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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Haleiwa · 2 hours
Beginner group surf lesson on the North Shore
Group
Check prices →Check prices & dates →Haleiwa · 1–2 hours
North Shore surf lessons
Private or 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
// 27 Surf schools listed
Local instructors, real reviews, and how to reach each school direct.
Highest rated
North Shore Surf Girls5.0 from 409 reviews
Most reviewed
Sea & Board Sports Hawaii496 Google reviews
Lowest published group price
Jetty Betty Surf Schoolfrom $50 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.
27 schools on the map
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// The price check
Based on prices published by 21 of 27 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sea & Board Sports Hawaii | 4.9 (496) | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | 2 hoursBoard + wetsuit included | +1 808-352-9775 | Book Sea & Board Sports Hawaii on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| North Shore Surf Girls | 5.0 (409) | Price not published, ask the school | $116–$250/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | 1.5 hours · maximum 2:1 student-to-instructor ratioBoard + wetsuit included | +1 808-637-2977 | Book North Shore Surf Girls on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Go Nuts Hawaii Surf Rentals & Surf Lessons | 4.9 (317) | $119/person | $239/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | 2 hours | +1 808-926-3367 | Book Go Nuts Hawaii Surf Rentals & Surf Lessons on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| North Shore Beach Boyz | 5.0 (308) | $100/person | $225/lesson | $175/person | 2 hours · 3 students per instructor · ages 3+Board + wetsuit included | +1 808-462-6116 | Book North Shore Beach Boyz on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| North Shore Oahu Surf School | 4.9 (189) | $100–$115/person | $225/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | 2 hoursBoard + wetsuit included | +1 808-224-4616 | Book North Shore Oahu Surf School on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| 808 Surf School | 5.0 (184) | $95/person | $225/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | —Not stated | +1 808-341-5996 | Book 808 Surf School on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| North Shore Ohana School of Surfing | 5.0 (140) | $95–$120/person | $150–$225/lesson | $200/lesson | 2 hours · ages 2+Board + wetsuit included | +1 808-366-5523 | Book North Shore Ohana School of Surfing on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| HAWAII WAVES SURF SCHOOL | 5.0 (110) | $99/person | $179–$250/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | 1.75 hoursBoard + wetsuit included | +1 808-256-7226 | Book HAWAII WAVES SURF SCHOOL on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Sunset Suzy | 4.9 (109) | Price not published, ask the school | $75/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | —Not stated | +1 808-780-6963 | Book Sunset Suzy on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Mikey Redd Surf School North Shore, Oahu | 5.0 (93) | $75/person | $150/lesson | $100/lesson | —Not stated | +1 808-430-8668 | Book Mikey Redd Surf School North Shore, Oahu on their website (opens in a new tab) |
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 Go Nuts Hawaii Surf Rentals & Surf Lessons: “2 hours, 3-4 Students per Instructor”
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 Go Nuts Hawaii Surf Rentals & Surf Lessons: “2 hours, 2 Students per Instructor”
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 North Shore Surf Girls: “Private Family Surf Lesson for ages 2+, 2-hour duration, minimum of 3 people.”
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.
Published by North Shore Beach Boyz: “Kids surf lessons for ages 7-13.”
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.
Published by North Shore Ohana School of Surfing: “Kids Keiki Surf Camp for 4 days, designed for ages 5-17.”
Board and wetsuit are usually included in a lesson price. Confirm when booking, because policies differ between schools. In Haleiwa, 15 of 27 schools say board and wetsuit are included on their own websites.
// The Local Report
Haleiwa is on Oahu's north shore. A lesson with a local school is the safest way to start: an instructor chooses where to go based on that day's swell, tide and wind.
We don't name beginner breaks for Haleiwa. Whether a spot is safe for a first lesson changes with swell, tide and wind, and Hawaii Ocean Safety warns of sharp rocks and coral on the ocean floor, so don't assume a sandy bottom anywhere. Let your school choose the spot on the day, and ask them what's under the water before you paddle out.
Winter (November to April) is the dangerous season here. Hawaii Ocean Safety describes north shores in winter as having consistent, huge and dangerous swells, and says novice surfers and swimmers of any skill level should stay out of the water there during high surf. Summer (May to October) is typically flat to small, though spots exposed to the trade winds can see larger swells. Conditions still change day to day. Check the National Weather Service Honolulu surf forecast (weather.gov/hfo), and ask the lifeguard on duty or your school before going in.
Hawaii Ocean Safety's advice applies to every session: swim near a lifeguard and check with them about conditions first; watch for sharp rocks, coral and sea creatures on the ocean floor; remember that even gentle, shallow water can quickly become powerful; and don't dive in headfirst where you haven't checked the depth. Tell your instructor honestly how well you swim.
