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.
// 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
Highest rated
Hawaii Surfing Academy LLC5.0 from 299 reviews
Kids-friendly
Hawaii Surfing Academy LLCTagged kid-friendly from student reviews
// 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.
6 schools on the map
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// The price check
Based on prices published by 3 of 6 schools · checked October 2026
The other 3 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Surfing Academy LLC | 5.0 (299) | $85/person | $170/lesson | $195/lesson | 2 hoursBoard + wetsuit included | +1 808-277-4787 | Book Hawaii Surfing Academy LLC on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Honolulu Surf Lessons | 5.0 (8) | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | 2 hoursBoard + wetsuit included | +1 808-419-3161 | Book Honolulu Surf Lessons on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| E Oahu Surf Tours | 5.0 (3) | Price not published, ask the school | $200–$300/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | 4–8 hoursBoard + wetsuit included | +1 808-372-8120 | Book E Oahu Surf Tours on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| surf with friends | 5.0 (1) | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | —Not stated | +1 808-354-2362 | — |
| North Shore Surf Lessons | 5.0 (1) | Price not published, ask the school | $260/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | 1.5 hours · 1 student per Instructor | +1 808-255-8671 | Book North Shore Surf Lessons on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| 2 Walk On Water | 5.0 (1) | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | —Not stated | +1 619-831-1372 | — |
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 Hawaii Surfing Academy LLC: “Private Group Surf Lessons – 4 to 12 Students / 1 Instructor per 4 Students. Includes full gear and free drone media.”
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.
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 E Oahu Surf Tours: “1/2 Day Private Surf Tour, 4 hours, includes hotel pick up/drop off, reef boots, neoprene rash guard, rubber warm top”
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 Hawaii Surfing Academy LLC: “Semi-Private Surf Lesson – 2 Students / 1 Instructor. Great for families with young children or friends learning together.”
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 Waipahu, 3 of 6 schools say board and wetsuit are included on their own websites.
Gear included · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise Jimmy and Nani for their exceptional instruction, patience, and genuine enthusiasm, creating fun, safe, and successful first-time surfing experiences, though one review noted an unprofessional encounter.
Group lessons from
$85/person
Gear included · Kids welcome
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Gear included · Private lessons · Beginner friendly
Private lessons from
$200/lesson
Kids welcome
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Beginner friendly
Private lessons from
$260/lesson
Beginner friendly
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
