Waikiki Surfing Lesson: Learn to Ride Waves in 2 Hours

Most first-timers stand up on their first wave with a 1:3 or 1:4 student-to-instructor ratio.

A 2-hour open group surfing lesson on Waikiki Beach for ages 14 and up, led by certified instructors with a small class ratio of 1:3 or 1:4. The lesson starts with a safety briefing and on-sand training to build muscle memory, then moves into the water for hands-on coaching. Surfboard, rash guard, reef shoes and safe storage lockers are included. You need to be able to swim without a life jacket. Guides speak English and Japanese.

The experience

Can you actually learn to surf in two hours? Yes, if you start on Waikiki Beach with an instructor who knows how to build the basics fast. The lesson begins on sand with a safety briefing and drills that teach your body the pop-up motion before you ever touch water. This matters because muscle memory from dry practice carries straight into the ocean, and by the time you paddle out, your arms and legs already know what to do.

The water work is where the small class size changes everything. With no more than four students per instructor, you get real feedback in the moment. Someone watching your paddle, adjusting your board position, timing your pop-up as a wave comes through. The instructor stays close enough to catch you if you need it and to push the board under you at the right second. Most people do stand up on their first wave, and that moment is the whole reason you came.

Everything is provided: surfboard, rash guard to keep you from getting scraped, reef shoes for the rocky entry, and a locker to lock your phone and keys while you're in the water. You meet at Waikiki Beach, which has public transportation nearby if you're not driving. The lesson runs two hours total, which includes the safety talk and sand work, so plan for that full block of time.

What’s included

• Surfboard, rash guard, and reef shoes.
• safe storage locker for your belongings.
• 2-hour group lesson with certified instruction.
• all taxes and fees.

Information

Lasts 2h, runs every day at 08:00, 11:00 and 14:00, from US$ 112.31 per person, with a live guide in English and Japanese and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 11:00 and 14:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 405 private ›

Live guideEnglish and JapaneseOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.3 with pickup ›

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (14 to 65 years) · Under 14: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Hans Hedemann Surf Inc

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want hands-on instruction in a small group (1:3 or 1:4 ratio) rather than a solo lesson or larger class. You'll get personalized coaching to stand up on your first wave.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Japanese.

Do I need to know how to swim to take this lesson?

Yes. You must be able to swim without a life jacket and paddle back to the instructor if needed. This is a safety requirement for the open ocean, not optional. If you're not a confident swimmer, this lesson isn't the right fit.

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

The lesson includes the surfboard, rash guard, reef shoes, the 2-hour instruction, and a locker to store your belongings while you're in the water. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. Everything else is covered.

How many people are in a typical group?

The lesson keeps the student-to-instructor ratio at 1:3 or 1:4, which means small enough that you get real attention but large enough that you're learning alongside other beginners. Good for energy and not feeling alone in the water.

Is this lesson suitable if I'm not very fit or athletic?

The lesson is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You don't need to be strong or athletic to learn: the instructor teaches you the technique, and the ocean does most of the work. Your main requirement is being able to swim and paddle.

Can I buy photos from the lesson?

Souvenir photos are available to purchase separately after the lesson, so you can capture the moment if you want a keepsake.