Is Waikiki good for beginner surfers?

Yes, Waikiki has beginner breaks when conditions allow. Hans Hedemann's open group starts with land practice and requires swimming without a life jacket. Summer swells reach this shore too. Check the forecast before you count on calm water.

How much is a surf lesson in Waikiki?

Oahu Surf and Skim's hour costs from $85 per adult for 3 or more booked. Hans Hedemann's two-hour group costs from $112.31 per person. Both supply a board; you arrange your own transport to the lesson.

How long is a surf lesson?

Selected board lessons last one to two hours including land practice. Big Wave Dave gives you 90 minutes; Ty Gurney's selected semi-private option lasts one hour. That isn't all time spent surfing in the water.

Can kids take surf lessons in Waikiki?

Yes, with the right lesson format for their age. Manifesting Aloha's private lesson accepts children from age 4 from $160 per person. Ohana's selected open group requires swimmers aged 13+; younger children can't join it.

Where are surf lessons on the North Shore?

North Shore Surf Girls teaches around Haleiwa; Catch'a Wave meets at Chuns Reef. DFC Surfing Academy uses Puaena Point or Chuns Reef. Sunset Suzy meets in Punaluu. Skip the drive to Haleiwa for that lesson.

Things to do in Oahu › Oahu tours and activities › Surf lessons

Top 14 surf lessons in Waikiki and on the North Shore (2026)

Updated October 30, 2026 Option prices and lesson limits

We compared all 106 surf lessons Viator has for Oahu and kept 14, picked the way every tour here gets picked. Group size changes the price you pay.

See the comparison table Hide the table 14 tours side by side: beach, format, ages, in the price, starts, hours, price

Surf lessons on Oahu, compared by the exact option

Tour	Beach	Format	Ages	In the price	Starts	Hours	Rating	Price
1. Waikiki: Open Group Surfing Lesson by Hans Hedemann Surf Inc	Waikiki Beach	Group, 3:1/4:1	Ages 14+	Surfboard, lockers	Daily 8, 11 a.m., 2 p.m.	2 h	★ 4.7 622 reviews	from $112.31 per person
2. Surfing Lessons On Waikiki Beach by Big Wave Dave Surf & Coffee	Waikiki Beach	Group, maximum five	Ages 13+	Surfboard, leash	Daily 8:30, 10:30 a.m., 12:30, 2:30 p.m.	1 h 30 min	★ 4.7 352 reviews	from $129 per person
3. Waikiki Private Group Surf Lesson by Stoke Drift	Waikiki Beach	Private group	Group 13+	Surfboard, rashguard	Daily 8, 10 a.m., 1, 3 p.m.	1 h 30 min	★ 4.9 312 reviews	from $123 per adult for 2 or more
4. Surfing Lessons in Waikiki with Hawaii Firefighters by Surfing with Firefighters Surf & Rescue	Waikiki Beach	Private group	Ages 7+	Surfboard included	Daily, hourly 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.	1 h	★ 5.0 316 reviews	from $89 per adult for 3 or more
5. Family, Private and Group Surf Lessons with Waikiki Courtesy Shuttle by Ohana Surf Project	Waikiki Beach	Group, 4:1	Ages 13+	Surfboard, storage	3 p.m. daily, dates vary	1 h	★ 5.0 284 reviews	from $104.66 per person for 2 or more
6. Surf Lessons on the North Shore of Oahu by Sunset Suzys Surf School	Punaluu coast	Group, maximum five	Ages 4+	Surfboard, rashguard	Mon to Fri, 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m.	1 h 30 min	★ 5.0 287 reviews	from $95 per person
7. Surf Lesson Without the Crowds, GoPro Videos Included by Michael McChrystal	Ala Moana	Group, variable cap	Ages 10+	Gear, GoPro	Daily 7, 9, 11 a.m., 1 p.m.	1 h 30 min	★ 5.0 222 reviews	from $125 per person
8. Private Surfing Lessons in Waikiki by Oahu Surf and Skim School	Waikiki Beach	Private group	Ages 8+	Surfboard, sunscreen	Daily, half-hourly 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.	1 h	★ 4.9 220 reviews	from $85 per adult for 3 or more
9. Outrigger Canoe Surfing by Waikiki Beach Services	Waikiki Beach	Outrigger canoe	Ages 5+	Canoe, paddles	Daily 9, 10, 11 a.m., 1 p.m.	20 min	★ 4.6 127 reviews	from $51.54 per person for 3 or more
10. Private 1-on-1 Surf Lesson with Videos and Photos by Manifesting Aloha Surf School	Ala Moana Bowls	Private instruction	Ages 4+	Surfboard, shoes	Daily 7, 8:30, 10 a.m.	1 h	★ 5.0 120 reviews	from $160 per person
11. Surfing Lesson Open Group by North Shore Surf Girls	Haleiwa, North Shore	Semi-private, 2:1	Minimum disputed	Wetsuit included	Daily 9 a.m., 12, 3 p.m.	2 h	★ 4.9 115 reviews	from $199.90 per person
12. Private and Semi-Private Surf Lessons in Waikiki by Ty Gurney Surf School	Waikiki Beach	Semi-private, 2:1	Ages 15+	Surfboard, rashguard	Daily 8, 9, 10 a.m., 12, 1, 3, 4 p.m.	1 h	★ 5.0 79 reviews	from $118.82 per person for 2 to 4
13. 1.5-Hour Semi Private Surfing Lesson in Honolulu by Gone Surfing Hawaii	Waikiki Beach	Semi-private lesson	Ages 13+	Surfboard, rashguard	Days vary, 8 a.m., 12, 2, 4 p.m.	1 h 30 min	★ 5.0 80 reviews	from $120 per person for 2 or more
14. Surf HNL: Surf Lessons near Ko Olina by Surf HNL	Barbers Point	Group, 4:1	Ages 12+	Surfboard included	Daily 8, 9:30 a.m.	1 h 15 min	★ 5.0 65 reviews	from $169 per person

