Where are the best surf lessons in Hawaii?

Hawaii has 177 surf schools across its coastal cities. Top destinations include popular beach towns along the Hawaii coast. Browse our directory to compare surf schools by location, price, and customer reviews.

How much do surf lessons cost in Hawaii?

Surf lesson prices in Hawaii typically range from $50 to $200 per session depending on lesson type (group vs. private), duration, and the school's reputation. Group lessons are generally more affordable, while private one-on-one instruction costs more. Browse schools on SurfSpotGuide to compare pricing.

What cities in Hawaii are best for surfing?

Hawaii has several great surf cities with established surf school communities. Each city offers different wave conditions suitable for various skill levels. Use our city-by-city directory to find surf schools near you in Hawaii.

Are surf lessons in Hawaii suitable for beginners?

Yes! Most surf schools in Hawaii offer beginner-friendly lessons with experienced instructors, quality equipment, and safe beach conditions. Many schools also offer lessons for kids, families, and advanced surfers. Filter by skill level on SurfSpotGuide to find the right school for you.

Surf Lessons in Hawaii: 177 Schools (2026)

// The Breaks

Explore by city in HI(hi)

Browse surf lessons by city to find the perfect location for your surfing journey in HI.

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// Free Surf Guide

Before your first wave, read this.

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// Packing list

What to bring to your first surf lesson

Most schools provide the board and wetsuit, so you can arrive with very little. These are the small things worth packing.

We may earn a small commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We only recommend gear we'd ride ourselves.

Rash guard (UV surf shirt)
Stops the wetsuit and board rubbing your chest raw, and covers your shoulders if the water is warm enough to skip the wetsuit.
See options on Amazon →
Mineral (zinc) sunscreen
You will spend a couple of hours on open water. Zinc stays on your face better than spray and is easier on the reef.
See options on Amazon →
Changing poncho or hooded towel
Gets you out of a wet wetsuit in a beach parking lot without the towel dance.
See options on Amazon →
Waterproof phone pouch or dry bag
Keeps your phone, keys and car fob dry and sand-free while you are in the water.
See options on Amazon →
Reef booties or water shoes
Only where the entry is rocky or reefy. Sandy beaches rarely need them, so ask the school first.
See options on Amazon →
Surf hat with a chin strap
Shades your face during the beach briefing and in the water; the strap keeps it on when you fall off.
See options on Amazon →

Full checklist, including what to leave at home: What to bring to surf lessons

Planning Your Surf Trip?

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→ Booking Lessons While Traveling → Are Surf Lessons Worth It?→ Best US States to Learn

Learn Before You Go

Master the fundamentals before your trip. Build confidence and get the most from lessons.

→ How to Catch Green Waves → Wipeout Safety Basics → How to Read Waves

Best Time to Surf in Hawaii

Check seasonal swells, water temps, and peak conditions for your visit.

View Guide →

Surf Lessons inHawaii

Surf schools in Hawaii, listed by city with Google ratings, what past students said and how to contact each one.

// Fall conditions · Hawaii

Water: 78–80°F
Surf: Varies by shore
Beginners: Depends on the shore
Best months: May – October on north shores

Seasonal averages for Hawaii — not a live surf report for this beach. Hawaii surf seasons in full

What to bring to your first surf lesson

Most schools provide the board and wetsuit, so you can arrive with very little. These are the small things worth packing.

We may earn a small commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We only recommend gear we'd ride ourselves.

Rash guard (UV surf shirt)

Stops the wetsuit and board rubbing your chest raw, and covers your shoulders if the water is warm enough to skip the wetsuit.

See options on Amazon →

Mineral (zinc) sunscreen

You will spend a couple of hours on open water. Zinc stays on your face better than spray and is easier on the reef.

See options on Amazon →

Changing poncho or hooded towel

Gets you out of a wet wetsuit in a beach parking lot without the towel dance.

See options on Amazon →

Waterproof phone pouch or dry bag

Keeps your phone, keys and car fob dry and sand-free while you are in the water.

See options on Amazon →

Reef booties or water shoes

Only where the entry is rocky or reefy. Sandy beaches rarely need them, so ask the school first.

See options on Amazon →

Surf hat with a chin strap

Shades your face during the beach briefing and in the water; the strap keeps it on when you fall off.

See options on Amazon →

Full checklist, including what to leave at home: What to bring to surf lessons

Explore by city in HI(hi)

Before your first wave, read this.

What to bring to your first surf lesson

Planning Your Surf Trip?

Learn Before You Go

Best Time to Surf in Hawaii

Surf Lessons in Hawaii

All Surf Schools in Hawaii

Ranked 1. Stoke Drift Surf School

Ranked 2. Jamie O'Brien Surf Experience - North Shore

Ranked 3. Maui Surfer Girls

Ranked 4. Endless Summer Surf School

Ranked 5. Jamie O’Brien School of Surf Waikiki

Ranked 6. Hawaii Surf Guru

Ranked 7. Sparky's Surf School

Ranked 8. Keep It Simple Hawaii Surf School & Private Tours

Ranked 9. Maui Surf Lessons LLC

Ranked 10. North Shore Surf Girls

Ranked 11. Maui Beach Boys

Ranked 12. Surf Club Maui - surfing school

Ranked 13. E Foil Waikiki

Ranked 14. Rivers To The Sea, Maui Surf Lessons

Ranked 15. North Shore Beach Boyz

Ranked 16. Hawaii Surfing Academy LLC

Ranked 17. Gone Surfing Hawaii

Ranked 18. Maui Surf and Sup

Ranked 19. Adventures In Paradise Oahu

Ranked 20. Local Pros Maui Private Surf Lessons

Explore by city in HI(hi)

Before your first wave, read this.

What to bring to your first surf lesson

Planning Your Surf Trip?

Learn Before You Go

Best Time to Surf in Hawaii

Surf Lessons in Hawaii

All Surf Schools in Hawaii

Ranked 1. Stoke Drift Surf School

Ranked 2. Jamie O'Brien Surf Experience - North Shore

Ranked 3. Maui Surfer Girls

Ranked 4. Endless Summer Surf School

Ranked 5. Jamie O’Brien School of Surf Waikiki

Ranked 6. Hawaii Surf Guru

Ranked 7. Sparky's Surf School

Ranked 8. Keep It Simple Hawaii Surf School & Private Tours

Ranked 9. Maui Surf Lessons LLC

Ranked 10. North Shore Surf Girls

Ranked 11. Maui Beach Boys

Ranked 12. Surf Club Maui - surfing school

Ranked 13. E Foil Waikiki

Ranked 14. Rivers To The Sea, Maui Surf Lessons

Ranked 15. North Shore Beach Boyz

Ranked 16. Hawaii Surfing Academy LLC

Ranked 17. Gone Surfing Hawaii

Ranked 18. Maui Surf and Sup

Ranked 19. Adventures In Paradise Oahu

Ranked 20. Local Pros Maui Private Surf Lessons