Private Surfing Lessons in Waikiki: One-on-One Instruction

Learn at your own pace with an instructor focused only on you

Private surfing lessons in Waikiki pair you with a dedicated instructor for one-on-one or small group training tailored to your skill level and goals. The lesson starts on land with safety and technique basics, then moves to the water for hands-on practice. All equipment (surfboard, wax and sunscreen) is provided. You bring a swimsuit and come hydrated. Lessons run 1 hour or 1.5 hours, with flexible scheduling and instruction available in English or Spanish. Children from age 4 are welcome.

The experience

If you're new to surfing or have an afternoon free in Waikiki, a private lesson cuts through the noise of group classes. You work with one instructor who watches your positioning, your paddle, your takeoff: the things that matter to your learning. The lesson begins on the beach with a thorough land session covering safety, board positioning and paddling technique. Moku Surf Shop provides the boards, and the instructor walks you to the nearby water when you're ready.

Once in the water, you and your instructor surf together, which means you're not waiting for a group rotation or watching someone else's turn. The personalized attention means the instructor can spot what needs work (whether that's your pop-up, your balance or your confidence), and adjust the lesson in real time. You set the pace. The lesson plan focuses on areas you want to improve rather than a fixed curriculum everyone moves through at once.

Bring a swimsuit and arrive hydrated. Everything else is covered. The sunscreen, wax and surfboard are included, and the flexible scheduling means you can book around your travel plans. Instruction is available in English or Spanish, and children from age 4 can join. Choose the 1-hour lesson for a quick introduction or the 1.5-hour option if you want more time in the water to build confidence.

What’s included

• One-on-one or small group instruction tailored to your skill level.
• land training covering safety, board positioning and paddling technique.
• use of surfboard, wax and sunscreen.
• flexible scheduling in English or Spanish.

Options for this experience

2 options

Private group surf, 1-hour sessionGuide in English or Spanish · 17 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 16:00Lasts 1 hour

Private group surf, 1.5-hour sessionGuide in English or Spanish · 17 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 16:00Lasts 1 hour 30 minutes

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

Information

Lasts 1h 30m, runs every day, 17 start times, from US$ 96 per person, with a live guide in English and Spanish, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesMonday to Wednesday: 12:30, 13:00, 13:30, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, 15:30 and 16:00Thursday to Sunday: 08:00, 08:30, 09:00, 09:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 13:00, 13:30, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, 15:30 and 16:00

GroupPrivate8 group tours ›

Live guideEnglish and SpanishOther languages ›

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

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (8 to 12 years) · Child (4 to 7 years) · Under 4: 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 effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Oahu Surf and Skim School

Is this one for you?Book the 1.5-hour lesson if you're visiting Waikiki for the first time and want enough water time to move past the basics. The 1-hour option works if you have a free afternoon and want a quick introduction without a big time commitment.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (8 to 12 years); Child (4 to 7 years). Children under 4 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 do I actually learn in the first part of the lesson before getting in the water?

The land lesson covers safety essentials, how to position yourself on the board, and paddling techniques: the fundamentals that make the water time productive instead of frustrating.

Can I book a private lesson if I'm traveling with my family or a group of friends?

Yes, private lessons work for individuals or small groups. The instructor tailors the session to everyone in your party and adjusts the pace so nobody gets left behind.

What if I've never surfed before? Is a private lesson better than a group class?

Private lessons are built for beginners because the instructor watches only you and can correct your technique immediately rather than managing a larger group. You also learn at your own pace without pressure to keep up.

Do I need to bring my own surfboard or any equipment?

No, the instructor provides a surfboard from Moku Surf Shop, plus wax and sunscreen. You only need to bring a swimsuit and make sure you're well hydrated before you start.

How do I choose between the 1-hour and 1.5-hour lesson?

The 1-hour lesson covers the essentials and gets you surfing the same day. The 1.5-hour option gives you more time in the water to practice what you learned and build your confidence on the board.