Big Island Surf Lessons: the 5 Best

1.Private Surf Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 200 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $199Our pick

Meet Kona Town Surf Adventures near Kahaluʻu Beach Park for a 90-minute lesson with a private instructor. You’ll receive a surfboard, reef shoes, and surf shirt, then practice on the water with coaching tailored to your level. Instructors including Arie, Joe, Milo, Hanz, and others are praised for patient work with children and first-time surfers.

“I had an amazing time! Hanz and the rest of the surf instructors were very helpful and knowledgeable and I would definitely recommend others to take a surf lesson from them!”

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2.Kona Surf Lesson in Kahaluu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 152 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $169Best value

Meet Ohana Surf Lessons at Kahaluu Beach Park for a two-hour beginner lesson in Kailua-Kona. You’ll receive a foam board, reef shoes, and an SPF surf shirt, then learn pop-ups, surf etiquette, and water safety before practicing with an instructor. Guides including Koa, Kaleo, Carl, Max, Brady, and others are known for patient coaching.

“Kahleo and his partner were awesome! Very kind, patient, encouraging — great teachers for our rookie family of 5! Beautiful place to surf and nice easy waves helped too. Truly a great experience!”

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3.2-Hour Guided Private Surf Lesson in Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 84 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $229

Meet your instructor at Kahaluʻu Beach Park for a two-hour private surf lesson. You’ll receive a foam board, reef shoes, and an SPF surf shirt, then learn technique, etiquette, pop-ups, and water safety. Instructors including Bradley, Kai, Thomas, Alex, Koa, and Kaleo have helped first-timers stand and ride waves.

“Thomas was a superb teacher. We did a 2-person lesson and we both caught waves. Excellent value and just a fun way to spend 2 hours at the beach.”

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4.Go Surf Hawai’i (Kona Coast)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 83 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

Meet Jared, Jace, Rory, or Renee near Kailua-Kona for a 90-minute surf lesson limited to four people. You’ll practice on land, paddle and pop up with a soft-top board, then work with your coach in a mellow beginner break. Gear and rash guards are provided, with optional photography when available.

“He no call no showed on us. There were three other groups around 10 people total waited 30 minutes for the instructor and he didn’t answer any of our calls.”

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5.Surf with the Pros

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 53 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $169

At Kahaluu Beach Park, Kona Town Surf Adventures pairs you with a professional instructor such as Hauns, Taj, Zion, Tosh, or Tegan for a beginner lesson on gentle waves. Boards, reef shoes, and surf shirts are provided. The group is capped at eight, but public parking costs $12.

“Great time!! My friend and I took a lesson from Zion while our wives watched from the beach. (The beach isn’t too sandy, moreso gravel) Zion was great! We picked it up pretty quickly…wish there were a few bigger waves, but they can’t really control that part. Fun experience!”

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