The 8 Best Private Surf Lessons in Oahu

1.Private Surfing Lessons in Waikiki

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 176 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $96Our pick

Meet Max, Wil, or another Moku Surf instructor at Moku Hawaii for a 90-minute Waikiki lesson. You will cover safety and board skills on land, then walk to the beach with a provided board. The private format lets your instructor adjust the lesson to your pace, with beginner-friendly coaching and optional photo and video services available separately.

“Max was a great teacher for me and my partner, who are completely brand new to surfing. He was patient in going over the fundamentals in detail and kept us safe out there in the Ocean. I would recommend Max as he is an excellent instructor.”

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2.Oahu Private Surfing Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 113 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $226

Meet your English-speaking surf instructor at Kahalewai Place in Haleiwa for a private lesson on Oahu’s North Shore. You’ll work one-on-one on beach technique and water safety, then practice paddling, board control, wave selection, and catching waves. Boards and rash guards are included, and the lesson suits ages four and up.

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3.Private Surf Lesson at Waikiki Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 107 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $179

Meet at Big Wave Dave Surf & Coffee on Lewers Street, get fitted for the ocean, then walk across to Waikiki Beach for a 90-minute lesson. Instructors such as Paulie, Lee, Madison, and Josh teach paddling, board position, and standing based on your level. The session is private, though one booking reported an unexpected extra participant.

“Lee was amazingly patient knowledgeable, and positive. Definitely a great time! Will pursue surfing as a result of his instruction.”

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4.Private Surfing Lessons on the North Shore of Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 87 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $150

Meet your private instructor at Puaʻena Point Beach Park for a two-hour North Shore surf lesson. Catch’a Wave provides the board, leash, fins, and rash guard, then teaches you pop-ups, wave choice, balance, and basic turns at a pace suited to your ability. Lessons run rain or shine when conditions are safe.

“Incredible tlexperience learning how to surf on the NORTH SHORE! Connor was great at showing us, first timers, what to do. He personally navigated us around the busy waves, and got us onto a few fun waves. Connor was very patient and a good instructor for the two of us. He started us out on land, and then we transitioned to the water. We will definitely.be back!”

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5.Private Surf Lesson in Waikiki

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 83 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $159

Meet Shane or Captain Neil at Waikiki Beach for a private 1-hour-45-minute surf lesson built around your skill level. You will use a surfboard, reef shoes, and rashguard, with a locker provided. The instructors work closely with beginners, children, and returning surfers, and pickup may be arranged if needed.

“Nice experience and easy guide to follow. We all successfully stand and enjoy the surfing! Would recommend!”

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6.1.5-Hour Semi Private Surfing Lesson in Honolulu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 76 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

Meet Gone Surfing Hawaii on Kālia Road for a 90-minute private Waikīkī lesson. Your licensed instructor covers safety and technique on the sand, then helps you read waves, paddle, and work toward your first stand-up ride. Groups of up to five can surf together, with boards and rash guards included.

“We had a great time taking our first surfing lesson with Austin! He was patient, encouraging, and really showed us how to surf correctly. We also appreciated that he paddled us out to the ocean so we could save energy for the actual surfing! 10/10 would recommend! Chelsea”

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7.Oahu Semi Private Surfing Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 73 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $166

Spend about two hours learning surf basics in a protected North Shore cove with an instructor close by. You’ll get a surfboard and rash guard, practice beach technique, then work on waves, paddling, standing, and surf etiquette. Instructor Marjorie has helped first-timers build confidence, though instructor assignment may vary.

“It was our first time to Hawaii and this was the best way to spend our trip! We got away from Waikiki and came to a calm beach and the best instructor! We learned quickly how to surf and we will be back again soon!”

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8.1.5-Hour Private Surfing Lesson in Honolulu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 57 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

Meet your instructor at 2169 Kālia Road for a private 90-minute Waikīkī surf lesson. You’ll begin on the sand with ocean safety and wave-reading advice, then practice takeoffs in the water. Instructors such as Trevor, Tommy, Aria, Owen, and Kaz have worked with beginners and children, with photography available for an extra fee.

“Tommy was a great instructor for my 10yo son’s private surfing lesson! This was his second time surfing in Hawai’i (first time he was 7yo) and Tommy was a patient and supportive, giving my son encouragement and tips to catch the waves. He also listened to his needs - when my son got too cold he brought him in and was able to provide some bandages as my son got a few scrapes on his foot from the reef (you may want to wear reef walkers while surfing to avoid cuts). Gone Surfing was also fantastic- we had initially booked a Saturday 2pm lesson but due to high tide, there…”

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