The 15 Best Group Surf Lessons in Oahu

1.Waikiki Private Group Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 298 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $123Our pick

Meet Stoke Drift at Ocean Patio B in Waikiki for a 90-minute private surf lesson. You’ll spend 15 to 30 minutes learning safety and technique on land, then about an hour catching waves with an instructor such as Chaz, Justice, Joey, Keith, or Cole.

“My son and his girlfriend (first-time surfer) had a great experience learning to surf in their private lesson together. Most of their time was spent on the water with their instructor providing excellent on-task, individual, instruction. Both kids rode waves during their lesson. My wife and I viewed the whole thing from our Waikiki hotel room lanai, too! Highly recommend!”

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2.Waikiki 2-Hour Beginner Group Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 191 reviews · 2 hours · from $103

Spend two hours learning to surf about a mile outside Waikiki’s crowded surf zone. Current professional surfers such as Turner, Kai, and Noah coach small groups of up to six, covering safety, etiquette, board handling, and proper stance before helping you catch waves.

“I felt so bad for my guide because he had a workout pushing me all the way in and all the way out. I got one good run only because I was so sick. Sea Sick wasn't a joke. Noah was the guide and was a good sport about pushing my fat butt out!! I would definitely try again and it would be awesome if it was Noah again!”

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3.Group Surf Lesson in the Heart of Waikiki

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 107 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $119

Meet at Makai Gift Outlet for a 90-minute Jamie O’Brien surf lesson on Waikiki Beach. You’ll use a board, booties, and rashguard while instructors such as Mo, Happy, and Kikki help beginners build confidence in the water.

“What a great experience, Happy and Kikki are excellent teachers and kept the whole family safe for which we are grateful. Highly recommended...”

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4.1.5-Hour Semi Private Surfing Lesson in Honolulu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 76 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

Meet Gone Surfing Hawaii near Waikīkī Beach for a private 90-minute lesson with your group of up to six. Your instructor covers safety, wave reading, paddling, and surf etiquette on the sand before helping you catch beginner-friendly waves. Boards and rash guards are included.

“Thank you for the best instruction and great experience. Was super fun. Definitely recommend these guys. The spot is out of the way from all the people traffic in the water.”

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5.Oahu Semi Private Surfing Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 73 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $166

You’ll learn surfing basics in a calm North Shore cove with a private group, surfboard, and rash guard included. Your instructor explains surf safety, wave timing, etiquette, paddling, and standing, then coaches you through each wave. Instructor Marjorie is praised for clear, friendly feedback.

“It was our first time to Hawaii and this was the best way to spend our trip! We got away from Waikiki and came to a calm beach and the best instructor! We learned quickly how to surf and we will be back again soon!”

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6.Group Surf Lesson with Videos and Photos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 69 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $130

Meet Manifesting Aloha Surf School at Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon for a private Waikiki lesson for ages 12 and up. Your instructor covers safety, paddling, and pop-ups, then helps you catch waves. Boards, rash guards, water shoes, and a photo and video package are included.

“Jake very informative and explained the instructions clearly and made sure that we understood. I think he was more excited that my nephew was able to catches first wave and my nephew was🤓 Which shows how much passion he has and I love that and an instructor because they’re more about teaching 💚”

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7.Private Group Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 47 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $95

Meet 808 Surf School in Hauula for a private lesson designed for groups of three or more. Your instructor chooses the beach based on ocean conditions, covers safety and surfing basics on land, then coaches you through waves with all equipment included. Guides may include Jon, Kaiser, Andy, Mike, or Hugo.

“Andy and Mike were great keeping in contact with the changing tides. Andy was the instructor for 2 teens and 2 young adults and did amazing! They all were able to get on the boards and really enjoyed their time. It was so much fun to watch! Highly recommend!!!”

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8.Group Surf Lesson in Honolulu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 45 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $125

Meet Shane, Captain Neil, or another local instructor at the Hilton Hawaiian Village for a private Waikiki surf lesson. You’ll practice on shore, paddle into the waves, learn surf etiquette, and use provided boards, rashguards, reef shoes, and a locker. Ages 13 and up.

