The gentle breaks of Waikiki Beach make this one of the best places in the world to learn how to surf. Take a lesson from an authentic Waikiki Beach Boy at one of the seaside booths along Kuhio and Waikiki Beaches. They’ve been teaching surfing and outrigger canoeing in Waikiki for generations.
Instructors will provide you with a surfboard rental and teach you the basics of water safety, paddling, and standing up on your board. It’s best to get an early start to avoid the crowds. >Learn more about Waikiki
Lahaina and Kihei, Maui
On the sunny northwestern side of Maui, surf schools in Lahaina will get you up on your feet and steer you away from the reef. Launiupoko State Park, just south of Lahaina offers easy reef waves perfect for beginners. Further south of Lahaina, the beaches of Kihei also feature smaller waves perfect for your first ride. >Learn more about Lahaina
Hanalei, Kauai
The lush “Garden Isle” of Kauai also offers opportunities to learn how to surf. During the winter, you can see the pros surf the big waves off of Hanalei Bay, but closer to shore you’ll find calmer breaks perfect for first timers. >Learn more about Hanalei
Poipu, Kauai
If you’re on Kauai’s south shore you can also take a surf lesson at sunny Poipu Beach, which was once voted one of the best beaches in America. >Learn more about Poipu Beach
Kahaluu Beach Park, Hawaii’s Big Island
Just south of Kailua-Kona on Alii Drive is Kahaluu Beach Park, sometimes called “Turtle Beach,” because of the honu (green sea turtles) that frequent its waters. For those staying on the Kona Coast, this is a popular spot to take a beginning surfing lesson during calm surf conditions just beyond the snorkeling lagoon.
With a small protective sea wall, full facilities, and an abundant reef, this is also a popular beach with families and snorkelers. In fact Kahaluu is one of the most popular snorkeling spots on Hawaii’s Big Island. >Learn more about Kailua-Kona
