Waikiki Surfing: World-Class Waves, Legendary Events, and the Perfect Stay
Dreaming of catching that perfect wave in Waikiki?
Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a first-timer ready to shred your very first wave, Waikiki Beach is the perfect place for world class, easy to ride waves and crystal clear blue water that welcomes everyone.
And there’s no better place to stay in the middle of the action than First Cabin International Hawaii — perfectly located just steps from the beach.
From overnight stays to the convenient location it’s the perfect place for a quick shower after your surf session; it’s the ultimate base for enjoying the best surf lessons, events, and ocean fun right in the heart of Waikiki.
That Dream Wave in Waikiki—Why Everyone Wants to Ride It
Surfing Events
Waikiki’s iconic beach is not only a special spot for beginners, but also a stage for famous surf events that celebrate Oahu’s wave-riding heritage that brings surfers from all over Oahu and beyond.
Each summer, Waikiki beach hosts the Duke Kahanamoku Ocean Festival to honor the “father of modern surfing,” Olympian Duke Kahanamoku, with a series of fun surf contests spectators can watch from Kuhio Beach.
Notable events include tandem surfing showcases, a longboard classic, a kids’ Menehune Surf Fest, and even a playful dog surfing competition during Duke’s.
https://northshoremenehunesurfcontest.com/
Waikiki also welcomes competitions like the Hawaii Adaptive Surfing Championships at Queen’s surf break (where athletes of all abilities compete in the waves).
https://www.accessurf.org/hasc/
In early summer, a World Surf League qualifying contest at Ala Moana Bowls – the Local Motion “Surf Into Summer” event – brings professional surfing action to town, giving visitors a chance to witness high-performance surfing just minutes from Waikiki.
https://www.localmotionhawaii.com/blogs/news/surf-into-summer-2025
These surf events add to Waikiki’s appeal by infusing the area with excitement and surf culture, even if you’re new to surfing, you might catch a live contest or celebrate with the locals on the beach!
New to Surfing? Here’s Why Waikiki Is the Perfect Place to Start
Waikiki is world-famous for its gentle, rolling waves and beginner-friendly surf spots.
The south shore of Oahu enjoys warm, blue water year-round with soft sand beaches, so you won’t need a wetsuit and wipeouts are more forgiving.
In fact, Waikiki’s main beginner break – known as Canoes, at Kuhio Beach – offers slow, long waves with an easy takeoff, making it one of the mellowest and most fun places to learn in all of Oahu.
Consistent small waves are practically guaranteed throughout the year, meaning novices can practice almost any time in Waikiki’s inviting waters.
Another huge plus is the abundance of surf instructors and schools lining the beach.
Waikiki has a proud “beachboy” tradition of expert local instructors who are friendly, patient, and ready to teach visitors the art of surfing.
With lifeguards on duty and a vibrant surf scene that welcomes newcomers, Waikiki provides a safe and encouraging environment for anyone to catch their very first wave.
Surf Lessons in Waikiki: What’s the Cost and What Do You Get?
Waikiki offers a wide variety of surf lessons tailored to your comfort level, budget, and group size.
Whether you’re seeking one-on-one coaching with private lessons, looking to surf in a fun group setting, or planning a family bonding moment, there’s a surf lesson perfectly suited to your needs.
Let’s explore each option to help you get up and riding on your next wave!
Private lessons
One-on-one private coaching with your own instructor. Prices generally range from about $75 up to $150 for a 1-hour private session (longer 2-hour sessions can cost $200–$300).
Private lessons gets you personalized attention and flexibility – instructors can even accommodate your young kids or non-swimmers by using tandem surf rides or providing life jackets for safety.
A private lesson is best if you want tailored instruction or feel nervous in a group setting.
Group lessons
Group lessons are a budget-friendly option where a small group of students shares an instructor. The average Waikiki group lesson is about $70–$90 per person for a 1-hour class.
