Surfing Lessons on Waikiki Beach: Learn to Ride

Twenty minutes on the sand, an hour in the water, one moment you stand up

Surfing lessons on Waikiki Beach pair a professional instructor with all equipment included and about 90 minutes split between beach instruction on technique and in-water practice riding waves. Lessons run in English, Spanish or Japanese, and children are welcome from age 13. You must be able to swim and have moderate fitness. Public transit reaches the beach.

The experience

The lesson starts on the sand with your instructor covering water safety, paddling technique, how to turn the board and how to position yourself to stand up. That takes about 20 minutes. The rest (roughly an hour to an hour and a half). You spend in the water practicing on Waikiki's long rolling waves, which stay gentle and rideable year round. The moment you stand up on the board for the first time is the moment you understand why surfers stay stoked.

Waikiki Beach is built for this. The waves roll in consistent and forgiving, which is why the lesson works: you are not fighting the ocean to learn. Your instructor stays with you the whole time, adjusting what you practice based on how the day is going. All the equipment comes with you (surfboard, leash, everything), so you show up and start.

A locker holds your belongings while you are in the water. Public transportation stops nearby if you are not driving. The lesson runs in English, Spanish or Japanese depending on what you book.

What’s included

• Professional instructor in your choice of English, Spanish or Japanese.
• surfboard and leash.
• locker to store your belongings during the lesson.

Information

Lasts 1h 30m, runs every day, 4 start times, from US$ 129 per person, with a live guide in English, Spanish and Japanese, in groups of up to 5 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30, 10:30, 12:30 and 14:30Another time? ›

GroupUp to 53 private ›

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and JapaneseOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.1 with pickup ›

Book up to9h before

AgesAdult (20 and older) · Youth (13 to 19 years) · Under 13: can't be booked

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 problems

Operated by Big Wave Dave Surf & Coffee

Is this one for you?You stand up on the board for the first time when the instructor is right there to see it happen: the lesson's split between beach instruction and in-water practice means you learn the mechanics before the moment, so the moment actually works.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Japanese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 19 years). Children under 13 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.

How much of the lesson is actually in the water versus on the beach?

The lesson splits roughly 20 minutes on the sand learning technique and safety, then an hour to an hour and a half in the water practicing to stand up and ride waves.

What do I need to bring, and what comes with the lesson?

The surfboard, leash and all required equipment are included. Bring a swimsuit and towel. A locker stores your other belongings. A rash guard rental costs extra if you want one.

Can my teenager join, or is there an age limit?

Children are welcome from age 13 and up, as long as they can swim and have at least moderate fitness.

What makes Waikiki Beach good for learning to surf?

Waikiki is known for gentle, long rolling waves that stay consistent year round, which means the conditions stay forgiving while you are learning to stand up and ride.

Do I need to know how to swim before I take the lesson?

Yes, you must be able to swim. The lesson also requires at least moderate cardiovascular fitness and is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.