“Great experience with Noel, Tom and Chris. Only downfall was we booked a 2 hour lesson and were only given 1 hour. They seemed to think that was all the time we had so I didn’t say anything but maybe this site needs to be updated to list the time as 1 hour? In the end we got a great lesson just wish we had gotten the time we had paid for, per the Viator site”

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9.Private & Semi-Private Surf Lessons in Waikiki

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 41 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $102

Meet Ty Gurney Surf School on Lewers Street for a two-hour private or semi-private lesson at Grays Beach. You’ll get a board, rash guard, storage, land instruction, and hands-on coaching from instructors such as Kevin, Harry, Elliott, Ty, Dakota, or James, depending on availability.

“The boat captain ( Jamie) was knowledgeable & funny, as well as a good boat driver willing to go where other boats spotted whales. The whole crew was very attentive to the needs of the guests. We saw 2 pods of whales - it was amazing!”

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10.Group Surf Lesson: Two Hours Of Beginners Instruction

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Meet at Kaimana Beach Hotel for a two-hour beginner lesson with a maximum of six people. You’ll practice on land, then learn paddling, balance, safe falling, and wave riding with CPR and lifeguard-certified instructors such as Noah, Janelle, Max, Kai, and Josh.

“Our family of 5 had an awesome surfing experience with Janelle. We learned how to surf and most importantly, had a blast. 😉 We had a great time!!! Janelle was a great teacher. She’s pleasant, patient, accommodating, taught us a lot of tips how to stand up on the board, how to paddle correctly, how to fall on the water and what to expect w the waves. Hands down best surfing experience in Oahu than we had in Maui 3 years ago!”

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11.Semi-Private Surf Lesson for 2 or 3 people on Waikiki Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 30 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $139

Meet at Big Wave Dave Surf & Coffee for a 90-minute Waikiki surf lesson limited to four people. Your instructor covers board basics, paddling, safety, and wave-catching before helping you practice in the ocean. Derek, Pauly, Cody, Rae, Paul, and Sione have all led lessons.

“My husband and I very much enjoyed our surf lesson with Derek! He was super helpful in providing us with all the tips and making it a fun experience for us both. We would definitely recommend these surf lessons with Derek to everyone.”

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12.Semi-Private Surfing Lesson in Waikiki, Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 26 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $320

Meet at 150 Kapahulu Ave for a two-hour Waikiki lesson with a certified surf coach. You’ll learn water safety, paddling, board position, and surfing technique before practicing on land and in the water. Boards, rash guards, reef shoes, lockers, and instruction are included.

“The instructor was awesome and loved teaching the boys. Had a blast and the pictures and video package was great.”

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13.Private Group Surf Lesson for 4 by Waikiki Beachboys at the Royal

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 19 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $100

Meet at Waikiki Beach Services by the Royal Hawaiian for a one-hour private surf lesson for four. Your instructor covers paddling, standing, balance, surf mechanics, and local surfing history, then coaches you in the water. You must swim, be at least 13, and bring sunscreen, a towel, and a rash guard.

“I was so afraid that I wouldn't be able to do this. IT WAS AWESOME! When in Hawaii...Surf! Really a great experience, definitely recommend it.”

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14.Group Surf Lessons for beginners on the North Shore of Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $150

Learn the basics of surfing on Oahu’s North Shore in a private group lesson lasting about two hours. Connor and the Catch’a Wave team provide the board, leash, and rash guard, then guide you from beach practice to your first small-wave ride.

“Teacher is very careful, observant, helpful, and patient. We started with dry exercises on the beach before going into water which was very good to train the basics before trying anything getting into the waves.”

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15.Semi-Private Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 17 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $125

Meet your instructor at 53-360 Kamehameha Highway, then follow the day’s best ocean conditions to the lesson beach. You’ll receive a 10 to 15 minute safety briefing, equipment, and two hours of guided practice. The private format means close coaching, with seasonal sea turtle sightings possible.

“Hugo was an AWESOME instructor. The whole experience was very personal, professional and “chill.” Absolutely loved it. Based on our experience, I would say 808 Surf School is the best on Oahu! Thanks so much guys! And shout if it to Hugo especially!! 🤙”

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