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Waikiki Surf Lessons

Learn to surf with experienced instructors who make it fun, safe, and approachable for all skill levels.

We guarantee you’ll be riding waves during your two-hour lesson.

Location: Waikiki

Times: 8:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m.

Availability: Daily

Duration: 2 Hours

Surf Lessons in Waikiki

Learning to surf in Waikiki should be fun, approachable, and unforgettable. Our experienced surf instructors provide personalized coaching for all skill levels, from first-time surfers learning the basics to experienced surfers looking to improve their technique.

Every lesson begins with water safety and surf fundamentals before heading into the ocean. Once you’re in the water, your instructor will be there to guide you, help you catch waves, and provide coaching based on your comfort level and goals.

Whether you’re surfing for the first time or building on existing skills, our goal is to help you feel more comfortable and confident in the water while making the most of your time in Waikiki.

What to Expect During Your Surf Lesson

Your two-hour Waikiki surf lesson includes approximately 30 minutes of safety instruction and practice on land, followed by about 1.5 hours in the water.

Before entering the ocean, your instructor will cover water safety, proper surf techniques, and how to use your equipment. Then it’s time to put what you’ve learned into practice and start catching waves.

Our instructors provide guidance throughout the lesson and adapt their coaching to your experience and skill level, creating a fun and supportive environment for learning to surf.

Why Choose Hans Hedemann Surf School?

For more than two decades, Hans Hedemann Surf School has helped visitors experience surfing in Waikiki with knowledgeable, professional instructors and a focus on safety, fun, and personalized instruction.

Whether you’re catching your first wave or looking to improve your surfing skills, our local instructors combine surfing experience with knowledge of Waikiki’s ocean conditions to help you get the most out of your time in the water.

What’s Included

Your surf lesson includes:

  • Surfboard

  • Rashguard

  • Reef shoes

  • Professional surf instruction

  • Land-based safety and technique briefing

  • Approximately 1.5 hours of water time

What to Bring

Please bring:

  • Swimsuit

  • Towel

  • Sunscreen

We’ll provide the surf equipment you need for your lesson.

Group Lessons
(participants must be ages 14+)
$100
Semi Private Lessons
(needs 2 people to book)
$150
Private Lessons
(all ages welcome, please note if 13 & younger)
$180
Surf with a Pro
$400
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Marius Petri profile picture
Marius Petri
October 5, 2026
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Didn't really believe that I would surf at first, but man they were right. Nice instructors and a great day to learn how to surf! 🏄‍♂️
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naotoshi inada profile picture
naotoshi inada
October 5, 2026
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初めてのSUP体験でしたがシニアの私たちのレベルに合わせて丁寧に教えて頂き安心して楽しめました。最後まで上手く出来ず短いひと時でしたが、今回のハワイ旅行の一番の思い出になったことは間違いないですね。今もまだ体中に痛みが残っているのもその証です… Thank you for the memorable time.
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Djanae Walker profile picture
Djanae Walker
October 5, 2026
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Had such a great time. The instructors were amazing giving tips throughout the lessons. Would definitely book again
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Dustin Baird profile picture
Dustin Baird
October 3, 2026
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Awesome shop and great lessons and instructors for semi private lessons
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Bruno Martinier profile picture
Bruno Martinier
October 3, 2026
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School and teacher very very good. Thanks Seth for all your good advice 🤙🏻 Hans Hedemann : the place to be !
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Tzuwei Kuo profile picture
Tzuwei Kuo
September 30, 2026
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My instructor Lauren is wonderful ! Very patient the whole time, and I had a great time!
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Phillip George profile picture
Phillip George
September 30, 2026
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Took a private lesson with Charly, and had a blast. First time in Waikiki and wanted learn in birthplace of surfing. Everyone at Hans Hedemann were polite and very friendly. Charly was exceptional in every way and made sure I had a lot of fun. BTW Charly is the master waterman! I can't wait to get back to Oahu and take another lesson. I enjoyed my time so much that I booked a SUP lesson the next day with Charly and again had a total blast. Highly recommend and get the photo package too. 📸
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Struan Bourke profile picture
Struan Bourke
September 26, 2026
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What a great experience for learning to surf, with really and friendly staff. We had Pete Stahel as our instructor, who was very knowledgeable and very patient. Would highly recommend!
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Daniel O'Loughlin profile picture
Daniel O'Loughlin
September 26, 2026
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Mahalo nui loa ❤️❤️❤️

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need surfing experience?

No. Our lessons are designed for beginners, and your instructor will teach you the fundamentals before you enter the water.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Swimming ability is preferred, but it isn’t required. Let us know beforehand and we can provide a life vest and keep your lesson in shallow water.

What's included with my surf lesson?

Your lesson includes professional instruction, a surfboard, reef shoes, rash guard, safety instruction, and a land lesson.

How do I prepare for my surf lesson?
To make sure you don’t get affected during your surf lessons, be sure to be ready for sun exposure. We recommend using high-quality sunscreen, a hat, and a waterproof top.

The surf top comes with the surfing lesson, we also have sunscreen available for purchase.

We recommend eating a healthy meal and drinking a lot of water before and after the lesson.

Will I be able to go surfing by myself after one lesson?

Usually, one lesson won’t be enough to go surfing without an instructor. After roughly 5-10 surf lessons, you’ll start to develop the skillset to surf by yourself. You need time to handle the surfboard. It may take a year or two to really develop all these skill sets.

Where do Waikiki surf lessons meet?

Meet us at our surf shop inside the Queen Kapiolani Hotel at 150 Kapahulu Avenue, next to the Honolulu Zoo.

Ready to Catch Your First Wave?

Experience the thrill of surfing Hawaii’s world-famous waves and see Waikiki from a whole new perspective. Whether you’re catching your first wave or looking for your next adventure, there’s no better way to get outside, enjoy the Hawaiian weather, and experience one of the islands’ most iconic activities.

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