Private Hanalei Sandy Bottom Surf Lesson on Kauai
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Kauai, USA
- 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Learn to surf Kauai’s famous waves at a private surf lesson for up to four people on the shores of beautiful Hanalei Bay. Your instructor, a local surfing expert, will meet you where you are. Beginners learn the fundamentals of paddling, reading the waves, and standing up, while more advanced students can perfect their technique. Note: please arrive 30 minutes prior to your lesson time to check in.
- Perfect for beginners and experienced surfers alike
- This class is led by an instructor who's trained in water safety
- A private class ensures individual attention from your instructor
- Top-of-the line surfing equipment is provided
What's Included
- Private Surf Lesson
- Use of the top of the line surf boards, leashes and rash vests
- Professional, local instructors
- Safety briefing and ocean orientation
- Gratuities
- Hotel pick-up and drop off
- Towels, swimwear, and sunscreen
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714, USA
C H E C K I N INSTRUCTIONS VERY I M P O R T A N T **CHECK IN 1/2 HOUR BEFORE LESSON TIME CHOICE** Often road work somewhere on the island so give yourself time to arrive on time. CHECK IN LOCATION: Hanalei Address: 5-5134 Kuhio Highway, Hanalei, Hawaii 96714 Pull in and park in parking lot.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
If you’ve always wanted to try surfing but didn’t know where to start, dive into Hawaii’s favorite sport with this fun and private introductory lesson. Spend two hours along the shore of Hawaii’s famed Hanalei Bay learning the fundamentals of surfing.
With the expertise of your certified instructor, learn how to properly position yourself on a board, watch the waves, and gain the confidence to stand up. Understand ocean patterns and safety practices to ensure a fun and safe foray in the endless summer of surfing.
The gentle waves of the bay on Kauai’s North Shore are ideal for beginners. In the rare event that conditions are not suitable, your guide will take you to another nearby spot on the island.
With the expertise of your certified instructor, learn how to properly position yourself on a board, watch the waves, and gain the confidence to stand up. Understand ocean patterns and safety practices to ensure a fun and safe foray in the endless summer of surfing.
The gentle waves of the bay on Kauai’s North Shore are ideal for beginners. In the rare event that conditions are not suitable, your guide will take you to another nearby spot on the island.
1
Hanalei Bay
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Hawaiian Surfing Adventures
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- Participant must call and re-confirm booking 48 hours prior to activity
- Participants are with their own people whether 1/2/3/4 or more so can be an age you feel appropriate.
- Please enter your weights in pounds and please enter your heights in feet and inches.
- YOU DO CHECK IN 1/2 HOUR BEFORE LESSON TIME CHOICE. Example, 8 am check in for 8:30 lesson start time.
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 356 reviews
Alexandria_V, Apr 2026
Patrick was amazing! Great instructor fun lesson! Had to drive down to the beach from the check-in spot which was ok but not as advertised so be warned! Otherwise check in was easy
Thomas_C, Apr 2026
My husband has always wanted to try surfing and he found his lesson with Pono to be super informative and fun, said he couldn't have asked for a better first experience.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Aloha
Thank you so much for your great comments.
Will tell Pono husband happy.
We do hear of folks not having the best experience in the past and are glad they give it a go again
Glad your husband off to a good start and see you next time
Maybe you will get it also
Yours Alapa Family and Crew
Joanna_K, Apr 2026
This was our favorite activity on Kauai! Hanalei was picture perfect and we all caught some waves! We loved it!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Aloha
You are the best. Thank you for coming. Hope you include us in your visit next time. It only gets better
Yours Alapa Family and Crew.
Felice_R, Mar 2026
We did a private lesson with Nate. Overall a great experience. My son got up on the board numerous times and enjoyed it. We got some great shots of him “catching a wave”.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Aloha family. So glad you enjoyed
Going to get you in the water also next time if possible
You see how relatively safe the area and user friendly
Take care until then
Yours Alapa Family and Crew
Daniel_C, Mar 2026
Palani was a wonderful instructor. Both my kids hung on his every word, and he got them (both first timers) up and surfing. They had a blast and he was a huge part of that.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Aloha. Say hi to the kids
Will tell Palani he was a hit
He is very well spoken and clear
Waiting for your return
Yours Alapa Family and Crew.
Kristy_M, Mar 2026
My daughter had a great experience. It was safe, fun, and a great learning experience. We would definitely recommend this activity to our family and friends.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Aloha
So glad you chose surf lessons while here. It does turn out to be people’s favorite activity and might start you off on a life style. See you next time
Yours Alapa Family and Crew
Christina_A, Mar 2026
This was hands down the best experience my teenage girls 15 and 16 had on our vacation to Hanalei!! Their instructor Nick had them engaged in learning and up every time on the surfboard. The girls really liked him and thought he did a really good job!. They want to do it again today! 10 out of 10
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Aloha. So glad the girls enjoyed. Will tell Nick he made their day.
