Verified Surf Schools
Surf Lessons in Waikiki
Your guide to catching the best waves in Waikiki, Hawaii. From beginner basics to advanced techniques, find your perfect surf instructor.
Your guide to catching the best waves in Waikiki, Hawaii. From beginner basics to advanced techniques, find your perfect surf instructor.
Waikiki isn't just the birthplace of modern surfing—it's where countless souls have discovered their connection to the ocean over generations. Here, on the same gentle waves where Hawaiian royalty once rode wooden boards, you'll find the most nurturing environment to begin your surf journey. The spirit of 'aloha' isn't just a greeting; it's a culture of sharing and teaching that makes Waikiki's waters uniquely welcoming for beginners. The warm, crystal-clear ocean and long, rolling waves seem designed by nature specifically for learning. When you take your first lesson here, you're becoming part of a sacred tradition that stretches back centuries.
Waikiki Beach (fronting the Duke statue) offers perfect beginner waves that roll in slowly over a forgiving sandy-coral bottom. Queens Break provides consistently gentle, long rides ideal for first-timers. Canoes, just off the Moana Surfrider Hotel, features predictable waves with plenty of space to practice.
Summer (May-September) brings smaller, more manageable waves and water temperatures around 75-80°F—no wetsuit needed. South swells create perfect learning conditions. Winter sees bigger waves, so stick to morning sessions when winds are calmer.
You'll find patient instructors who embody the aloha spirit, teaching on wide, stable longboards perfect for beginners. Morning sessions (before 10am) offer calmer conditions and fewer crowds. The beach scene is supportive and encouraging—you'll see everyone from kids to grandparents learning to surf. Most schools provide rash guards, boards, and all necessary equipment.
Explore the verified surf schools below and contact them directly for current pricing and availability. Our concierge chat will return soon with live expert support.