Group surf lessons Kona: Learn to ride waves

Catch your first wave with instructors who've taught for 20 years

Group surf lessons at Kona Mike's on the Big Island teach you to ride waves in 90 minutes with surfboards, water shirt and water shoes provided. Instructors with over 20 years of experience guide small groups through the fundamentals and help you paddle out, pop up and stay balanced on the board. The lesson suits families and anyone new to surfing, and free cancellation means you can book without risk.

The experience

Kona Mike's runs group lessons that keep you in the water for 90 minutes, which leaves the rest of your day open for other activities on the Big Island. You arrive, get fitted with a water shirt and shoes, and head out with a surfboard and an instructor who has spent two decades teaching this exact progression. The focus is on getting you comfortable and confident, not on impressing anyone, whether you're catching your first wave or refining technique you already have.

The lesson follows the same structure every time: instruction on the beach about stance and paddling, then time in the water where the instructor watches your takeoff and helps you find your balance. Surfboards and all gear are included, so you show up in swim clothes and walk out ready to go. Groups stay small enough that the instructor can see what each person is doing and adjust on the fly.

Kona Mike's sits where public transportation reaches it, and the whole facility is wheelchair accessible. The school takes families with infants and small children, and service animals are welcome. Free cancellation means you can book ahead without worrying about weather or a change in plans.

What’s included

• Surfboards.
• water shirt and water shoes.
• instruction from a live guide in English.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:45, 10:30 and 12:15

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (2 to 17 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupUp to 8 · max 4 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Kona Mike's Surf Adventures

Is this one for you?The 90-minute window fits into a morning or afternoon without consuming your whole day, so you can pair it with other activities on the Big Island. Small group instruction means the teacher watches your progress and adjusts the lesson to where you actually are, whether you're catching your first wave or working on technique.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 17 years); Infant (under 2).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does a group surf lesson take at Kona Mike's?

Each lesson runs 90 minutes in the water, which fits into a morning or afternoon without eating up your whole day on the Big Island.

What do I need to bring to a surf lesson?

Bring only swimwear and a towel. Surfboards, water shirt and water shoes are all provided, and you'll have everything you need to paddle out.

Are the lessons suitable for someone who has never surfed before?

Yes. Kona Mike's specializes in teaching beginners, and the instructors work with you at whatever level you're starting from: first wave or skill refinement.

Can I cancel my lesson if plans change?

Free cancellation is offered, so you can book with confidence and adjust if something comes up.

Is the facility accessible for people with mobility needs?

All areas and surfaces at Kona Mike's are wheelchair accessible, and transportation options nearby are also wheelchair accessible.