Kona: Beginner Surf Lesson at Kahaluu Beach with Certified Instructors

Summary

Learn to surf at Kona’s Kahaluu Beach with local guidance and all gear included

You’ll taste salt on your lips as you catch your first wave at Kahaluu Beach in Kona. With all gear provided—including board, reef shoes, SPF shirt—and a certified local guide by your side, you’ll learn real surf basics in a small group. Expect laughter, maybe a few tumbles, and that rush when you finally stand up—plus stories to take home.

What’s the experience like?

There’s this slap of salt air when you first step onto Kahaluu Beach—like the ocean’s letting you know who’s boss. I was nervous, honestly, but our instructor, Kaleo, just grinned and handed me a foam board that felt almost too big for me. He made sure we had reef shoes (the rocks here are no joke) and these bright SPF shirts that made us look like a team, or maybe a weird relay squad. The sun was already hot even though it wasn’t noon yet, and there were families setting up umbrellas nearby—kids chasing each other while we tried to look cool clutching our boards.

Kaleo walked us through the basics on the sand first. His hands moved quick as he showed the pop-up move—mine didn’t quite follow, but he just laughed and said everyone flops their first time. There was this moment where he talked about respecting the lineup and watching out for each other in the water. It felt less like a lesson and more like being let into something locals actually care about. And then suddenly we were paddling out—arms burning way sooner than I thought they would—and waiting for that first wave. The water tasted like minerals and sunscreen, if that makes sense.

I wiped out a bunch (lost count), but when I finally stood up—even if it was just for three seconds—it felt wild. I could hear someone cheering behind me (maybe Kaleo or maybe just another beginner who understood). Afterward, my legs were jelly but I couldn’t stop smiling. We rinsed off together and swapped stories about wipeouts; turns out everyone has one good faceplant story from their day trip surf lesson in Kona. I still think about that view back toward shore—the black rocks, the palms waving like they’d seen it all before.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Beginner surf lesson at Kahaluu beach

• Arrive at Kahaluu beach
• Get sized for surf gear
• Receive foam top surfboard and reef shoes
• Put on SPF surf shirt
• Attend hands-on surfing demonstration
• Learn surfing fundamentals and etiquette
• Participate in safety briefing
• Practice surfing in the water

Top questions

How long is the Kona surf lesson at Kahaluu?

The lesson lasts 2 hours total.

Is all equipment provided for the surf lesson?

Yes, you get a foam top surfboard, reef walker shoes, and an SPF surf shirt.

Are the instructors certified?

All instructors are lifeguards with First Aid and CPR certification.

Is this suitable for complete beginners?

Yes, it’s designed for beginners of all ages and skill levels.

Where does the lesson take place?

The surf lesson is held at Kahaluu Beach in Kona.

Is pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet directly at the beach.

Are small children allowed?

Infants and small children can attend if in a pram or stroller but not participate in surfing itself.

What should I bring?

You’ll be provided all necessary gear; just bring yourself and maybe water/snacks.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a soft foam top surfboard sized for you, protective reef walker shoes to keep your feet safe on lava rocks, plus an SPF surf shirt so you won’t burn while learning—all under the guidance of certified local instructors right at Kahaluu Beach.