The 10 Best Surf Lessons on Kauai

1.Po’ipu Surf Lesson

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

Meet Hoku Water Sports at Koʻa Kea Resort on Poipu Beach for a 90-minute beginner lesson. Instructors such as Kele and David teach paddling, the pop-up, and ocean safety on land before helping you catch waves. Boards, booties, and rash guards are provided. The group is capped at eight.

“Our teenagers who are beginner surfers loved this experience and did it for a few days. The instructors were kind, fun and professional. If you are looking for a great experience for your kids, or even for adults looking to learn surfing in a safe and supportive environment, look no further- this is it!”

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2.Private Hanalei Sandy Bottom Surf Lesson on Kauai

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

Meet Hawaiian Surfing Adventures in Hanalei for a private 90-minute beginner-friendly lesson. Your instructor, such as Nick, Luca, Patrick, Jack, or Tapu, teaches board position, wave timing, standing, and ocean safety. Boards, leashes, and rash vests are included, with lessons adjusted for children, older adults, and returning surfers.

“This was literally the best for my family. We had Kohl, who is great with teens. My family insisted on doing it twice because they loved it so much! There are several surfing lessons available but this is the best in my opinion.”

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3.Kauai’s Ultimate Group Surf Lesson

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

At Poipu Beach, Hawaiian Style Surfing gives beginners a 90-minute lesson with a board, rash guard, and water shoes. You start on land with surfing basics and ocean safety, then practice in the water with no more than five students per instructor. Adam, Austin, Tom, Kai, Hudson, and other instructors have helped families and first-time surfers stand up and ride.

“Kai was helpful for our first time surfing! He was so encouraging, even urging me out one more time after I had wiped out a few times. Thank you for making me feel like I could do it!”

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4.Outrigger Canoe Surfing at Kalapaki Beach

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

At Kalapaki Beach, you will paddle a traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoe with an experienced steersman, then ride about three to four ocean waves back toward shore. Guides including Kristian, Krishna, and Kashawn are praised for calm instruction and good wave timing. The one-hour trip suits beginners, families, and cruise passengers within walking distance of the beach.

“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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5.Kauai’s Ultimate Semi-Private Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 33 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $191

Meet Hawaiian Style Surfing at 2440 Hoonani Road for a 90-minute lesson limited to two students. Your English-speaking instructor covers surfing basics and ocean safety on land, then coaches you through beginner-friendly waves. Boards, rash guards, and water shoes are included, but bring a towel.

“Fabulous! The instructor spent plenty of time on land giving instructions and practicing then when I to the water to help each person catch each wave. We had semi private lessons ( two people with one instructor). I highly recommend doing this exclusions. Well worth the money!”

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6.Kalapaki Beach: Surfing Lesson with Kauai Beach Boys

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 26 reviews · 1h 30m · from $103

At Kalapaki Bay, an English-speaking instructor teaches you to paddle, balance, and catch beginner-friendly waves in a group capped at six. You receive a surfboard, leash, and rash guard. Instructors such as Nelson and Christian focus on clear, calm coaching, though each person may get only a few individual attempts in the water.

“Great beginner surf lessons for a 19 & a 21 yr old! Lots of fun in a good setting.”

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7.Semi Private Surf Lessons

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 23 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $175

Learn to surf at Poipu with an instructor such as Travis, Kelly, Chris, or Jimmy in a semi-private group of two or three. Your roughly 90-minute lesson includes safety instruction, a surfboard, leash, and about 60 minutes in the water. You must swim independently, and private lessons are advised for children ages 6 to 9.

“Fun experience! Area was just a bit busy with many surfing lessons going on but still great. Our instructor was nice and attentive. He really wants you to learn and have fun.”

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8.Group Surf Lesson at Kalapaki Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $103

Meet Kauai Beach Boys at Kalapaki Beach for a 90-minute surf lesson with an instructor such as Chris, Kishan, Nelson, or Pa’a. You’ll learn the basics, practice paddling and standing, and work on catching gentle waves in a group of no more than six. Gear is included, but you must swim and paddle independently.

“The surfing lesson covered the basics and gave us confidence. Our instructor, Chris, was patient and helped us understand what to do. The waves were good for a beginner, and he helped us pick the right waves to attempt to ride. Even though we were only able to stand up for a couple of seconds on each wave, we would definitely try this again. Highly recommend.”

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9.Kauai’s Ultimate Private Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $318

Meet Hawaiian Style Surfing in Koloa for a private 90-minute lesson suited to beginners and intermediate surfers. You will cover ocean safety and surfing basics on land, then practice in the water with one-on-one help. Surfboards, rash guards, and water shoes are provided. Instructor Matt has earned praise for patient, upbeat coaching.

“My daughter’s private lesson was awesome! She shook the dust off and was catching all her waves in minutes. She wanted to book another lesson immediately!”

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10.Unforgettable Surf Lesson in Kauai

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · from $150

Meet your instructor near Kapaʻa for a two-hour beginner surf lesson at Wailua Beach. Ant and his certified team teach paddling, wave reading, board position, safety, and standing up. Small groups, quality equipment, and a backup plan at Hanamaulu Beach make this a friendly first step into surfing.

“I am here with my grandchildren. Everyone wanted to learn to surf including me. The experience was fantastic. The instructors were very helpful. Everyone was 🏄 buy the end. Well, almost everyone I at least got to my knees. Would highly recommend them.”

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