Things to do in Oahu › Oahu tours and activities › Surf lessons › Family, Private and Group Surf Lessons with Waikiki Courtesy Shuttle
Family, Private and Group Surf Lessons with Waikiki Courtesy Shuttle
★ #5 of 14 in our Surf lessons list Picked from the 106 surf lessons in the Oahu catalogue, the way every tour here gets picked.
Updated the price every day; listing, departure times and pickup notes
Ohana Surf Project teaches you to surf in Waikiki with a shuttle from designated stops. The 1-hour open group costs from $104.66 per person for 2 or more. It starts at 3 p.m. on available dates. Other formats give your party private instruction or a 2-hour session. The shuttle also links the center and beach.
Our check
Family, Private and Group Surf Lessons with Waikiki Courtesy Shuttle at a glance
| Beach | Waikiki |
| Duration | 1 or 2 hours, depending on the option |
| Price | from $104.66 per person for 2 or more |
| Priced option | 1-hour open group, shared with other students |
| Starts | 1-hour lessons at 3 p.m. · 2-hour lessons at 9 a.m., noon or 3 p.m. · Dates vary |
| Pickup | Four designated Waikiki stops, 10 to 45 minutes before the lesson |
| Group ages | 13 and up, swimmers only |
| Family format | At least one parent and one child aged 12 or younger, all able to swim and paddle |
| Main trade-off | Standard shuttle pickup at designated stops rather than every hotel |
| Guide languages | English, Japanese, Korean |
| Cancellation | Full refund until 24 hours before the start; nothing after |
Read from the operator's listing on the booking page, October 30, 2026. The price is the tour's starting price in U.S. dollars, re-read every day, last on .
What's included
- A safe place to store your belongings
- All taxes and fees
- Professional instructor
- Transportation to and from designated meetings spots in Waikiki
- All necessary equipment including rash guard, reef shoes, and surfboard
What's not included
- Gratuities
- Photos & videos (available for purchase)
Options
Which option to book
Open groups share instruction, while exclusive groups keep your party together with at least three students. Semi-private lessons pair two students per instructor, with family and individual formats also available for 1 or 2 hours.
| Option | Departures |
|---|---|
| Open Group (1hr) | 3 p.m., daily |
| Family Lesson (1hr) | 3 p.m., daily |
| Exclusive Group (1hr) | 3 p.m., daily |
| Semi-Private (1hr) | 3 p.m., daily |
| Open Group (2hr) | 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., daily |
| Family Lesson (2hr) | 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., daily |
| 1-to-1 Private (1hr) | 3 p.m., daily |
| Exclusive Group (2hr) | 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., daily |
| Semi-Private (2hr) | 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., daily |
| 1-to-1 Private (2hr) | 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., daily |
The catch: The 1-hour open group needs a booking of at least 2 swimmers aged 13 or older.
The day
How does the day work?
The shuttle takes you through Ohana's surf center to the beach and back before your final drop-off.
- 1
Waikiki collection
Your ride starts at the designated meeting stop. Ohana's school bus or marked shuttle van takes you to the surf center at the Waikiki Beach Marriott.
- 2
Surf center preparation
You check in and collect your equipment. A short safety briefing comes before the next shuttle ride from the center to the beach.
- 3
Beach introduction
The beach introduction covers your surfing experience. Your comfort in the water shapes the discussion with your instructor before you head out with a board.
- 4
Surf session
Instruction continues in the ocean once you're ready. Your chosen format determines how you share the instructor during the lesson and practice catching waves.
- 5
Return to the center
The shuttle brings you back to the surf center after the lesson. You can view the session's photos and videos there, with purchases optional.
- 6
Waikiki drop-off
The final shuttle leg takes you to your designated drop-off location. You don't need to arrange a separate ride back from the surf center.
Lesson options last 1 or 2 hours. Pickup is 10 to 45 minutes before the lesson, with the outing ending at your designated Waikiki drop-off.
Pickup and meeting point
- Standard stops: The standard stops include Ilikai Hotel and Romer Waikiki at the Ambassador Hotel. The other meeting choices are Don Ho Lane Van Depot and Hyatt Regency.
- Your pickup email: Check your email for the exact meeting place and time. If the details haven't arrived 24 hours before your lesson, contact Ohana Surf Project.
