Kona and surfing go hand in hand, and with this semi-private lesson, you can learn the tricks to riding the waves from a professional instructor at the most beginner-friendly surf spot on the Big Island. Dive in safely at any age with first-aid-certified, lifeguard instructors; lessons are ideal for families, couples, and groups of friends. Use of a surfboard, reef shoes, and an SPF rashguard is included for extra safety.

Try your hand at surfing at a beginner’s beach on the Big Island
One professional instructor to every two students for personal attention
Surfboard, reef shoes, and a rashguard provided for a safe lesson
Perfect for beginners of all ages, including families with children

What's Included

Use of Surfboard, Reef Shoes and Long-sleeve SPF Rashguard

Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen
Gratuity

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

78-6685 Ali‘i Dr
78-6685 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Kahaluu Bay Surf and Sea 78-6685 Alii Dr Kailua-Kona HI 96740 Public parking and restrooms are located just 50 yards South of our surf shop at Kahaluu Beach Park. Guest should then walk over to our surf shop for check-in.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation

Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Catrissa_L

By far my favorite experience during our Big Island vacation. I went with my 12 year old daughter. It was our first time surfing. Our instructor Steve was sooooo patient and encouraging. We were very nervous, but he quickly out us at ease. I fell off my board pretty much every time, but did manage to stand up a couple of times! We had so much fun and can't wait to try it again!

Reviews

5.0

59 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

Showing 1-10 of 59 reviews

My Best Big Island Experience By Far!

Catrissa_L, Jun 2023

Always wanted to try surfing

Annette_L, Mar 2023

On a spring break trip with my daughter and we’ve always wanted to try surfing. The experience didn’t disappoint. The instructors were fun, supportive and patient. We had the best time!

My son was going to take lessons, not me, but I had a lot of fun.

Karyn_B, Mar 2023

I took surfing lessons with my daughter. My son was supposed to go but broke his leg before we left for HI. I wasn't planning on going but I had a great time. It was a lot more difficult than I had thought. My 18 year old daughter did much better but she commented that she feels that she believes that it might be a little easier if the waves were a little bigger. The company can't control the waves so they were on a smaller side so I don't know if they had force to push us far but it was still fun. We snorkeled in the same location a few days later and the waves looked much bigger. I wish we had those waves when we took lessons, but it is the luck of the draw. Nothing the company can do about it. Regardless, it was fun, great exercise, and the workers were nice and helpful. Although I wasn't the one who was supposed to go it is something I would do again.

Great 1st timer Experience

Elizabeth_J, Feb 2023

Took a friend and my 8yo daughter for our 1st surf experience. Max did a great job with instructions on land then Rory supported us in the water and went the extra mile to make sure my 8yo could keep up with all the paddling and still catch a lot of waves. Highly recco this company especially for 1st timers.

Steve and max were the...

Michelle_B, Jan 2023

Steve and max were the best instructors—very encouraging and really made the experience fun. As a 52 yo, he made me feel like I was doing a great job even though I was struggling with the swells and current. My daughter did great and Steve helped her to surf multiple times! Highly recommend this surf shop and these instructors. 10/10

Fun experience!

Zhenzhong_W, Dec 2022

It is our first time to do surfing. Ben is really nice and we have a lot of fine! Definitely recommend.

Need to book this if interested in surfing!

Kristy_M, Oct 2022

We had Mara and Santi and they were amazing teachers! It was only 2 of us for the time slot so we got one on one lessons and it was fantastic! They made the directions easy to follow and we were able to do it right from the start! We also snowboard so it was easier for us but they were there the whole time for help. The area was also perfect for beginners! I also ended up getting sea sick and they were great about that too. Highly recommend!

