Private Hanalei Sandy Bottom Surf Lesson on Kauai

Recommended by 98% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Kauai, USA

High interest

Booked 5+ times today.

1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
Group discounts
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.9

· 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

· Will_Y ·

Jun 2026

Excellent family owned and operated company. Everyone was warm and friendly. From the moment we checked in and throughout the entire lesson we felt fussed over and looked after. It was such a positive experience. The instructor was very informative, patient and an excellent teacher. We would definitely use this company again for future visits.

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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.

Hanalei Bay

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

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Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.9

based on 371 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Must do Farm tour.

Richard_T, Jun 2026

Mason was amazing. We had a wonderful time on the tour and they were awesome with my elderly mother.

Excellent family owned...

Will_Y, Jun 2026

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Aloha Thank you so much for your sweet comments We also look forward to your return. Have a nice summer and take care. Yours ALAPA FAMILY and CREW

Good overall, but some things could be smoothed out a bit

Mark_K, Jun 2026

The people running the business were terrific, and the experience was great. The only downside was that it was a bit of a pain to do a lesson, and then get to keep surfing. They separate the rental boards from from the lesson boards. They also separate the rash guard shirts they use for lessons from the rentals as well. So, if you want a lesson, and to keep surfing afterwards, it is a separate fee, and you have to transport the boards for the rental to the beach yourself (it is probably a 10 minute walk). They were very helpful with loading the boards onto our car. As I said above, we had to rent separate rash guard shirts to use during the rental period, so everyone did the lesson, then needed to change shirts. None of these things are too difficult to deal with, but to me it seems like more of a chore than it needs to be. That being said, the experience was great, the instructors were terrific, and everyone we dealt with was nice, capable, and seemed to really appreciate their patrons. Recommend working with this company. Just wish they would streamline things a bit

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Aloha Thank you for your comments and for having a good time overall To briefly explain the situation with separation. We are in a permitted location. With limited hours and limited participants in the water at a time. If folks kept surfing after lessons with their boards it is considered part of the lesson so we would not be able to do more lessons until you were done. Also instructors need their boards to do other lessons after. The only place you see rentals at the beach are in front of hotels with their facility. Considering your rash guards in after thought we could have rented them to you and let you wear the blue ones and just return the blue ones. We do have the 10% discount on returning student rental and assist you to load boards and also to unload if you are back before 3 pm. We do have the straps to tie boards on top. We do have after hour drop off. Equipment is heavy and folks get tired but where ever you go you go to a shop and rent equipment and off you go most times without the service we offer It gets easier and is part of surfing. Yours Lynn Alapa

Even with zero surfing...

Allison_L, May 2026

Even with zero surfing experience, Nick’s lessons and guidance had me up on the board quickly. His instruction was simple, clear and encouraging. The waters of Hanalei Bay were perfect for first time surfers.

Response from Host, May 2026

Aloha Thank you so much for your nice comments. Will tell Nick good job !! Without at least 1 good lesson surfing is harder then it looks. With a lesson it is easier then it looks. Then practice makes perfect. Hope to see you next trip. Yours Alapa Family and Crew

This was such a fun...

Summer_B, May 2026

This was such a fun experience! Our instructor, Pono, made learning how to surf simple and easy especially since this was our first time.

Response from Host, May 2026

Aloha and thank you for your nice comments Pono loves getting people off to a good start and maybe next visit help you move forward. The main thing is having safe fun with your instructor. Take care until then Yours Alapa Famimu and Crew

Surfing Success

Laura_G, May 2026

Very smooth service- from check in to meeting at the location. Patrick was an excellent instructor. He got us all up surfing and was very helpful and encouraging. We highly recommend!

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Aloha All Thank you for your comments It is hard to beat the fun you will have with surf lessons and you do get off to a good start making you safer in the ocean Hope you return next trip. Patrick can move you forward Yours Alapa Family and Crew

Fun!!

Hayley_P, May 2026

Palani was an excellent instructor! My two girlfriends and I had the BEST time! He was patient and joked with us. Really helped us out! We all 3 were able to stand up multiple times. Loved it so much!

Response from Host, May 2026

Aloha Thank you girls for coming and having a great time. Will tell Palani you enjoyed. Please come again and call as returning students for your discount. Yours Alapa Family and Crew

Patrick was a great instructor fun lesson!

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

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Aloha Thank you so much for your nice comments In the case of someone caught off guard to need a ride to the beach and back we do have a shuttle available. In fact some folks have mentioned the need lately and we did mention “can do”. Can’t wait for your return. Yours Alapa Family and Crew

My husband has always...

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

Must do in Kauai!

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.

We did a private lesson...

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

Palani was GREAT

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.

My daughter had a great...

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

Private Surf Lesson was a Great Time

Christina_A, Mar 2026

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

Great fun!

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. .

Trip highlight!

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

amazing day :)

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.

Great surf lessons.

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

Awesome surfing in the perfect backdrop

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

Awesome Experience - Rain or Shine!

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

New to surfing and stood up!

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

Nick, was a great in...

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

A memorable part of our trip!

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

First time surfing but won’t be my last

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

Surprisingly easy to pick...

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

Jack was a very good and...

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

Fantastic surfing...

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

Definitely recommend this company for surf lessons in Hanalei Bay!

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

Highly recommend

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

Had a great time. Tapu...

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.

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