Gear included · Group lessons · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise the instructors' patience, encouragement, and ability to build confidence, leading to enjoyable and successful surfing experiences for all ages and skill levels.
Private lessons from
$116/lesson
Gear included · Group lessons · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise North Shore Beach Boyz, especially instructor Kalani, for providing excellent, personalized instruction and a fun…
Group lessons from
$100/person
Group lessons · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise the surf school's friendly, patient, and encouraging instructors who provide clear instruction, ensuring a fun and successful surfing experience for all skill levels.
Group lessons from
$95/person
Gear included · Group lessons · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise North Shore Ohana for providing fun, memorable, and successful surfing experiences due to their patient, knowledgeable…
Group lessons from
$95/person
Gear included · Group lessons · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise Ash for providing unforgettable, fun, and professional surfing lessons, highlighting his clear instruction, personalized attention, and focus on safety.
Group lessons from
$99/person
Surf camp · Kids welcome
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise Mikey for his exceptional instruction, aloha spirit, and ability to create unforgettable and safe surfing experiences for all ages and skill levels.
Group lessons from
$75/person
Gear included · Group lessons · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers rave about the patient, kind, and fun instructors, particularly Fozzy and Chris, who quickly get beginners surfing and instill confidence, leading to highly enjoyable experiences and repeat bookings.
Group lessons from
$100/person
Gear included · Group lessons · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise Sergio for his patient, supportive, and effective instruction, enabling first-timers and all ages to successfully stand up and enjoy surfing.
Group lessons from
$100/person
Group lessons · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise the surf school's patient, encouraging, and helpful instructors, particularly Kalani and Kazuki, for creating fun and successful surfing experiences, often capturing memorable photos and videos.
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Group lessons · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers rave about the Pata Sudaka Surf Camp, highlighting the excellent surf lessons, cultural excursions, comfortable accommodations, delicious breakfasts, and the gracious, hospitable staff.
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Group lessons · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers rave about the fun and unique experience of paddling with dogs on beautiful Hawaiian rivers, praising the knowledgeable and friendly instructors who ensure a relaxing and enjoyable time for both people and their canine companions.
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Gear included · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise Jimmy, Nani, and Keoni for their exceptional instruction, patience, and personable service, resulting in fun and memorable surfing experiences for all ages and skill levels.
Group lessons from
$85/person
Private lessons · Group lessons · Kids welcome
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise Kahea's holistic and effective coaching approach, which significantly improves surfing skills, fitness, breathing, and overall well-being.
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Gear included · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently rave about the fun and memorable surfing lessons, highlighting the experienced and friendly instructors, great waves, and overall positive experience for beginners and experienced surfers alike.
Group lessons from
$100/person
Gear included · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise the knowledgeable and patient guides, like James and Jessie, who enhance the enjoyable kayaking and paddleboarding experiences, often highlighting turtle sightings.
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise Go Nuts Hawaii Surf Rentals for their accommodating service, diverse surfboard selection, and helpful instruction…
Group lessons from
$119/person
Gear included · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise North Shore Oahu Surf for providing fun, personalized surf lessons with friendly and communicative staff, leading to memorable experiences.
Group lessons from
$100/person
Group lessons · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers rave about the exceptional surf instruction, personalized attention, and encouraging atmosphere that made for an unforgettable and successful surfing experience for all skill levels.
Private lessons from
$75/lesson
Group lessons · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers rave about the exceptional surf lessons and paddle boarding experiences, highlighting the knowledgeable and friendly instructors, beautiful locations, and overall fun, making it a highly recommended activity for all skill levels.
Group lessons from
$50/person
Gear included · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers rave about the unforgettable surfing retreat, highlighting Edison's fantastic instruction, the beautiful location, and the overall fun, safe, and relaxing experience.
Group lessons from
$100/person
Gear included · Private lessons
Group lessons from
$125/person
Private lessons · Group lessons · Beginner friendly
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Group lessons from
$75/person
Gear included · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise the instructors, especially Jacob and Matthew, for their knowledgeable, friendly, and encouraging instruction, which creates memorable and successful surfing experiences for all skill levels.
Group lessons from
$79/person
Gear included · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise the instructors, especially Matthew and Chance, for their awesome instruction, motivating tips, and positive energy, leading to a fantastic and fun surfing experience.
Group lessons from
$89/person
Group lessons · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise the patient, knowledgeable, and encouraging instructors, especially Conor, for providing amazing and fun surfing experiences, particularly for first-time surfers.
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Gear included · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers praise the instructors, especially Matt, for their patience and effective teaching methods, leading to enjoyable and successful surfing experiences.
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