Great Guides, NO PARKING

Lydia_D, Aug 2022

I would 100% recommend this surf school. We booked a semi-private lesson and were grouped with another group for the istructional portion. The young man who did the instruction was SO patient with a young girl (about 11) who was having a total meltdown. He did great - I wish I could remember his name! - and was so dilligent and encouraging to everyone. When we got in the water, Cole stuck with me and my husband to help us catch waves. My husband managed to stand up on at least two waves and did amazing after the instruction. I didn't fare very well, hanving difficulty "popping up," but I still have far more fun than I expected to have (being a middle-aged slightly tubby person). Some tips: Do LOTS of burpees before you go! The family receiving instruction at the same time as us were burpee pros and virtually all were able to stand up on waves - the kids took to it like water, even the little girl who had the meltdown. Also, do NOT expect to park at this location. There is ZERO parking, even if it looks like it. You will need to park on the street (be VERY careful of the parking zones, and thank you again Cole for telling us about the sign we couldn't see behind the overgrown bushes and saving us from getting a ticket!), or up the beach in the parking lot if you can find a spot (good luck on the weekends!!). Also, do NOT exit the surfboard until you're by the exit point. My husband and I both got off our boards too early and struggled to get out of the water. Finally, BRING DRINKING WATER. You can't bring the water out with you on the board, but you'll want it as soon as you get in. Rashguards are a must (they provide them if you don't have your own) and your "reef friendly" sunblock is lying to you unless it only has zinc - no oxy-anything else. Book this group and have a great time, the guides are definitely surfer boys, and that helps them do a good job of making sure everyone is comfortable and gets a good chance to catch a wave.

Great surfing experience

Sooho_J, Aug 2022

My teenage children really enjoyed the surfing lesson for the first time. The instructor was very helpful and enjoyable to work with.

Super Fun - Highly Recommended!

Cuong_V, Jul 2022

Took this 2 hour surfing lesson - it was definitely challenging if you're a beginner as the arms were shot after 30 minutes of paddling. That said, our instructor Eli was awesome and my kids absolutely loved it. Super fun to catch a few waves before eventually falling. LOL.

Grandkids learning to surf

Belinda_R, Jul 2022

Grandkids wanted to learn how to surf. They had an amazing time and we have had to book again .! now, it looks like Bubbe will be buying a surfboard and take back to Houston! A MUST DO!

Incredible surfing experience!

Vinny_B, Jun 2022

This was an awesome experience. Our surf instructors were incredible. They helped our whole family catch waves. One of the best family experiences we’ve had.

Perfect for beginners!

Natalie_C, Apr 2022

The instructors were great at providing us with the best tips before heading out on the water. With their direction I was able to stand up on the board and ride out my first wave!!! Definitely recommend 10/10!

Hawaii surfer

Robert_D, Feb 2022

Good experience, one of the better learning experience. Previous lessons in ocean city md, and North Carolina

Unfortunately lesson was canceled

JOHN_H, Aug 2021

Unable to do surf lesson due to no surf. Refund was easy and in due time. If we go to Kona again we will definitely try again.

Would definitely recommend it

Karan, Aug 2021

It is unfortunate due extra calm conditions the surf lessons were cancelled, but we did switch over to paddle boarding lessons. The instructor and the staff at the shop very helpful and my kids(ages 17, 8 and 6) had great time. This was their first paddle boarding experience.

Family friendly surf lesson

Shilpa_V, Jul 2021

Patient instructors, great location for beginners. Be sure to wear full arm coverings and reef shoes which are included in the lesson. My daughter felt really secure and was taken great care of. Arrive little early keep time for the safety briefing etc

Surfs up

Tracey_P, May 2021

Corey was the best very patient and kind. We have never surfed 🏄‍♂️ before and we at least got up on the board. I would definitely recommend to anyone.

Tolles Surferlebnis

Alex_B, Aug 2023

Nach einer kurzen Sicherheitseinweisung sind wir mit einer Gruppe ins Wasser. Dort hat sich unser Surfinstructor Steve komplett um uns beide gekümmert und uns wertvolle Tipps gegeben. Wir können die surfschule uneingeschränkt empfehlen und sind froh, dass wir etwas mehr Geld für den semi privaten Unterricht ausgegeben haben.