $72Best value

At Kalapaki Beach, you paddle a traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoe with a trained steersman, then ride several ocean waves back toward shore. Guides including Kristian, Krishawn, Kashawn, and Krishna have led this one-hour outing. You need at least two paddling adults, and groups are limited to four people.

“Really fun! Our guide was great and did a nice job of reading the sea and catching us some great waves.”

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15.Waikiki 2-Hour Semi-Private Surfing Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 5 reviews · 2 hours · from $156

Spend two hours learning to surf at a secluded beach near Waikiki with an English-speaking instructor and a private group. You begin with a 20-minute beach lesson on waves, currents, tides, safety, and standing technique, then choose your equipment and practice paddling, turning, and riding waves. Boards, rash guards, reef gear, and booties are included.

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