The 15 Best Surf Lessons in Waikiki

1.Open Group Surfing Lesson in Waikiki, Hawaii

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

At Waikiki Beach, Hans Hedemann Surf instructors guide you through safety, surfing etiquette, paddling, and standing up before you try the waves. The two-hour lesson includes a board, rash guard, reef shoes, and a locker. Instructors such as Niko, Luis, and Seth have helped first-timers find their footing; souvenir photos cost extra.

“Teachers are very helpful. Great amount of surfing time. Just listen to the instructor. Great experience”

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2.Beginner-Friendly Waikiki Beach Surfing Lesson

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

Start with 20 to 30 minutes of beach instruction, then spend about 70 minutes surfing Waikiki with a lifeguard-certified instructor. Groups are limited to eight, with one instructor for every four participants. Boards, reef shoes, rash guards, and leashes are provided. Instructors named by past participants include Yuko, Mito, John, Noah, and Kai.

“Great time had by me and my children. Really friendly instructors that made us all feel comfortable and helped us learn a new skill. The pictures were brilliant. Highly recommend- thanks”

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3.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. An instructor covers safety and basic technique on shore, then helps you catch waves in the water. A surfboard, leash, and locker are included. You must be able to swim.

“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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4.Waikiki Private Group Surf Lesson

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

At Waikiki’s Stoke Drift Surf School, your private group gets 15 to 30 minutes of beach instruction, then about an hour in the ocean with an instructor. Lessons suit beginners and participants aged 13 and up; children 12 and younger need a private lesson. Past instructors include Justice, Joey, Keith, and Chaz, though your instructor may differ.

“Justice was amazing. This my first time and I was solo and he took great care of me. I am not the most physically fit person so his help was just great when I needed a rest from paddling. I was able to get up and ride a few waves. Great fun!”

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5.Surf Lessons on the North Shore of Oahu

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

Meet in Hauula for a 90-minute beginner lesson with Sunset Suzys Surf School. You’ll get a short beach lesson, then practice in the ocean with a board, rash guard, and leash provided. Instructors include Suzy, Andy, John, and Matthew. The water session is geared to beginners, and a complimentary turtle tour offers a chance to look for sea turtles.

“We loved Andy! He was equally patient with me, the 46 year old mom who had questionable balance and never surfed, as well as my 14 year old daughter who made a great run almost every time. He stuck with me until I made a successful run of my own! It was at a great secluded beach so we had plenty of space. Perfect for families!”

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6.Family, Private & Group Surfing Lessons, Waikiki Courtesy Shuttle

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 216 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $107

Ohana Surf Project’s Waikiki lesson pairs you with an instructor for beach safety guidance and time in the water on a supplied surfboard. Choose a private, family, or group format, with courtesy shuttle service from select Waikiki stops. Instructors including Luke, Jayden, and Jake have helped nervous beginners and kids catch their first waves.

“1st time surfing for our family of 5. All the coaches were friendly and helpful. We all managed to catch a few waves. I was impressed that the coaches remembered everyone's name. It was so convent to be picked up and dropped off near our hotel. The photo package is extra but worth it - we got photos and videos of all 5 of us. My 11 year old is so excited to try surfing again.”

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7.Waikiki 2-Hour Beginner Group Surf Lesson

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

Learn the basics with a current professional surfer at a beginner-friendly spot about a mile outside Waikiki. After a 20-minute land lesson on safety, surf etiquette, and stance, you’ll spend the rest of the two-hour class in the water. Boards, rashguards, and reef booties are included; groups are capped at six.

“Great experience, Noa was patient and very observant. We managed to surf some waves by the end. Totally worth it. A must to do here in Hawaii”

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8.Private Surfing Lessons in Waikiki

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

Meet at Moku Hawaii in Waikiki for a private surf lesson with an instructor such as Max or Wil. You’ll cover safety, paddling, and standing on the board on land, then walk to the beach with your surfboard. Boards, wax, and sunscreen are included.

“My husband and I really enjoyed the surf lessons. We had never tried it before, so Max taught us from scratch. He explained everything very well and prepared us for our first waves. The lessons took place in a great atmosphere, Max created a very good vibe, he was absolutely kind, patient and attentive to our mistakes, correcting them immediately. Thanks to him, we will definitely try it again.”

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9.Surf Lesson Without the Crowds Including GoPRO Videos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 167 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $125

Meet your instructor at Ala Moana for a 90-minute beginner-friendly surf lesson. You’ll cover wave basics and beach etiquette, then practice in the water with a coach who helps you catch waves and improve your stance. The group is capped at five, and edited GoPro photos and videos are sent by email after the lesson.

“Great time surfing from start to finish! We would definitely recommend this to friends. Our instructor, Rio, was very friendly and helped us stand up and catch some waves.”

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10.Outrigger Canoe Surfing

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 122 reviews · 20 minutes (approx.) · from $51Best value

Meet your licensed captain at Waikiki Beach Services and paddle out in a shared outrigger canoe built for four paddlers and two riders. You’ll aim to catch at least two waves, with a short introduction to the canoe’s ties to Hawaiian royalty. Children age five and up and nonswimmers can join; children 12 and under ride rather than paddle.

“Loved the excision. Catching waves and paddle int hard was so much fun. We recommend this to others Tour guide was so cool”

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11.North Shore Beginner Surf Lesson, Hawaii

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 114 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $104

Meet Surf N Sea in Haleiwa for a two-hour beginner lesson on Oahu’s North Shore. You’ll cover safe falls, ocean etiquette, paddling and standing, then head to the water with an instructor who helps you choose waves. Surfboards and required equipment are included. You must know how to swim, and you drive yourself to the surf spot.

“Great Surf Shop and Instructor! It was an excellent first experience and introduction to surfing. North Shore is really cool! Was able to stand up and ride a few waves all the way in. 100% will be back!”

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12.Oahu Private Surfing Lesson

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

Spend about two hours learning to surf on Oahu’s North Shore with a private instructor from North Shore Surf Girls - Surf School. Your lesson includes beach and in-water instruction, a surfboard, and a rash guard. You’ll work on paddling, board control, reading waves, and choosing which ones to catch. Lessons are open to students age four and up.

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13.Group Surf Lesson in the Heart of Waikiki

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 107 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $119

Meet at the Makai Gift Outlet on Kalākaua Avenue for a 90-minute group surf lesson at Waikiki Beach. The school welcomes beginners and provides a surfboard, booties, and rashguard. Instructors named by past participants include Mo, Happy, and Kikki, though your assigned instructor may vary.

“What a great experience, Happy and Kikki are excellent teachers and kept the whole family safe for which we are grateful. Highly recommended...”

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14.Kayak, Snorkel, and Surf with Turtles in Honolulu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 95 reviews · from $200

In about three hours, local guides Shane and Captain Neil lead a group of no more than five from Waikiki by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, then out to snorkel near Turtle Canyon and a shipwreck, before a beginner-friendly surf session. Snorkeling gear, hotel pickup, water, and snacks are included.

“Shane and Neil were so kind and made sure that me and my son had a great time. My son has had surf lessons from 4 other instructors and said Shane was the best. Planning to go again before we head home!”

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15.Private Surf Lesson in Waikiki

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

Take a private surf lesson at Waikiki Beach, with an instructor focused on your group rather than a shared class. Shane and Captain Neil are among the instructors, offering hands-on guidance in the water. Boards, rashguards, reef shoes, and lockers are included. The lesson lasts about 1 hour 45 minutes, and pickup may be arranged if needed.

“Perfect experience! It was our first time surfing, and finally we worked it out! Appreciate Shane and Neil’s patient coaching🤙🏻”

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