Surf Lessons in Waikiki: Learn with Professional Instructors

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/16

Duration2h

GroupUp to 20

LanguagesEN · KO +1

PickupAt your hotel

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.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for 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.