Looking forward to your return. Hanalei Bay is second to none for learning and advancing and just having a great time in the water. Especially with an instructor/coach. Yours Alapa Family and Crew
michelle_k, Jan 2026
The kids loved it! They all ended up surfing on their own and enjoyed each moment. If you go during busy season expect the water to be crowded. The multiple instructors made great efforts so that no one crashed into each other. Would do again
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Aloha
Thank you so much for you nice comments and good observations
You can imagine the difficulty without instructor without 1 good lesson.
Looking forward to your return and getting you all back out there.
Yours Alapa Family and Crew.
.
Nathalie_D, Dec 2025
This was the highlight of our trip! The private lessons were affordable and Mitchell was a great teacher. Our group included an 8, 11, 14 and 50 ur old who had never surfed. We all were able to stand and surf small waves by the end of our time. I highly recommend this family based company who took great care of us. Mahalo!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Aloha Wonderful comments. So glad you came. Family fun
Hanalei Bay is second to none.
Will tell Mitchell you enjoyed.
You can look up his Instagram
Mitchell Alapa and see some big waves he rides or our Instagram Hawaiian Surfing Adventures.
See you next time.
Take good care
Yours Alapa family and Crew
Meghan_M, Dec 2025
patrick and kawaihoa we’re so amazing! Me and my two friends were complete beginners had never surfed at all before and we probably caught a dozen waves each in our hour and a half !!! far beyond our expectations. We are so happy with our experience!!! Everyone should come if they’re visiting the island to the surf shop and learn how to surf :) our surf guides’ energy were amazing and they really introduced us to the island on our first day in such a positive way!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Aloha Girls.thank you so much for your special comments.
So glad you had a great experience. Surf lessons do turn out to be peoples highlight of their visit.
Hanalei Bay is perfect in every way.
Hope you can come again and Patrick and Kawai will be happy to see you
Yours Alapa Family and Crew.
Jeanne_G, Dec 2025
Probably the best 90 minutes our kids have had on Kauai was learning to surf with their instructor Nick … cannot recommend this enough. And the surf shop is also not to be missed. Tasteful and thoughtfully curated gifts and stickers and rash guards and all the things that will remind us of Hawaii when we leave.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Aloha. You made the best comment of the year (no contest really) Thank you so much
Will tell Nick you enjoyed and I know he and we look forward to your return.
Yours Alapa family and Crew
Elisabeth_S, Nov 2025
I’ve surfed a couple times so I’m still a beginner. Jack was an awesome instructor! Half way through the private lesson,he could tell I needed more of a challenge so he got me on a smaller board. He had me working on turns. It was so much fun!! Jack was so supportive and kind. Mahalo!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Aloha.
So glad you had so much fun
Surfing is number 1 to have fun Sounds like you where moving forward.
Hanalei bay lots of waves. Practice makes perfect.
Hope to see you again.
Yours Alapa family and crew
Jason_K, Nov 2025
Check in was simple and friendly. And Patrick, our surf guide, was great. Extremely friendly and fun, he made us feel very comfortable.
Word to the wise, don't worry if there's rain in the forecast. We got rained on in the water and it was actually pretty magical. And we were plenty warm from the ocean water and activity.
The only thing I would have loved more of is specific feedback after each run. But I figured it out after a few tries! :)
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Aloha
Thank you so much for your great comments
You definitely made me smile thinking of being in the water when raining
We will tell Patrick you are happy
Looking forward to your return
Yours Alapa Family and Crew
Sarah_F, Nov 2025
Fantastic 1:1 teaching - a great way to surf for the first time. We really appreciated the ability to adapt to our skill level.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Aloha.
Thank you so much for commenting on our wonderful area offering different level areas and how perfect it is to take a lesson.
Instructors move you forward but mainly great fun and also family fun.
Yours Alapa Family and Crew
Terry_N, Sep 2025
Nick, was a great in instructor I am 63 years old and he made me feel like a kid again surfing he was very knowledgeable and showed the aloha spirit
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Aloha
Thank you so much for your nice comments
Hoping you come again next visit
Head back out with Nick
Yours Alapa Famy and Crew
Serena_B, Sep 2025
My dad and I both had a great time learning from Luka! He gave clear instructions and was very encouraging!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Aloha Family.
Thank you so much for commenting. Good family fun for all ages.
Thank you for coming and let’s get you rolling again next visit.
Yours Alapa family and Crew
Ngozi_O, Aug 2025
It was a fun experience. Luca was a good teacher and very encouraging. I brought my GoPro and he also got some good footage of me catching a couple waves. If you’re debating getting the professional pictures I say do it! It’s worth it. I got some really good action shots. 10/10 would recommended
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Aloha
Sounds like so much fun and success
Luca is the perfect one for you
Thank you for your great comments
Looking forward to your return
Take care until then. Remember to call to rebook as you are a returning student.
