How we rank: Google rating, weighted so a 5.0 from six reviews doesn't outrank a 4.9 from a thousand. Schools can't pay to move up this list; a paid placement is labelled as one. Listings that share a phone number or website are marked as the same team.
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Waikiki · 2 hours
Beginner-friendly Waikiki Beach surfing lesson
Small group
Check prices →Check prices & dates →Waikiki · 2 hours
Waikiki 2-hour beginner group surf lesson
Small group
Check prices →Check prices & dates →Booked and paid on GetYourGuide
// Packing list
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
Seasonal averages for Hawaii — not a live surf report for this beach. Hawaii surf seasons in full
// 13 Surf schools listed
Local instructors, real reviews, and how to reach each school direct.
Highest rated
South Shore Surf Co5.0 from 84 reviews
Most reviewed
Surf In The City159 Google reviews
Lowest published group price
Surf Cloud 9 (서프 클라우드 나인)from $120 per person
// The Lineup
Ranked by rating confidence — review volume counts, not just the score.
// Free Surf Guide
The Beginner's Surf Guide
Wave basics, gear checklist, lesson tips — all free, delivered instantly.
13 schools on the map
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// The price check
Based on prices published by 7 of 13 schools · checked October 2026
The other 6 don't list prices on their websites, so they are not in these figures. Rates change with season, group size and what's included. Confirm with the school before you book.
What the schools say about their lessons
From each school's own website. Schools that don't say aren't counted as a no; confirm when you book.
// Side by side
| School | Rating | Group | Private | Kids | Lesson | Phone | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surf In The City | 4.8 (159) | $125/person | $175/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | 1.5 hours · 2-4 people maximum · ages 5+Board + wetsuit included | +1 808-382-4524 | Book Surf In The City on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| South Shore Surf Co | 5.0 (84) | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | —Not stated | +1 808-470-9186 | Book South Shore Surf Co on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Kailua Ocean Adventures | 4.7 (52) | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | —Not stated | +1 808-518-1284 | — |
| Sammy's Aloha Watersports | 4.5 (27) | Price not published, ask the school | $289/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | 2–3 hours · 1 to 4 people · ages 12+Board + wetsuit included | +1 808-291-7546 | Book Sammy's Aloha Watersports on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Polu Lani Surf | 5.0 (25) | Price not published, ask the school | $150/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | 2 hours · one instructor per every four studentsBoard + wetsuit included | +1 808-228-4281 | Book Polu Lani Surf on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Beach Boy Hale @Surf In The City Waikiki | 4.7 (23) | $125/person | $175/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | 1.5 hours · 1 instructor to 1 student ratio · ages 5+Board + wetsuit included | +1 808-382-4524 | Book Beach Boy Hale @Surf In The City Waikiki on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| SFC Surf School | 5.0 (14) | $135/person | $270/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | Up to four students per instructorBoard + wetsuit included | — | Book SFC Surf School on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Hook Up Surfing | 5.0 (13) | Price not published, ask the school | $199–$300/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | 2 hours · 2-4 people per instructor · ages 3+Board + wetsuit included | +1 808-371-9504 | Book Hook Up Surfing on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Shakattack 808 Surf School | 4.6 (9) | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | —Not stated | +1 808-375-3342 | — |
| Jakes Surf Lessons + Photography | 5.0 (5) | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | —Not stated | +1 808-219-3339 | — |
Ask = not published on the school's website, so call or message to get a quote. Prices are the lowest each school lists. Lesson details are what each school states on its own website; a dash means not stated.
// Know before you book
Group lessons are the usual starting point: they cost less per person, and you share an instructor with typically 4 to 8 other students. Private lessons give you one-on-one attention and a faster start, which suits nervous beginners, anyone short on time, or surfers working on a specific skill, at a higher price per person. Semi-private sits in between, for two to three people who want to learn together. Class size and what is included vary by school, so confirm when you book.
You share an instructor with other students, typically 4 to 8 per instructor, for around 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Best for: First-timers on a budget and anyone who likes learning alongside others.
Published by Surf In The City: “90 minutes Private-Group Surf Lesson (2-4 people maximum)”
A small group of two to three people with one instructor, often friends or family booking together.
Best for: Couples, friends and families who want more attention than a group without the private price.
Published by Sammy's Aloha Watersports: “2-4 students (must provide own group for multiple-person lessons): 2 hours - $199 pp, 6 hours - $599 pp”
One instructor, one student (or one family). The pace and focus are yours to set.
Best for: Nervous beginners, short trips, and surfers working on a specific skill.
Published by Surf In The City: “90 Minutes Private Surf lesson”
Lessons run for younger surfers, usually in smaller groups with a lower instructor-to-student ratio. Minimum ages vary by school.
Best for: Children and teens. Ask the school about age limits and whether parents can stay on the beach.
Multi-day programs, from a few days to a week or more, mixing lessons, practice sessions and surf theory.
Best for: Visitors staying a while and anyone who wants to progress past the first stand-up.
Board and wetsuit are usually included in a lesson price. Confirm when booking, because policies differ between schools. In East Honolulu, 7 of 13 schools say board and wetsuit are included on their own websites.
Private lessons · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers rave about Chris's exceptional surf instruction, patience, and motivational skills, leading to fun and successful surfing experiences, even for first-timers.
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Gear included · Group lessons · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise John and his team for providing fun, safe, and successful surfing lessons, especially for beginners and children, with many highlighting his excellent instruction and the memorable experience of catching their first waves.
Private lessons from
$150/lesson
Gear included · Group lessons · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise the instructors, especially "Savage," for their patience, knowledge, and ability to create a fun, comfortable environment where even beginners can successfully catch waves.
Group lessons from
$135/person
Gear included · Group lessons · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise Ivan for his exceptional coaching abilities, personalized approach, and ability to quickly improve surfing skills, making for an amazing and highly recommended experience.
Private lessons from
$199/lesson
Group lessons · Beginner friendly
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Private lessons · Beginner friendly
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Gear included · Beginner friendly
Group lessons from
$120/person
Same team also listed as Beach Boy Hale @Surf In The City Waikiki
Gear included · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise SurfInTheCity's friendly and accommodating service, high-quality equipment, and convenient delivery, resulting in a fun and hassle-free surfing experience.
Group lessons from
$125/person
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Same team as Surf In The City
Gear included · Private lessons · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise the affordable prices, high-quality equipment, and convenient, friendly service for beach rentals, enhancing their overall beach experience.
Group lessons from
$125/person
Group lessons · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers highly recommend this outrigger canoe tour for its accommodating crew, fascinating insights into the local ecosystem, opportunities to see wildlife, and memorable cultural experiences.
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Gear included · Private lessons · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers appreciate the accommodating service and the high-quality instruction from friendly and safety-conscious instructors like JD and Nick, though experiences with other staff members may vary.
Private lessons from
$289/lesson
