Surf Lessons in Waikiki: Learn with Professional Instructors

Two hours in the water with a coach who knows how to keep you safe and moving forward.

Ohana Surf Project offers surf lessons in Waikiki with a professional instructor, all equipment, and complimentary shuttle transport from designated Waikiki pickup spots. The lesson runs two hours (or one hour for some options), starting with a safety briefing and gear check at the Ohana Surf Center at the Waikiki Beach Marriott, then moving to the water with your instructor to practice on a high-quality board. After the session, you return to the center to review photos and videos before the shuttle takes you back to your drop-off location. Children from age 2 are welcome, and the staff speak English, Japanese and Korean.

The experience

The yellow bus or white shuttle van picks you up from your designated Waikiki location and takes you to the Ohana Surf Center at the Waikiki Beach Marriott. Once there, you'll check in, get fitted with a rash guard and reef shoes, and sit through a quick safety briefing. The instructors are trained in CPR, lifeguard protocols and first aid, which shapes how they set up the lesson and watch the water. Then the shuttle takes you to the beach to meet your instructor, who will ask about your experience level and comfort in the ocean before you paddle out.

The lesson itself runs either one or two hours depending on which option you choose. Your instructor discusses what you want to work on, then you're in the water with your board, learning to pop up, find your balance and read the waves. The coaches have spent years teaching surf, stand-up paddle and bodyboard, so they adjust the pace and the focus to where you actually are, whether this is your first time or you've caught waves before. All the equipment is included: the board, the rash guard, the reef shoes, and anything else you need to stay safe and comfortable in the water.

After you come back in, you head to the Ohana Surf Center to change and dry off. Photos and videos from your session are available to view there (and available for purchase if you want to keep them). The shuttle then takes you back to your original drop-off spot in Waikiki. Bring your own towel and bathing suit, apply sunscreen before you arrive, and if you're prone to seasickness, take a remedy about an hour before the lesson. The staff can suggest what to ask your doctor about.

What’s included

• Professional instructor trained in CPR, lifeguard protocols and first aid.
• surfboard, rash guard and reef shoes.
• complimentary shuttle transport to and from designated Waikiki pickup spots.
• safe storage for your belongings at the Ohana Surf Center.
• photos and videos from your session (available to view and purchase).
• all taxes and fees.

Options for this experience

10 options

Open Group (1 hr)Up to 8 people · Guide in English · 15:00 and 16:00Lasts 1 hour. Participants must be at least 13 years old and able to swim. This is a shared experience with other students. Pickup is included.

Family Lesson (1 hr)Up to 8 people · Guide in English, Korean or Japanese · 09:00, 12:00 and 15:00Family lesson lasting 1 hour. Must include at least one child aged 12 or younger and one parent. All participants must be able to swim and paddle their own boards. Pickup is included.

Exclusive Group (1 hr)Up to 8 people · Guide in English, Korean or Japanese · 11:30, 12:30, 15:00 and 16:00Lasts 1 hour. All participants in our exclusive group lesson must be at least 13 years old and able to swim. Minimum of 3 people for this private group. Pickup is included.

See 7 more options

Semi-Private (1 hr)Up to 4 people · Guide in English, Korean or Japanese · 15:00 and 16:00Lasts 1 hour. Participants must be at least 13 years old and able to swim. Two students share one instructor. Pickup is included.

Open Group (2 hr)Up to 8 people · Guide in English · 09:00, 12:00 and 15:00Lasts 2 hours. Participants must be at least 13 years old and able to swim. This is a shared experience with other students. Pickup is included.

Family Lesson (2 hr)Up to 8 people · Guide in English, Korean or Japanese · 09:00, 12:00 and 15:00Lasts 2 hours. Must include at least one child aged 12 or younger and one parent. All participants must be able to swim and paddle their own boards. Pickup is included.

1-to-1 Private (1 hr)Up to 2 people · Guide in English, Korean or Japanese · 15:00 and 16:00Lasts 1 hour. Open to all ages and abilities. Recommended for children aged 6 and under, non-swimmers, and students with experience. Pickup is included.

Exclusive Group (2 hr)Up to 8 people · Guide in English, Korean or Japanese · 09:00, 12:00 and 15:00Lasts 2 hours. All participants in our exclusive group lesson must be at least 13 years old and able to swim. Minimum of 3 people for this private group. Pickup is included.

Semi-Private (2 hr)Up to 4 people · Guide in English, Korean or Japanese · 09:00, 12:00 and 15:00Lasts 2 hours. Participants must be at least 13 years old and able to swim. Two students per instructor. Pickup is included.

1-to-1 Private (2 hr)Up to 2 people · Guide in English, Korean or Japanese · 09:00, 12:00 and 15:00Lasts 2 hours. Open to all ages and abilities. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 16:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 to 90 years) · Child (2 to 12 years)

GroupUp to 20 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish, Japanese and Korean

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight 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

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ohana Surf Project

Is this one for you?Book a one-hour lesson if you want a quick introduction to surfing or have limited time in Waikiki. Choose the two-hour option if you want more time in the water to build confidence and practice what your instructor shows you. Family lessons and private one-to-one sessions are available if you prefer to learn with your own group instead of joining an open class.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Korean and Japanese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 12 years).

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 price?

The lesson includes a professional instructor, all equipment (surfboard, rash guard, reef shoes), the complimentary shuttle to and from your Waikiki pickup location, and a safe place to store your belongings at the Ohana Surf Center. Taxes and fees are also included in the price.

How does the shuttle work? Where do I get picked up?

Complimentary transportation runs from select locations in Waikiki. The exact pickup location and time will be emailed to you by Ohana Surf Project at least 24 hours before your lesson. If you don't receive those details, contact the shop directly.

What should I bring or wear to the lesson?

Wear your bathing suit under your clothes, bring a towel, and apply sunscreen before you arrive. The rash guard and reef shoes are provided. If you're prone to seasickness, consider taking a remedy about an hour before: talk to your doctor about what works for you.

What happens if I have a medical condition or injury?

Let the staff know about any medical conditions or injuries when you book. The lesson is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers. The shop is wheelchair accessible and can accommodate most fitness levels, but it's important to discuss your situation ahead of time so the instructor can plan accordingly.