Each price is the tour's starting price in U.S. dollars, from an option that runs in the next ten weeks; a tour with a later season shows its season's price. Prices, ratings and review counts are re-read every day, last on October 30, 2026. Each rating combines the booking platform's own reviews with Tripadvisor's where a tour has both. Hours are the length of the lowest-priced option where the operator states one, else the tour's range. Times and what's in the price are the operator's own terms.

The 14

Our most recommended surf lessons on Oahu

Ranked by reviews. Cards give prices and equipment, plus meeting points and cancellation.

#1 Lockers Group

Waikiki: Open Group Surfing Lesson

Hans Hedemann starts with sand practice at Waikiki Beach. Groups have three or four students per instructor for coaching in the water. Your board and rashguard are supplied. Lockers are included too. This open group suits solo beginners who can swim without a life jacket.

2 hours Waikiki Beach · by Hans Hedemann Surf Inc

★★★★★ 4.7 (622 reviews)

2 h Daily 8, 11 a.m., 2 p.m. Gear/lockers Queen Kapiolani lobby Ages 14+ Free cancel until 24h

The catch: You must paddle back unaided.

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from $112.31 per person

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Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

#2 Cafe Lockers

Surfing Lessons On Waikiki Beach

Big Wave Dave begins at its Lewers Street cafe before you head to Waikiki Beach. You share the lesson with up to five students. Your board and leash are included. A locker keeps your belongings ashore. You can bring your own rash guard and lock.

1 hour 30 minutes Waikiki Beach · by Big Wave Dave Surf & Coffee

★★★★★ 4.7 (352 reviews)

90 min Daily 8:30, 10:30 a.m., 12:30, 2:30 p.m. Board/locker 226 Lewers Street Ages 13+, swimmers Free cancel until 24h

The catch: Rash guards and locks cost $5 each to rent.

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from $129 per person

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Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

#3 Private Swimmers

Waikiki Private Group Surf Lesson

Stoke Drift keeps your Waikiki lesson within your own party. It's suited to friends who don't want an open group. You'll practice on land before paddling out together. The board and rash guard are supplied. Everyone must swim; children under 13 need their own instructor.

1 hour 30 minutes Waikiki Beach · by Stoke Drift

★★★★★ 4.9 (312 reviews)

90 min Daily 8, 10 a.m., 1, 3 p.m. Board/rashguard Waikiki Shore oceanfront Group ages 13+ Free cancel until 24h

The catch: Teens through 17 pay the child price.

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from $123 per adult for 2 or more

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Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

#4 Firefighters Private

Surfing Lessons in Waikiki with Hawaii Firefighters

Surfing with Firefighters teaches your private Waikiki group. You meet at the Duke Kahanamoku statue. Beach instruction covers paddling and standing before you enter the water. Your surfboard is included. The hourly starts suit friends fitting a lesson with Hawaii firefighters around their other plans.

1 hour Waikiki Beach · by Surfing with Firefighters Surf & Rescue

★★★★★ 5.0 (316 reviews)

1 h Daily, hourly 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Surfboard Duke Kahanamoku statue Ages 7+ Free cancel until 24h

The catch: Age bands split at 12 and 18.

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from $89 per adult for 3 or more

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Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

#5 Shuttle Storage

Family, Private and Group Surf Lessons with Waikiki Courtesy Shuttle

Ohana Surf Project takes you from designated Waikiki stops to its surf center and beach. Your gear and storage are included. This group suits swimmers who don't want to arrange the ride. You'll share instruction with other students. The priced option is the one-hour lesson.

