10 Stand-Up Paddleboarding Lessons in Hawaiʻi We Would Put on an Itinerary

1.Private Stand Up Paddle Boarding Tour in Turtle Town, Maui

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 293 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $169Our pick

Paddle Maui’s Turtle Town coastline on a private two-hour tour with guides such as Aqua or Sky. Learn SUP technique, spot sea turtles, coral, fish, and possibly monk seals, then receive digital photos. Equipment, instruction, life jackets, storage, showers, and changing rooms are included.

“Aqua made our paddle boarding experience so special, fun and memorable! From reaching out with clear and helpful instructions prior to arriving to ensuring our paddle boarding experience was safe, adventurous, engaging, educational, beautiful and so fun. My daughter and I LOVED our paddle boarding experience and sea turtles making their appearances throughout our time in the water. Thank you, Aqua!”

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2.Haleiwa River Paddle Board Rental with Blue Planet Adventure Co.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 215 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $39

Rent a stable stand-up paddleboard or single kayak from Blue Planet Adventure Co. beside Rainbow Bridge in Haleiwa. You get two hours on the Anahulu River, with optional instruction, paddles, leashes, and life jackets available. Paddle upstream, toward Haleiwa Bay, or simply drift near the bridge while watching for turtles and birds.

“Julie was extremely friendly and welcoming! She was efficient and made sure everyone got started on time without a long wait. We came last year and had to do it again. To be paddlebaording behind the iconic bridge...fabulous.”

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3.Family, Private & Group Standup Paddle Lessons in Waikiki

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 143 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $118

Meet Ohana Surf Project at the Waikiki Beach Marriott, watch a short safety video, gear up, then head to Waikiki Beach for a two-hour lesson. Instructors such as Mark, Kai, Kevin, Tyler, and Miguel teach beginners in small groups, adjusting help to your comfort and ability. Pickup, rashguard, reef shoes, board, paddle, and storage are included. Photos and videos cost extra.

“Haley, Lawson and Aiden had a wonderful experience. Instructor Miguel had them up on the board quickly. We look forward to receiving videos!”

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4.Lunar Legends Night Stand up Paddle Kayak Water Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 141 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $107

After the Polynesian Cultural Center closes, you’ll paddle or kayak through its shallow lagoon beneath the moon. A storyteller-guide shares legends from Samoa, New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii, Tonga, and Tahiti, with glowing LED boards and small waterfalls along the way. Stand-up paddle boards are standard, while kayaks must be requested ahead.

“The only reason we didn't give 5 star is we didn't realize the center closed at 6 pm so we didn't have time to go inside and visit the center. The young man who was our guide for paddle boarding was very pleasant, full of information so we had a good time with his stories. We got there at 4 pm but you want to go much earlier to see the whole place, we thought it would be open on a weekend at least till 8.”

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5.Paddleboard Yoga Class in Honolulu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 120 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $57

Meet Yoga Floats at Ala Moana Beach Park for a 75-minute paddleboard yoga class in waist-deep water. Your instructor covers balance and safety, then leads meditation, stretches, sun salutations, standing poses, and a floating savasana. Groups cap at 10, and instructors such as Kelsey, Julie, Jen, and Emily offer friendly guidance.

“Great, Kelsey had everything ready when I arrived and had very clear, attentive instructions and good descriptions of what to do. Her equipment was brand new and her photos were amazing and she recommended a few spots to check out. Great experience with Kelsey and Yoga Floats!”

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6.Private Beginner Paddleboard 101 Lesson: Makena Landing!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 68 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $159

Start with a shore lesson at Makena Landing, then paddle into the protected waters of Turtle Town with a private ocean guide. You’ll receive patient, hands-on instruction, watch for sea turtles, and have a professional photographer guide capturing the outing. Guides such as Peg, Pam, John, and Lowe have helped first-timers gain confidence.

“Our guide Pam was very mellow and supportive. I truly enjoyed learning how to paddle board. The most memorable part was seeing a turtle when I fell off the board. Great day!”

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7.Private Beginner Paddleboard Lesson with Snorkel in Turtle Town

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 50 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $179

Meet your private ocean guide at Makena Landing Park for a gentle paddleboard lesson, then hold onto your board while snorkeling over Turtle Town’s reefs. Peg, Heidi, Chris, and other guides tailor the pace for beginners, children, and mixed-ability groups. Expect marine-life stories, turtles, and a relaxed two-hour outing.

“Awesome tour. Perfect for beginner. Free and easy parking. Tristen is very patient and guided me step by step. I was able to stand up on the paddle board the first time! I also saw a sea turtle popped its head out to breathe in the air. So cute!”

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8.North Shore Haleiwa Paddleboard River Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews · 2 hours · from $34Best value

Paddle Blue Planet Adventure’s calm stretch of the Anahulu River for two hours, with instruction and launch help from staff such as Julie, Luke, or Max. Watch for honu, birds, and freshwater springs, then choose to continue toward Haleiwa Bay if you have the skill and confidence. Kayaks are also available.

“This is now a “must do” item that we will recommend to all our friends! Beautiful, relaxing, fun, and easy for the whole family. Devin was great - my 13 year old son said he is the coolest person he has ever met. ;)”

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9.Semi Private Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) Class at Kalama Beach in Kihei

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $140

Meet Surf Club Maui at Kalama Beach Park for a 90-minute semi-private SUP lesson with an instructor such as Turtle, Anton, Mike, or David. You will cover safety and technique on shore, then practice on the water with your own family or friends. Equipment, reef shoes, rash guard, parking, showers, and changing rooms are included.

“I absolutely loved it! First time doing SUP and the instructor was great. The whole crew was very friendly and accommodating. Highly recommend!”

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10.Honolulu: SUP (Standup Paddleboard) Yoga Class

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 1h 15m · from $53

Meet your English-speaking instructor at Magic Island for a 75-minute SUP yoga class limited to 10 people. Learn seated, kneeling, reclining, and standing poses on an anchored board in waist-deep water, then finish with a floating savasana. All equipment and secure storage are included.

“I really enjoyed the yoga class. I've done a few different types of yoga and this was unique and still challenging but suitable to all levels of yoga. the location is beautiful and serene in the morning. if I lived in Honolulu I would continue this practice.”

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