Honolulu Surf Lessons: the 9 Best

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 capped at five people. Kayak or paddleboard over coral reef, snorkel at Turtle Canyon and a shipwreck, then learn to surf with patient instruction. Hotel pickup, gear, snacks, and water are included.

“This was awesome experience with Kayaking, Snorkeling and above all Surfing! We had a blast. Both me and my wife were very basic with swimming but they made it so easy with loads of fun! Don’t miss these guys while in Hawaii!”

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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 English-speaking instructor provides a board and waterproof gear, then adjusts safety, technique, and wave coaching to your level. Instructors such as Niko, Chris, Charlie, Charles, and Kalani have helped first-time surfers and children get standing on the board.

“This is a great way to learn the basics of surfing. Waikīkī has small waves that are perfect for beginners. The private lesson was worth the cost and allowed more coaching and riding more waves. Get the drone package to prove you did it! Niko was a great teacher and his insights and small adjustments sped my progress more than a group class would have.”

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3.Waikiki Beach: Surf Lessons

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

Meet Hans Hedemann Surf School inside the Queen Kapiolani Hotel, then learn paddling, standing, and wave safety at Waikiki Beach. ISA-certified instructors teach in English, Korean, or Japanese, with private, semi-private, and small-group options. Boards, rash guards, reef shoes, leashes, and locker storage are included.

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4.Waikiki Beginner Private Surf Lesson- Female Guide

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

Meet Ali at the Duke Kahanamoku statue for a private one-hour Waikiki surf lesson. You’ll spend 20 to 30 minutes learning board skills, wave safety, and the pop-up on shore, then paddle out with your instructor. The lesson includes a board and leash, and optional drone footage may be available.

“I had an amazing time learning to surf with Ali!! It was my first time ever and it was such a great experience I immediately booked another lesson with her later in the week and convinced my friend to book one with her as well. She was incredibly kind, very easy to get along with, knowledgeable, patient and supportive!”

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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 blue surf bus by Ala Wai Boat Harbor. After changing and storing your things, you’ll get a land demo, equipment, and a one-hour lesson near Kaisers, Rockpiles, and Bowls, with small groups and possible turtle sightings.

“We squeezed in a surfing lesson for my kids (18 & 11) on the day we were heading back home and so happy we did it. Eddie and Ryan were amazing instructors and my kids had the best time. They finally seemed to have found something they can do together and now cannot wait to go back surfing again!! Eddie and Ryan were patient, extremely friendly and made it a wonderful experience for my children. And they made a special effort by getting my kids to pose so I could get pictures! The icing on the cake was receiving the GoPro footage while we were waiting to board our flight…”

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6.1-on-1 Surfing Lesson in Waikiki

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

Meet your English-speaking instructor at a small triangular beach in Waikiki for a private 75-minute lesson with Jake or another instructor. You’ll learn safety, paddling, pop-ups, and wave timing, with a surfboard, rash guard, and water shoes provided. Beginners get hands-on help, and a $40 photo and video package is available.

“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 by the volleyball courts and showers at the north end of Ala Moana Beach Park for a 90-minute beginner-friendly surf lesson. You’ll learn paddling, balance, standing, and ocean safety, then surf for about an hour with boards, reef shoes, rashguards, leashes, and a GoPro included. Instruction is available in English, Japanese, and Korean.

“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 Ohana Surf Project at the Waikiki Beach Marriott or a nearby pickup point, get fitted with a board, rashguard, reef shoes, and safety briefing, then ride Waikiki waves with a small group of up to eight. Instructors speak several languages, and private or family lessons are available.

“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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9.Hawaii: Electric Hydrofoil Surfing Solo Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 2 reviews · 1h 30m · from $299

At eFoil Waikiki, an English-speaking instructor teaches you to ride an electric hydrofoil board in a small private-group setting. You begin on a balance-board simulator, then move through belly riding, knee riding, and standing on the water. The $299 lesson includes equipment, safety gear, radio communication, and 60 minutes of water time.

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