1 hour Waikiki Beach · by Ohana Surf Project

★★★★★ 5.0 (284 reviews)

1 h Daily 3 p.m., dates vary Gear/storage Designated Waikiki shuttle stops Ages 13+ Free cancel until 24h

The catch: Photos cost extra.

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from $104.66 per person for 2 or more

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Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

#6 Turtles Weekdays

Surf Lessons on the North Shore of Oahu

Sunset Suzy's group meets in Punaluu on the northeast coast. The class has three to five students and starts on the beach. Your board and rash guard are included. A turtle tour comes with this option. It's for beginners staying on the island's windward side.

1 hour 30 minutes Punaluu coast · by Sunset Suzys Surf School

★★★★★ 5.0 (287 reviews)

90 min Mon to Fri, 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. Gear/turtle tour 53-360 Kamehameha Highway, Punaluu Ages 4+, accompanied minors Free cancel until 24h Within 1 day: operator approval

The catch: Call the school 24 hours before starting.

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from $95 per person

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Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

#7 GoPro Gear

Surf Lesson Without the Crowds, GoPro Videos Included

Michael McChrystal teaches at Ala Moana after a beach briefing. You practice catching waves with GoPro cameras recording your session. The edited footage arrives by email. Your board and reef shoes are supplied. It's useful if you want video without buying a separate photo package.

1 hour 30 minutes Ala Moana · by Michael McChrystal

★★★★★ 5.0 (222 reviews)

90 min Daily 7, 9, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. Gear/GoPro Ala Moana volleyball courts Ages 10+, swimmers Free cancel until 24h

The catch: The group cap conflicts: two or five.

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from $125 per person

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Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

#8 Private Half-hourly

Private Surfing Lessons in Waikiki

Oahu Surf and Skim gives your party an instructor for an hour at Waikiki. You start at Moku Surf Shop with land practice. The board and sunscreen are included. It's the lowest adult group rate among these board lessons. Bring friends to qualify for it.

1 hour Waikiki Beach · by Oahu Surf and Skim School

★★★★★ 4.9 (220 reviews)

1 h Daily, half-hourly 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Board/sunscreen Moku Surf Shop Ages 8+ Free cancel until 24h

The catch: Under-8s can't book.

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from $85 per adult for 3 or more

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Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

#9 Nonswimmers Canoe

Outrigger Canoe Surfing

Waikiki Beach Services takes your party surfing in an outrigger canoe from the Royal Hawaiian. You ride waves with a captain. The canoe and paddles are included. Children aged 12 and under ride without paddling. It's an option for families with nonswimmers from age 5.

20 minutes Waikiki Beach · by Waikiki Beach Services

★★★★★ 4.6 (127 reviews)

20 min scheduled Daily 9, 10, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. Canoe/captain Royal Hawaiian pool deck Ages 5+, maximum 6 No cancellation refund Operator approval

The catch: Allow extra time; smaller parties still pay for three.

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from $51.54 per person for 3 or more

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#10 Private Tandem

Private 1-on-1 Surf Lesson with Videos and Photos

Manifesting Aloha gives you an instructor to yourself near Ala Moana Bowls. Your board and water shoes are included. Children aged 4 to 11 can share the instructor's board. You'll get paddling help when needed. This suits a child who needs attention throughout the lesson.

1 hour Ala Moana · by Manifesting Aloha Surf School

★★★★★ 5.0 (120 reviews)

1 h Daily 7, 8:30, 10 a.m. Gear/taxes Ala Moana Bowls parking lot Ages 4+ Free cancel until 24h

The catch: Photos and videos cost extra.

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from $160 per person

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Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

#11 Semi-private Wetsuit

Surfing Lesson Open Group

North Shore Surf Girls teaches beginners around Haleiwa at a break chosen for conditions. Your option is semi-private, despite the open-group title. You get two hours including instruction on shore. A wetsuit and life jacket are available with the gear. You arrange your own transport.

2 hours Haleiwa coast · by North Shore Surf Girls

★★★★★ 4.9 (115 reviews)

2 h Daily 9 a.m., 12, 3 p.m. Gear/life jacket Kahalewai Place, Haleiwa Child eligibility varies Free cancel until 24h

The catch: Age rules conflict; agree eligibility before paying.

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from $199.90 per person

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Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

#12 2:1 Storage

Private and Semi-Private Surf Lessons in Waikiki

Ty Gurney's semi-private hour pairs two swimmers with one instructor at Waikiki. It's for couples or older teens. You start with beach practice before heading into the surf. Your board and rash guard are supplied. Belongings stay at the shop while you're in the water.