- Special pickup requests: A closer pickup may be possible for selected hotels. Disability or injury requests need direct contact with the school at least 24 hours ahead.
- Ready for the water: Wear your swimsuit with sunscreen already applied. You'll also need a towel, while Ohana supplies the surf shirt and protective reef shoes.
Before you book
- Family lessons aren't for nonswimmers. Private instruction suits children aged 6 or younger and doesn't require swimming.
Fit
Is this tour right for you?
Two or more swimmers aged 13 and up can book the short open group with Waikiki transport. You don't need to organize the beach transfer. It fits a stay near one of the designated stops. Your 3 p.m. lesson still needs time for pickup beforehand.
If you can reach the school yourself, Hans Hedemann offers a 2-hour group from $112.31 per person. For video without a separate purchase, Michael McChrystal teaches at Ala Moana from $125 per person.
Who it's not for
- Nonswimmers choosing a shared lesson
- Children under 13 booked into the open group
- Guests needing standard pickup at every hotel door
Good to know
Know before you go
The open group needs at least 2 swimmers aged 13 or older. You share instruction with other students. Non-swimmers and children aged 6 or younger are directed toward individual instruction instead.
Your bathing suit should be on before the shuttle arrives. Bring a towel for after the lesson. Sunscreen goes on beforehand, and the school supplies a long-sleeved surf shirt with protective reef shoes.
The shuttle collects guests 10 to 45 minutes before the lesson. Your emailed instructions give the exact stop and time. If they haven't arrived 24 hours beforehand, contact Ohana Surf Project directly.
A closer pickup may be arranged for selected hotels or for guests with a disability or injury. You need to request it at least 24 hours ahead. It's a separate arrangement from the standard stops.
The school needs advance notice of medical conditions or injuries. You should also report any inability to swim before choosing a format. Weather can cause a cancellation of your session.
A reservation accepts up to 8 travelers, subject to each format's minimum group. The mobile ticket comes with immediate booking approval. You receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before starting.
Reviews
How is it rated?
Alternatives
Which tour to choose instead
Two hours with your own transport
Waikiki: Open Group Surfing LessonHans Hedemann's group includes land practice and water coaching. The 2-hour lesson costs from $112.31 per person, with your own arrival at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel.
★ 4.7 · 622 reviews · from $112.31 per person
Footage without a photo package
Surf Lesson Without the Crowds, GoPro Videos IncludedMichael McChrystal records your lesson on GoPro. His 90-minute Ala Moana session costs from $125 per person and includes the edited footage.
★ 5.0 · 222 reviews · from $125 per person
Your party without an open class
Waikiki Private Group Surf LessonStoke Drift gives your party its own Waikiki lesson. It's 90 minutes from $123 per adult for 2 or more, with everyone sharing an instructor aged at least 13.
★ 4.9 · 312 reviews · from $123 per adult for 2 or more
All 14 Surf lessons we picked · Oahu tours and activities by category
Good to know
People also ask
- Which Ohana Surf Project lesson does the starting price buy?
It buys the 1-hour open-group lesson at 3 p.m., from $104.66 per person for 2 or more. You need to be a swimmer aged at least 13. The longer lessons are separate booking options.
- Can younger children take lessons with Ohana Surf Project?
Yes, other formats accommodate children under 13. A family lesson needs at least one parent and one child aged 12 or younger. Everyone in that format must swim and paddle, while individual instruction suits younger children or non-swimmers.
- Does Ohana Surf Project pick up at every Waikiki hotel?
No, the regular shuttle uses 4 designated Waikiki stops. Your collection is 10 to 45 minutes before the lesson. A closer pickup needs a separate request at least 24 hours ahead and depends on the hotel's location or your needs.
- What happens after an Ohana Surf Project lesson?
You return to the surf center before the shuttle takes you to your drop-off stop. Photos and videos are available there as extra purchases. Plan additional time around the 1-hour lesson for those transfers and the center visit.
- Can you cancel your Ohana Surf Project booking?
Yes, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the lesson for a full refund. You won't get that refund for a later cancellation. The ticket is mobile, and booking approval doesn't require a later response from the school.
Times and conditions as the booking page listed them on October 30, 2026; the price is re-read every day, last on . Tours book on the booking page at its price; a booking through the button earns this site a commission, and your price is the same.