BIG ISLAND SURF TRIPS
The 9 best big island surf trips you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and how much standing up you should expect. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Meet Kona Town Surf Adventures near Kahaluʻu Beach Park for a 90-minute private surf lesson. Your instructor provides the board, reef shoes, and surf shirt, then coaches you in the water. Arie, Aria, Joe, Milo, Hanz, and Donovan are among the praised instructors.
“The staff and trainers were friendly and worked with all of us to catch a wave and surf. All 5 of us rookies were able to ride a wave.”
Meet Ohana Surf Lessons at Kahaluu Beach Park for a two-hour beginner lesson in Kailua-Kona. Instructors such as Koa, Brady, Carl, Kaleo, and Max teach pop-ups, surf etiquette, and water safety, then help you catch waves with a foam board, reef shoes, and SPF surf shirt.
“Brady and Brandon were FANTASTIC, so patient and encouraging, helped us talk strategy for successfully surfing and they were so great with my preteen army of girl scouts. They were super nice, experienced instructors who were chill. Don’t bother booking anywhere else, this is it.”
Meet your private instructor at Kahaluʻu Beach Park for two hours of hands-on surfing. You’ll use a foam board, reef shoes, and an SPF surf shirt while learning technique, etiquette, the pop-up, and water safety. Instructors including Thomas, Kai, Bradley, Kaleo, Alex, and Koa have taught beginners here.
“Did a two hour solo session and had a blast. It was my first time surfing and was actually able to ride some waves. Will definitely book again my next trip to Kona”
Meet Jared, Jace, Rory, or another Go Surf Hawai‘i coach in Kailua-Kona for a 90-minute lesson capped at four people. You’ll use a soft-top board, practice on land, then work on paddling, standing, and catching waves at a beginner-friendly break. Optional photography may be available.
“He no call no showed on us. There were three other groups around 10 people total waited 30 minutes for the instructor and he didn’t answer any of our calls.”
Meet Kona Town Surf Adventures at Kahaluu Beach Park for a beginner lesson on gentle waves. Your instructor provides the board, reef shoes, and surf shirt, then helps you practice safely in a group capped at eight. Hauns, Taj, Zion, and Tegan are among the instructors praised for patient coaching.
“Booked from the mainland with no ideas but they did not disappoint. This family affair was truly welcoming and treated us like Ohana from the start. What an experience for our family and friends.”
Meet Chad, Alex, Elijah, or another Kona Mike’s instructor at Kahaluu Beach Park for a 90-minute beginner-friendly surf lesson. Groups are capped at eight, and boards and required gear are provided. You’ll work toward standing up and riding a wave at Kahaluu Bay.
“I booked this for my daughter, who had the best time! The instructor was amazing! He was fun and sweet and she absolutely loved the experience.”
Meet Brandon at 74 Kamehameha Avenue in Hilo for a roughly one-hour surf lesson. You’ll receive a rash guard, practice pop-ups on shore, learn basic surf safety, then head into the water while the instructor pushes you onto waves. Choose 8:30 or 10:30 AM.
“The guide was 90 minutes late and called in a panic. He moved the meeting location to a beach that was incredibly rocky as compared to the advertised location. The guide started the lesson without the entire group, spent minimal time explaining and teaching before sending the group to the water. He then commenced to yell and scream, at one point grabbing the board of one of the participants, which knocked her into the water, hitting her head on the rocks. All three participants were bleeding, traumatized by the guide that was cursing at them by this point and he ended the lesson…. 30 minutes into the lesson and without…”
Paddle Hilo Bay for about two hours with a guide such as Isaiah or Matt, passing Queen Liliuokalani Gardens, tide pools, secluded coves, and Coconut Island. You’ll hear local history, see Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa when conditions allow, and finish with juice and snacks. Ages 8 and up, with a 250-pound limit.
“Starting with the Pro's of our adventure: Isaiah was a great adventure guide. He was very knowledgeable of Coconut Island and the history behind it. He was patient with us and didnt rush us to get around the island. He stayed close to us tRead more”
Paddle from Hilo Ocean Adventures along calm Wailoa River and into Hilo Bay, passing Japanese-style bridges, birds, fish, and the King Kamehameha Statue. Your guide adjusts the outing to your ability, shares local history and tsunami stories, and provides boards, safety gear, juice, and snacks.
“Our guide was great in modifying the stand-up paddle boarding adventure to our ability and preference.”
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