1 hour Waikiki Beach · by Ty Gurney Surf School

★★★★★ 5.0 (79 reviews)

1 h Daily 8, 9, 10 a.m., 12, 1, 3, 4 p.m. Board/rashguard Shop opposite Halekulani Ages 15+ Free cancel until 24h

The catch: Paid photos need advance booking.

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from $118.82 per person for 2 to 4

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#13 Beach Semi-private

1.5-Hour Semi Private Surfing Lesson in Honolulu

Gone Surfing Hawaii meets you on the sand behind Outrigger Reef. Your semi-private session starts with surf safety before you practice catching waves. It's for friends who can swim. Your board and rash guard are included. Meet by the blue chairs five minutes before starting.

1 hour 30 minutes Waikiki Beach · by Gone Surfing Hawaii

★★★★★ 5.0 (80 reviews)

90 min Days vary, 8 a.m., 12, 2, 4 p.m. Board/rashguard Behind Outrigger Reef Ages 13+ Free cancel until 24h

The catch: There's no fixed weekly schedule.

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from $120 per person for 2 or more

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Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

#14 Mornings 4:1

Surf HNL: Surf Lessons near Ko Olina

Surf HNL teaches at Eisenhower Beach near Barbers Point. The group option suits Ko Olina guests aged 12 and up. You share an instructor with no more than three other students. Your board and rashguard are included. You make your own way to the beach.

1 hour 15 minutes Barbers Point · by Surf HNL

★★★★★ 5.0 (65 reviews)

1 h lesson/75 min activity Daily 8, 9:30 a.m. Board/reef shoes Coral Sea Road gate Ages 12+ Free cancel until 24h

The catch: Hotel pickup isn't included.

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from $169 per person

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Which one

Which surf lesson is right for you

From a Waikiki hotel, Ohana's open group includes a shuttle from designated stops. You don't get pickup at every hotel door. For a first lesson with a longer session, Hans Hedemann's group gives you two hours including land practice and coaching in the water.

For a family with young children, book Manifesting Aloha's private lesson from age 4. Children through age 11 can ride tandem with their instructor. For couples, Ty Gurney's semi-private hour has two students per instructor; both must be at least 15.

Choose Surf HNL at Barbers Point from Ko Olina and arrange your ride. From the windward side, Sunset Suzy's small group meets in Punaluu. You don't need to head to Haleiwa for that lesson.

For a cruise-ship day or a budget group, Oahu Surf and Skim's hour has frequent Waikiki starts. The from $85 per adult for 3 or more rate needs three or four adults. There's no port pickup. Plan your own journey back to the ship.

Above the bar, without a card

Private Surf Lesson at Waikiki Beach private Waikiki instruction, from $179 per person; 115 reviews at 4.75; Big Wave Dave's group already has a card · dates and prices ↗
Family, Private & Group Standup Paddle Lessons in Waikiki family paddleboarding, from $116.18 per person for 2 or more with parent and child under 13; 144 reviews at 4.92; on the kayak and paddleboard list · dates and prices ↗
Family, Private & Group Bodyboard Lessons in Waikiki family bodyboarding, from $116.18 per person for 2 or more with parent and child under 13; 105 reviews at 4.96; on the kayak and paddleboard list · dates and prices ↗
Private Surf Lessons in Honolulu private Honolulu instruction, from $199 per person; 87 reviews at 4.78; Hans Hedemann's group already has a card · dates and prices ↗
North Shore Surfing Lessons Oahu Hawaii a North Shore group lesson, from $105 per adult for 3 or more; 71 reviews at 4.59; a lower-rated alternative · dates and prices ↗
Private Surfing Lessons on the North Shore of Oahu private Chuns Reef instruction, from $165 per person; 89 reviews at 4.93; a nonrefundable North Shore alternative · dates and prices ↗

Good to know

Know before you go

Pickup Ohana collects at Ilikai Hotel and Romer Waikiki. Don Ho Lane Van Depot and Hyatt Regency are the other stops.
Equipment Boards come with the lessons. Photos on most days cost extra; Michael McChrystal's GoPro footage doesn't.
Swimming Group lessons on most days require swimming. Book the school's private format for younger children.
Cancellation Free cancellation on most days ends 24 hours before starting. The canoe needs operator approval and has no cancellation refund.
Packing Bring a towel and water; wear swimwear. Apply sunscreen before the lesson.
Conditions Large summer swells reach south shores. Expect North Shore winter surf to stop beginner lessons.

Good to know

Top 14 surf lessons in Waikiki and on the North Shore (2026)

Surf lessons on Oahu, compared by the exact option

Our most recommended surf lessons on Oahu

Which surf lesson is right for you

Know before you go

People also ask