Surf schools often keep groups to around 4 students per instructor to ensure everyone gets some personal guidance.
You’ll learn the basics together and cheer each other on – group lessons are perfect for solo travelers looking to make friends or families/friends who don’t mind learning in a team environment.
All equipment is normally included, and you get the same fundamental training (how to paddle, stand up, etc.), just with shared attention.
Family lessons
Many Waikiki surf schools offer special family packages, essentially a private group lesson for your family only.
Typically, at least one parent and one child (often age 12 or under) are required to book a family lesson, and additional family members can join.
The cost usually comes out to around $100–$110 per person for a 1-hour family session (e.g. one local school charges $105 per person).
These lessons have their own instructor (or multiple instructors for larger families) so that everyone from mom and dad to the kids gets quality coaching in a safe setting.
Family lessons are a wonderful way to create memories together – and surf schools deliberately price them to be more affordable for families, knowing you’re bringing the whole crew.
You get all the gear provided, and instructors tailor the experience to both adults and children so that everyone has fun.
Families love these private group lessons because they’re tailored to your skill level and keep everyone safe in Oahu’s gentle surf.
Best Surf Schools in Waikiki
1. Hans Hedemann Surf School
- Hans Hedemann Surf School
- 150 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815
- 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Monday–Sunday)
- hhsurf.com
What makes it stand out: Founded in 1997, this company is lead by former pro surfer Hans Hedemann, with a team of highly experienced, CPR-certified instructors.
They operate out of the Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel at the edge of Kapiʻolani Park, where they have a surf shop and check-in.
Uniquely, Hans Hedemann Surf School offers free shuttle services from any Waikiki hotel and takes students to the gentle surf break at Queen’s Beach – a mellow spot known for its consistent waves and long rides.
This school caters to all ages (kids 5 and up are welcome) and all skill levels, from absolute beginners to advanced. Past visitors love the professional yet friendly instruction style – instructors like “Uncle Hans” and team are patient, encouraging, and great at getting even timid learners up on their feet.
Whether you opt for a group lesson or private coaching (they even have photo/video packages), you’ll be in good hands with one of Waikiki’s most established surf schools.
2. Ohana Surf Project
- Ohana Surf Project
- 2552 Kalākaua Ave, Suite P159/P160, Honolulu, HI 96815
- 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Monday – Sunday)
- ohanasurfproject.com
What makes it stand out: “Ohana” means family, and Ohana Surf Project truly lives up to its name. This top-rated school specializes in personalized surf instruction tailored to each student – from toddlers to seniors, absolute beginners to aspiring pros.
OSP is known for its passionate, professional coaches (the company was founded by a team of expert surfers dedicated to teaching).
They emphasize safety and individual progression, maintaining a low student-to-teacher ratio.
Unlike some schools that teach in the most crowded spot, Ohana Surf Project operates at a surf break called Publics on the eastern end of Waikiki, to give students a calmer and more private environment to learn.
They even have a distinctive Surf School Bus (a mobile surf van) that brings boards and instructors to the beach.
Families especially give OSP high marks for being patient with kids and creating a supportive atmosphere.
In short, OSP provides a fun, family-oriented surf experience with lots of personal attention – perfect if you want a surfing lesson program that goes the extra mile to make you feel like part of the ohana.
3. Faith Surf School
- Faith Surf School
- 2335 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
- 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday – Sunday)
- faithsurfschool.com
What makes it stand out: Faith Surf School is a legendary local operation, family-owned and operated for over 25 years by Tony & Tammy Moniz and family.
Tony Moniz (a renowned Hawaiian pro surfer) founded the school in 2000, and his family – including kids who are pro surfers themselves – carry on the tradition.
Located right on Waikiki Beach in front of Duke’s Restaurant at the Outrigger, Faith Surf School offers the full Hawaiian surf experience: surf lessons, stand-up paddle lessons, board rentals, and even outrigger canoe surfing rides.
Their long history and reputation are backed up by over 200 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor from happy customers.