Yours Alapa family and Crew
Alexander_P, Aug 2025
Surprisingly easy to pick up and the the area is extremely friendly for beginners. Our instructor Jack was able to break down how to surf extremely easily
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Aloha Family
Thank you for your nice comments
We say without lesson surfing is harder then it looks. With Lesson surfing is easier then it looks
Let’s get you back rolling next trip. Take care until then
Yours Alapa Family and Crew
Noam_O, Aug 2025
Jack was a very good and kind teacher. He gaves us so many tips and a really good lesson. We recommend
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Aloha family
Thank you so much for your nice comments
It is very hard to beat Hanalei and Jack is such a good teacher
Hope to see you next visit or even this trip
Always call to book to receive your 10% discount as returnees
Yours Alapa Family and Crew
Laura_L, Aug 2025
Fantastic surfing experience with my daughter. We had a great instructor, Sean, and both of us had a great time.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Aloha and thank you for your nice comments
So glad you chose surf lessons.
Perfect family fun and also finding a new sport
Looking forwards to seeing you next time
Yours Alapa family And crew
JohnPaul_J, Jul 2025
Our experience was great! Our instructor Nick was very helpful and had us up on waves quickly. He helped show us the basics and we had a blast! We received the photos from our session within the next day and they were great! Pickle (the photographer) did a great job catching our successes and our wipeouts! Definitely recommend this company for surf lessons in Hanalei Bay!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Aloha family. Thank you for your nice comments. It feels like fun just reading your comments.
Will tell Nick you enjoyed and we look forward to seeing you your next trip. Yours Alapa Family and Crew
Beth_D, Jul 2025
Great organization, awesome instructor. Was able to surf alone after one lesson! Evan was super patient and gave great constructive criticism. He was very good with my terrified 7 year old. He won her over and she surfed alone the next day.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Aloha
Thank you for you nice comments
So perfect to see your child having a super experience and becoming surf partners.
It is always best to also experience the lesson so moving forward you feel more comfortable.
Hope to see you next trip
Yours Alapa Family and Crew
Michael_E, Jul 2025
Had a great time. Tapu was an excellent teacher. Everyone in our group got up by the 3rd wave and none of us had ever surfed before. By the end of our lesson we were all catching our own waves. If you want to surf, I would definitely recommended taking a lesson.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Aloha. Thank you for your nice comments and we are glad you all had a nice time
Hanalei Bay is perfect for learning and also moving forward. Sounds like you were all moving forward.
Tapu is a wonderful person and is fun.
We hope you come again next visit.
Yours Alapa Family and crew.
Kevin_B, Jun 2025
The experience was fantastic! Nick was patient, engaging, and an excellent teacher for first time surfers:) Grandpa has a great time with first time surf lessons with my three grandchildren!!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Aloha Family
This is a great example of Hanalei Bay and what many folks are looking for
Family fun.
Hanalei second to none and our instructors second to none
Let’s get parents rolling next time also
Yours Alapa Family and Crew
Britney_H, Jun 2025
My instructor was so amazing! I can’t remember his name, but he was a 19-year-old kid that was local from here. He took so much time with me and give me so many good tips and really help me to learn to surf!
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Aloha
Thank you for such nice comments
You were with Kawai and he is a great young man
Grew up right across the street from where you surfed
Hope to see you next trip and get you rolling again
Yours Alapa Family and Crew
Bill_F, Jun 2025
Super friendly and very knowledgeable at both surfing and instructing. Took total newbies to fully competent and capable of catching waves, standing (easily) and quite capable turning maneuvers. Highly recommend the photography add on.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Aloha
What great comments
Thank you so much. Glad you did well and look forward to next time
Yours Alapa Family and crew
Damon_N, Jun 2025
This was a great spot and crew to learn, with 1-2 ft swells on the day we were there. Sandy bottom indeed, quite a relief. Our first time surfing. We were well cared for by an enthusiastic staff. Our instructor, Tapu, was first rate. He got to know our sporting interests, thus our skill set. I recommend going there will go back to rent a board while here.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Aloha family
Lovely comments
Will tell Tapu you are happy
Looking forward to your next visit and take care until then.
Yours Alapa Family and Crew
Dorothy_D, Jun 2025
Such an amazing beginner lesson with Luca, very helpful and supportive. Definitely recommend this surfing lesson to anyone who is learning to surf. Thanks so much, it was a lot of fun with my sister! :)
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Aloha sisters
Thank you for coming
Will tell luca that you are happy
Take care until your return and you can come back out with Luca
Yours Alapa family and Crew.
Dan_M, May 2025
We had an amazing time! Evan was a fabulous instructor and was extremely patient with all of us. We are from Kansas and had zero experience surfing. I would definitely recommend this for anyone of any age or ability level.
Response from Host, May 2025
Aloha family
Thank you so much for your wonderful comments.
A special day at the beach learning surfing with a great man/instructor seems like a dream come true for everyone but also folks from Kansas. But you did it and remember to come again next trip. We’ll be waiting for you
Yours Alapa family and Crew
Sarah_B, Apr 2025
Great lesson for the family- we all rode
Several waves! Luca was great and we loved meeting the owner :)
Response from Host, May 2025
Aloha
Thank you so much for your nice comments but especially glad you had a fun experience
Looking forward to your next trip. Practice makes perfect.
Yours Alapa Family and Crew
From $118.85
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Private Hanalei Sandy Bottom Surf Lesson on Kauai
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