8 Surf Lessons on Oʻahu, Compared

1.Open Group Surfing Lesson in Waikiki, Hawaii

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

Meet Hans Hedemann Surf at 150 Kapahulu Ave for a two-hour Waikiki lesson with certified instructors such as Niko, Luis, Sergio, and Ella. You’ll watch a safety briefing, practice on land, then paddle into the break with a board, rash guard, reef shoes, and close coaching. No experience is needed, but you should be comfortable in the water.

“Seth Elmer and the crew at Hans were fantastic! I had a great time! First time surfer, and enjoyed every minute! We’ll be back!”

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2.Beginner-Friendly Waikiki Beach Surfing Lesson

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

Spend two hours learning to surf at Waikiki Beach with a small group of up to eight. Your English or Japanese-speaking instructor covers ocean safety and board technique on land, then coaches you through about 70 minutes in the water. Surfboard, leash, rash guard, reef shoes, and optional wetsuit are included. Instructors such as Yuko, Mito, John, Noah, and Shuji are praised for patient coaching.

“The Teacher was so amazing, the lessons were great and at the end I could stand on the board. Five stars for sure!”

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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. You’ll get a board, leash, locker, beach safety briefing, and hands-on help catching waves. Instructors vary, with Derek, Josh, Joshua, Tanner, Mouse, Alex, and Cody praised by name. You must be able to swim.

“Brilliant coach who gave me supreme confidence on a surf board. I am in advanced years and he tailored the experience to this.”

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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 in Waikiki for a 90-minute private surf lesson. You’ll spend 15 to 30 minutes learning safety and technique on land, then about an hour catching waves with an instructor. Lessons are offered in English, and past instructors have included Justice, Keith, Trey, Joey, Cole, and Chaz.

“Surfing is SO MUCH FUN. I booked a private lesson for me and my husband. Staff was super nice and chill, and we loved our instructor. We alternated catching waves so the instructor could time each wave right for both of us. I can see how surfing would be much harder without someone taking care of the timing, but I’m excited to try!”

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5.Surf Lessons on the North Shore of Oahu

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

Meet Suzy’s Surf School in Hauula for a 90-minute beginner lesson with instructors such as Andy, John, Suzy, or Matthew. You’ll spend 15 minutes learning beach basics, then practice on gentle North Shore waves with a board, rash guard, and leash included. Small groups, personal coaching, and a free turtle tour add value.

“My daughter and I enjoyed learning how to surf with Andy! We each caught several waves and had a wonderful time. This was a great experience for beginners. Highly recommend!”

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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 at a beginner-friendly spot about a mile outside Waikiki. Current professional surfers such as Turner, Kai, and Noah guide small groups of up to six through a 20-minute beach lesson, then coach you through real waves. Boards, leashes, rashguards, and reef booties are included.

“Turner was an excellent teacher and we could not have been happier. Everyone in our group got up multiple times and we had a great time doing it.”

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7.Surfing Lessons for 2 People

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 37 reviews · 2 hours · from $162

Spend two hours learning to surf with Surfer Girl Academy on Oahu’s south shore. You’ll get 20 to 30 minutes of beach instruction, then more than 70 minutes in the water with a board, leash, rash guard, reef shoes, and a certified lifeguard instructor. English and Japanese instruction is available.

“We had a great surf instructor, he took enough time and explained things really well! :-)”

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8.Waikiki 2-Hour Semi-Private Surfing Lesson

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

Spend two hours learning to surf at a quieter beach near Waikiki with Kai Sallas’ Pro Surf School Hawaii. You’ll begin with a 20-minute land lesson on waves, currents, safety, etiquette, and standing up, then use a board, leash, rash guard, reef protection, and booties in the water. Instruction is in English.

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