Travelers consistently praise Faith’s friendly, knowledgeable instructors and strong focus on safety.
One review notes that the instructors “are professional and knowledgeable, and most importantly, they are safe… staff is friendly” – in other words, a perfect environment for family or private lessons.
Whether you’re a nervous first-timer or returning for your fifth lesson, Faith Surf School makes you feel like part of the family.
They excel at teaching kids (and adults!) with patience and aloha – many reviewers mention coming back year after year because of the great memories made.
If you want an authentic surf lesson from a Hawaiian family of surfers, Faith Surf School is an awesome choice.
Booking Tips: How to Find the Best Surf Lessons in Waikiki
When planning your surf lesson in Waikiki, keep these tips in mind to ensure you get the best experience and value during your stay.
Read the reviews: Check out recent reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor, Yelp, Reddit, or Google for the surf schools you’re considering.
Look for reviews where travelers asked detailed questions about the instructors, safety, and overall experience.
A school with consistently glowing reviews and a great reputation is likely to provide a rewarding and memorable learning experience.
Book in advance: Surf lessons in Waikiki are popular – especially during weekends and holiday seasons – so don’t wait until the last minute.
If you want a private instructor on Oahu’s busiest beach, booking ahead is a must for the best slots.
Even if you’re not looking for a private lesson, it’s wise to reserve your slot ahead of time (even a few days early) to get your preferred date and time.
The best schools can fill up quickly, so early booking guarantees you won’t miss out.
Check cancellation policies: Before you book, read the cancellation and refund policy.
Many surf schools require a 24 to 48-hour notice if you need to cancel or reschedule, or else you may be charged in full.
Also, ask what happens if the ocean conditions are poor – reputable schools will cancel for safety and give you a refund or rebook if the surf is dangerously large or flat that day (they’ll let you know if “unsafe surf conditions” lead to a class being 100% refundable).
Knowing the policy will give you peace of mind in case your plans change or the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Look for package deals: You can often save money by booking lesson packages or group deals.
For example, some schools offer discounts if you book a longer session (e.g. a 2-hour lesson vs. a 1-hour) or if multiple people in your party take lessons.
There are also family packages (as mentioned above) that “help offset the expenses of bringing the whole family” by offering a better per-person rate.
If you think you’ll want more than one lesson, ask about multi-lesson packages – you might get a price break or added benefits (like a free photo package or a t-shirt).
And don’t forget to see if your hotel concierge or local tours offer any promo codes or bundle deals for surf lessons in Oahu.
Go early for the best conditions: Try to schedule your lesson for the morning if possible.
In Waikiki, mornings (around 7–9 AM) tend to have gentler winds and fewer people in the water.
Later in the day, the trade winds often pick up and the lineup can get crowded.
Plus, there’s nothing like starting your day with a surf session in Oahu’s sun!
Where to Take Lessons: Surfing in Waikiki vs. Ala Moana vs. North Shore
Oahu has surf breaks all around the island, but the experience can differ greatly between Waikiki, Ala Moana (south shore outside Waikiki), and the famous North Shore.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose what’s best for you.
Waikiki
For most beginners and travelers, Waikiki Beach is the top choice for surf lessons on Oahu.
The pros: Waikiki has gentle waves that break in shallow water, friendly sandy bottoms so you’re unlikely to hit the reef.
It’s the easiest place to learn and also the most convenient – right in front of the hotels and heart of Honolulu.
There are tons of surf schools to choose from and lifeguards on duty.
The only cons are the crowds.
Waikiki is a popular spot, so you’ll be learning among many other surfers, which means you might need to be mindful of avoiding collisions and waiting your turn for waves.
Overall, for families with kids, solo first-timers, or anyone who wants a mellow introduction to surfing, Waikiki is one of the best beaches on Oahu.
Ala Moana
Just west of Waikiki is Ala Moana Beach Park and its surrounding surf breaks.
