12 Surf Lessons in Waikiki to Build a Day Around

1.Open Group Surfing Lesson in Waikiki, Hawaii

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

Meet the Hans Hedemann Surf team at 150 Kapahulu Ave for a two-hour Waikiki lesson. You’ll learn safety, etiquette, paddling, turning, and standing up, then practice in the ocean with a small instructor group. Boards, rash shirts, reef shoes, and lockers are included.

“I highly recommend this Surfing school! I had very low expectations of my abilities to surf, however Nico and Lewis are great coaches, whose guidance and advices helped me to stand up on board and surf.”

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2.Beginner-Friendly Waikiki Beach Surfing Lesson

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

Meet Surfer Girl Academy for a two-hour Waikiki lesson with English or Japanese instruction, one guide for up to four students, and a 20 to 30-minute beach briefing. Guides such as Yuko, Mito, Noah, John, and Shuji have earned praise for patient coaching and helping first-timers stand up.

“Excellent teachers and the pictures came out awesome! Highly recommended.”

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3.Surfing Lessons On Waikiki Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 317 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $129

Meet near Waikiki Beach Walk for a 90-minute beginner lesson with a surfboard, leash, locker, and professional instruction. You will spend about 20 minutes learning beach safety and board skills before practicing in Waikiki’s shallow, sandy water. Instructors such as Josh, Derek, and Tanner have earned strong praise.

“Ten out of ten !! The guys were very informative and very helpful.. definitely recommend!! Easier than i thought”

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4.Waikiki Private Group Surf Lesson

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

Meet Stoke Drift at Ocean Patio B for a 90-minute Waikiki surf lesson. You’ll spend 15 to 30 minutes learning safety and technique, then about an hour catching waves with an instructor such as Justice, Keith, Joey, or Cole. Swimming ability is required.

“It was an incredible experience being on the water. My husband and I have injury’s from old age and Cole was awesome and accommodated us. He was so cool and understanding! Will definitely be back! 😊”

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

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

Meet at Ohana Surf Project near the Waikiki Beach Marriott, gear up, and ride to the beach for a roughly two-hour lesson. Your instructor adjusts the coaching to your level, helps you catch waves, and keeps safety in view. Luke, Jayden, Jake, Tyler, Cole, and Marcus are among the instructors praised for patient teaching.

“Super chill, great experience. Shoutout to Marcus for being super chill and helping me catch some waves!”

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6.Waikiki 2-Hour Beginner Group Surf Lesson

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

Spend two hours learning to surf about one mile outside Waikiki, where current professional surfers such as Turner, Kai, and Noah teach small groups of up to six. After a 20-minute beach lesson, you will practice surf stance, wave safety, etiquette, and board control in the water.

“Amazing experience!! Must do in Hawaii. The thrill you get from surfing is addicting.”

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7.Private Surfing Lessons in Waikiki

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

Meet at Moku Hawaii on Koa Avenue for a 90-minute private Waikiki lesson. You’ll cover safety, balance, paddling, and board position on land, then walk to the beach with your instructor. Max is often praised for calm, clear coaching, while Wil also teaches select lessons.

“Max was an amazing surf instructor! He's super friendly, warm and full of positive energy - exactly what you need when you're taking your first surf lesson and feeling a bit nervous. I was a little scared at first, but with his help i learned quickly and has so much fun!!”

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8.Kids Surfing Lesson in Waikiki Beach (up to 12)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 59 reviews · 2 hours · from $204

Bring a child ages 4 to 12 to Surfer Girl Academy for a private two-hour Waikiki lesson. A patient instructor teaches beach safety and board skills, then offers one-to-one ocean coaching and tandem rides for nervous beginners. Surfboards, rash guards, reef shoes, and an original sticker are included.

“Yuko was fantastic with my 9 year old! He had a fabulous experience and declared he wants to move to Hawaii and be a surfer!”

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9.Waikiki Beginner Private Surf Lesson- Female Guide

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

Meet Ali at Duke Kahanamoku’s statue for a private Waikiki surf lesson built around your pace. You’ll learn to read waves, paddle, pop up, and surf safely after 20 to 30 minutes of shore instruction. The one-hour session includes a board and leash, with optional drone footage available.

“Great instructor. Thorough and thoughtful about ability, skills, and limitations. Super positive and upbeat. Recommended for anyone”

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10.Private Surfing Lesson in Waikiki Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 13 reviews · 2 hours · from $219

Meet your private Surfer Girl Academy instructor in Waikiki for a two-hour lesson built for beginners and improving surfers aged 13 and up. Ezra, Yuki, or Shuji may coach you through board skills, water safety, and wave riding, with gear and an optional photo package available.

“Surfer Girl was patient & prompt. The pictures provided afterwards were superb. The boys taking the lessons had a wonderful time & left knowing how to surf. Excellent!”

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11.Waikiki 2-Hour Semi-Private Surfing Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 5 reviews · 2 hours · from $156

Spend two hours learning to surf at a secluded beach near Waikiki with a professional English-speaking instructor. You’ll cover waves, currents, safety, paddling, and standing technique before practicing in the water with a board, leash, rash guard, reef protection, and booties.

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12.1-on-1 Surfing Lesson in Waikiki

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

Meet your English-speaking instructor at Waikiki’s small triangular beach for a private 75-minute lesson. You’ll learn safety, paddling, pop-ups, and wave timing with all gear provided. Jake is praised for patient, protective coaching, and you’re guaranteed to catch a wave.

“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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