Surf Lessons Kona Coast: Personalized Instruction All Levels

Paddle out and catch waves in your first 90 minutes

Personalized surf lessons on the Kona Coast teach you to paddle, pop up and ride waves in 90 minutes, with a soft-top board, leash and rash guard included. Your instructor tailors the session to your skill level, starting with dry-land coaching on the beach and moving into the water at a beginner-friendly break. Private lessons are required for children under nine. Group and semi-private options are available for older kids and adults.

The experience

How do you know if you're ready to surf? You don't. That's what the instructor figures out. Meet your coach at the beach, and they'll customize the whole session around whether you're stepping on a board for the first time or looking to improve your technique. The soft-top board and rash guard are yours for the session, so you're protected from the sun and paddling something forgiving enough to learn on. Kona's breaks are less crowded than the famous North Shore spots, which means more space to find your balance and fewer people watching you wipe out.

The lesson starts on the sand with step-by-step coaching on how to paddle, where to position yourself on the board, and how to pop up when a wave comes. Once you've got the basics down, you head into the water at a mellow beginner-friendly break where your instructor stays close, helping you catch and ride actual waves. The whole thing runs 90 minutes, which is long enough to feel real progress but short enough that your arms don't give out. If you want photos of the session, let the shop know. A freelance photographer is sometimes available, and they'll capture the moment you stand up.

You'll leave with pro tips for your next session and insider knowledge about where to surf, eat and explore around Kona. The lesson includes guidance on Hawaiian culture, tides and surfing traditions, so it's not just about the mechanics. It's about understanding the ocean and the place you're in.

What’s included

• Soft-top surfboard, leash and rash guard.
• personalized instruction from an English-speaking coach.
• 90-minute session tailored to your skill level.
• dry-land coaching on the beach before entering the water.
• access to a beginner-friendly break on the Kona Coast.
• guidance on Hawaiian culture, tides and surfing traditions.

Options for this experience

3 options

Go Surf Hawai'i (Group)Guide in English · 07:00, 09:00, 11:00 and 13:00Lasts 1 hour 30 minutes, with a student-to-instructor ratio of 4:1

Go Surf Hawai'i (Semi-Private)Guide in English · 07:00, 09:00, 11:00 and 13:00Lasts 1 hour 30 minutes, with a student-to-instructor ratio of 2:1

Go Surf Hawai'i (Private)Guide in English · 07:00, 09:00, 11:00 and 13:00Lasts 1 hour 30 minutes, with a student-to-instructor ratio of 1:1

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00, 09:00, 11:00 and 13:00

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 9 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 4

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 yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Jared Carman

Is this one for you?Choose the private lesson if you're learning with a young child under nine or if you want one-on-one attention to dial in your technique. The group and semi-private options work well for adults and older kids who don't mind sharing the instructor's focus and want to meet other surfers.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years); Child (5 to 9 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

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.

What's included in the surf lesson?

The lesson includes a soft-top surfboard, leash and rash guard. Your instructor provides personalized coaching for 90 minutes tailored to your skill level.

Do I need experience to take a lesson on the Kona Coast?

No, lessons are personalized for all skill levels, from total beginners to surfers looking to improve. Your instructor will meet you at your level and build from there.

What happens if I've never surfed before?

Your instructor starts on the beach with dry-land coaching on paddling, balance and the pop-up, then takes you into mellow beginner-friendly water where you'll catch and ride actual waves during the 90-minute session.

Are the Kona Coast breaks crowded?

The spots used for lessons are less crowded than famous North Shore breaks, which gives you more space to practice and fewer onlookers while you're learning.

Can I get photos of my lesson?

A freelance photographer is sometimes available to capture your session. Let the shop know when you book if you'd like photos and they'll arrange it if possible.