This area is still on Oahu’s south shore, so it shares the warm water and generally mellow wave size of Waikiki, but it’s less crowded.
In fact, some surf schools will take students to a spot near Ala Moana to escape the congestion of Waikiki’s main breaks – for example, Ohana Surf Project uses a “standard surf spot” that’s much less crowded than central Waikiki.
Ala Moana offers a mix of easy and intermediate waves.
On small days, breaks like Ala Moana Bowls can be gentle enough for beginners.
You’ll even have a great view of the Honolulu skyline from the water.
On bigger days, Ala Moana Bowls itself is a world-class wave for advanced surfers, so beginners would stick to the calmer sections.
Pros: a more local vibe, fewer learners around, and you might get longer rides when the waves are right.
Also, Ala Moana Beach Park has facilities and is a nice place to spend the day.
You can surf and then have a picnic or go shopping at the Ala Moana Mall.
Cons: you’ll likely need transportation from Waikiki.
However, it’s only a 5-10 minute drive and many schools include shuttle service.
Also, since it’s a bit less tourist-centric, there are fewer surf schools directly on the beach – most are based in Waikiki and bring you here.
Ala Moana can be a great option for adventurous beginners or second-time surfers who want a slightly quieter spot once they’ve got the basics down.
North Shore
Oahu’s North Shore is legendary for its surf – especially in winter, when massive waves roll in and professional contests like the Pipeline Masters or Eddie Aikau Invitational take place.
For beginners, the North Shore of Oahu in winter is generally off-limits (waves of 20-30 feet are obviously way beyond a lesson!).
However, if you’re visiting the Oahu during the big wave season, it’s absolutely worth it to go as a spectator – watching the pros ride at Waimea Bay or Banzai Pipeline is an unforgettable experience.
For those newer to surfing, plan to just watch or maybe try a casual bodysurf in the shorebreak, but don’t paddle out into big surf.
In the summer months, the North Shore calms down significantly – the big breaks go flat or gentle, and this is when North Shore surf lessons can actually happen.
There are a couple of beginner-friendly spots up there, like Pua’ena Point inside Haleʻiwa Harbor or Chun’s Reef.
Chun’s Reef, for example, is often recommended as a North Shore beginner spot: it’s a reef break that on small days offers nice gentle waves (with a bit more power than Waikiki) and several surf schools do lessons there daily when conditions permit.
Pros: stunning natural scenery, a laid-back country atmosphere, and the thrill of being in one of the most legendary places for surfing.
If you’re an intermediate surfer, a lesson on the North Shore (in summer or smaller days) could be fun to broaden your experience.
Cons: it’s about an hour’s drive from Waikiki, and conditions are very season-dependent.
In winter it’s not suitable for beginners at all and many beaches may even be closed for swimming due to big surf.
Surf schools on the North Shore are fewer, and you usually need to book ahead and meet at a designated beach.
In summary, if you are a beginner on a short visit, stick with Waikiki or possibly Ala Moana for lessons.
Save the North Shore for a sightseeing trip or for when you’ve gained more experience or for a mellow summer surf session with an instructor if you happen to be on Oahu in June–August when the waves are calm.
Either way, experiencing the North Shore’s surf culture (even just watching) is a must for surf enthusiasts, but Waikiki remains the ideal learning ground for new surfers in Oahu.
Summary
Waikiki isn’t just about dreaming of the perfect wave, it’s about experincing it, no matter what your skill level is.
From the legendary surf events celebrating Oahu’s vibrant surfing culture to welcoming waves, Waikiki Beach truly is a place where lifetime memories are made.
And when it comes to convenience and comfort, there’s no better place to base your surf adventure than First Cabin International Hawaii, just steps away from the beach.
Whether you’re staying overnight or just need a refreshing post-surf shower, your surf experience awaits right here on Waikiki beach.
So grab your board, dive into those crystal-clear waters, and start your unforgettable surf memories today.
