Private Surf Lesson at Kahaluu Beach Park, Big Island

Learn to surf with one instructor watching every move

A private surf lesson at Kahaluu Beach Park on the Big Island pairs you with a professional instructor for 90 minutes of one-on-one coaching on gentle waves. The instructor tailors the session to your level, whether you're starting from scratch or refining technique; surfboard, reef shoes and a surf shirt are provided. Children from age 4 are welcome, and the beach is accessible by public transportation.

The Experience

The lesson starts in the water with your instructor focused entirely on your form and timing. You get real-time correction on your paddle, your pop-up, and how you're reading the wave—the kind of feedback that sticks because it's about your body, not a general tip shouted to a group. Kahaluu's gentle, consistent waves are forgiving enough for a first attempt and interesting enough to work on if you've surfed before.

One-on-one instruction means the pace is yours. If you need five minutes on the board before paddling out, that's five minutes. If you're ready to chase a wave, you chase it. The instructor watches where you're struggling—whether it's the entry, the balance, or the commitment to stand—and builds the next drill around that. Parents bring younger children (age 4 and up) with the confidence that an adult is in the water with them the whole time.

Kahaluu Beach Park itself is a working beach with a reef, local fishermen, and the kind of morning light that makes the water look alive. The park has facilities and sits close enough to Kona that you can fit the lesson into a day without a long drive. Bring a towel and sunscreen; the lesson includes the board, reef shoes to protect your feet on the rocks, and a rash guard to keep the sun off.

What’s included

• One-on-one instruction with a professional surf instructor.
• surfboard, reef shoes, and rash guard.
• 90-minute session on the gentle waves at Kahaluu Beach Park.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Kona Town Surf Adventures

Is this one for you?Group lessons split the instructor's attention across multiple surfers; a private lesson means every correction, every wave, and every moment of progress is about you. Book this one if you want to actually improve instead of just get wet.

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Top questions

How deep is the water at Kahaluu Beach Park where the lesson happens?

Kahaluu Beach Park has shallow water near the shore that deepens gradually, which is why it's suitable for learners and children from age 4—you can stand and practice in the shallows before paddling into deeper water where the waves form.

What happens if I've never surfed before?

The lesson is designed for surfers of all levels, including complete beginners. Your instructor starts with the fundamentals—how to paddle, how to position yourself on the board, and how to pop up—and works at the pace that makes sense for you.

Can my young child take the lesson with me, or do they need their own instructor?

Children from age 4 are welcome, and the one-on-one format means your instructor can work with both of you if that's what you want, or focus on you while a child watches and learns from the beach—you decide what works for your family.

What do I need to bring, and what's included?

The lesson includes a surfboard, reef shoes, and a rash guard (surf shirt). Bring a towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes; a parking fee of $12 applies if you drive to Kahaluu Beach Park.

How long is the actual time in the water?

The lesson runs 90 minutes total, with the bulk of that time spent in the water with your instructor coaching you through waves and technique.