Private Surfing Lessons in Waikiki
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Oahu, USA
- 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Learn to surf—or perfect your technique—in Waikiki, the home of surfing. This private surf lesson offers a one-on-one experience tailored to your needs, skill level, and goals. Enjoy the full attention of your instructor who provides a customized learning experience not always possible in group lessons. The lesson begins at Biki Station #328, 2424 Uluniu Ave, Honolulu, HI, providing a clear meeting point for your session.
- Master surfing with one-to-one guidance every step of the way
- Flexible scheduling to accommodate busy schedules
- Learn at your own pace and focus on areas that need improvement
- Improve your surfing while enjoying Waikiki's beaches
What's Included
- Use of surfboard.
- Use of wax.
- Use of sunscreen.
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Moku Hawaii2446 Koa Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Meet at the Moku Surf Shop and your surf instructor will meet you there and start the surf lesson.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- 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
Featured review
BoglarkaLucia_V
My husband and I really enjoyed the surf lessons. We had never tried it before, so Max taught us from scratch. He explained everything very well and prepared us for our first waves. The lessons took place in a great atmosphere, Max created a very good vibe, he was absolutely kind, patient and attentive to our mistakes, correcting them immediately. Thanks to him, we will definitely try it again.
Reviews
4.9
based on 206 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Laura_K, Jul 2026
My teenage daughters had such a fun experience during their private surf lesson with Max. Max was patient, informative, laid-back and supportive. It was their first time surfing and they both were able to get up and successfully ride several waves. The surf shop is super convenient to the beach. My husband and I were given beach chairs to be able to comfortably watch from the beach. Mahalo to Max for a memorable day!
Jessie_B, Jul 2026
Max helped me fulfil a life long dream of mine I've always wanted to surf and ride a wave without falling off and with his instructions I did just that I will say I had to end it early I didn't know how hard it was to surf I was wiped out within 20 to 30 mins but it was all worth it thanks Max
Tuva_F, Jul 2026
had so much fun. We were both able to stand up and surf in just an hour, and the instructor made me feel safe and confident in the water!
Bob_A, Jul 2026
Surfing is hard. Don't wait until you're 66 like i did. Max was a great help even if I wore out early.
Sophia_Z, Jun 2026
What a fun experience! Unforgettable memories made. This Surf experience was scheduled after an amazing Honolulu hike; I highly recommend this Surf lesson, it was definitely the icing on the cake."
Emily_C, Jun 2026
I don't ever leave negative reviews, but I did a beginner lesson with Max and it was pretty distressing. I saw he had good reviews, but unfortunately that was not what I experienced. I mentioned it was my first time, and I was very nervous, but I felt completely judged by his constant stream of comments that I wasn’t trying hard enough, I needed to stop taking rests, and that every time I fell it made things inconvenient. I shouldn’t have to keep defending to him the fact that I was indeed trying, and trying the hardest I could. I know this sport is difficult and I was fully aware I was signing up for a challenge. What I hadn’t anticipated was having to audibly tell him before a wave, “No, I’m not ready. I need to breathe,” and getting pushed into the wave anyway. It caused me to nose dive from the loss of energy. I felt a lack of empathy and support from the one on one instructor that could see and hear that I was having a hard time. Honestly, I feared for my safety. Because of this, I chose to end my lesson early.
If I could sum up my feedback for Max’s teaching technique, it would be this: Compassion goes a long way, and kindness goes even further. When your student is getting repeatedly knocked down on the shore by the waves and falling face first into the sand, that would not be the time to scold them for being too slow. Checking in on a person’s well being is equally as important in safety guidelines as anything else. It would also help to acknowledge their efforts and that they are trying their best.
When we parted ways, I was clearly shaken up and he was not concerned. I didn’t find it “encouraging” to be reproached every time I fell. I didn’t feel comfortable out there with him at all. If you are specifically looking for an instructor that is patient, compassionate, and supportive, I personally would not recommend Max. It felt more akin to bootcamp. I left the lesson in tears, humiliated for the way I was spoken to and completely demoralized.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for sharing this, and I’m sorry your first session left you feeling shaken — that’s never how I want anyone to walk away. I remember the day differently, so I’ll offer my account here.
Everything about how waves behave and why quick action matters is covered in the land lesson before we ever get in the water, so it isn’t meant to catch anyone off guard. The hard reality of the ocean is that it doesn’t pause for us — when a wave is about to break, you either catch it, paddle through it, or duck under it, and a surfer riding toward you means moving too. Staying still is what leads to injury. The moment you mentioned being moved into a wave was a safety call: getting you onto it and out of the impact zone is far safer than taking set after set on the head. I also towed you so you could rest, and stayed beside you throughout.
Where I’ll always listen is on delivery — I’m sorry my urgency felt like criticism rather than encouragement, because that was never the intent. If you’re open to it, I’d welcome the chance to talk. I truly wish you the best, in the water or out.
Drew_G, Jun 2026
Surf instructor is very good. Sky was so helpful and encouraging. He pushed me ahead in my skills to time my takeoff. .
Michelle_P, Jun 2026
I got this for my son's that had never been surfing before but were eager to learn. Max was their instructor. He got them up on some good waves, and they had a great time. He went out with them and and was able to instruct them in the water as well. Must do in Hawaii!
Jessica_F, Jun 2026
Amazing experience! Max was great with our kids and got them both up on boards quickly and safely. They might be a little overconfident thanks to his guidance! 😅 Everyone was so nice and encouraging. Such a fun adventure and one I know the kids will talk about for a long time. Thank you!
Angela_S, Jun 2026
Our surfing instructor made the experience memorable and successful. My child has multiple sensory processing and special needs and for this reason does not pair well without quite a bit of effort and attention devoted to this as a task. Maxwell was patient, thorough in his instructions and mindful of my child’s limits. This was the second time on two separate occasions he’s instructed surfing lessons while in town and I’ve recommended both him and his surf and skim school to those inquiring of private surfing instruction. The sense of pride and accomplishment at the end of the lesson makes the price nominal and worth every penny!
Tarik_S, May 2026
Max was very helpful and patient with us as beginners. Would him for anyone wanting to learn! Book soon as slots fill up quickly!!
Lia_M, May 2026
Max was patient, kind, and so encouraging with my daughter. She is 11 and a little delayed, and he worked with her so naturally and confidently that she felt comfortable and excited right away.
She had an absolute blast and was beyond excited the entire time. One of the best parts was that Max also captured some great videos of her surfing, which made the experience even more special for us to look back on.
Even though the beach was busy, Max made sure she had plenty of opportunities to learn, have fun, and truly enjoy herself. He gave her an experience of a lifetime, and seeing her confidence and happiness out on the water meant everything to us.
If you’re considering surf lessons, we highly recommend asking for Max specifically. He truly went above and beyond.
SeryllAnne_B, May 2026
Max was really patient with us since me and my fiancé were first timers. He gave us very clear and detailed instructions on how to get to the board and catch our very first wave. We had so much fun! We’ll definitely do it again!
Megan_G, May 2026
Ok, so we didn't realize surfing was so taxing on your upper body but my gosh is it rewarding when you ride that first wave. With that being said, and they warn you, paddling out is the worst part. Falling off the board wasn't bad at all. So just get up and try again. Anyway, the instructor we had was Max. He was very patient and thorough. It's just me and my wife are stubborn lol. We loved it. It was an experience I wouldn't trade for anything.
Brooke_B, May 2026
Conveniently close to the beach, easy instructions for first ever surf lesson. It is a very busy beach which made me a little uncomfortable, but nothing the surf instructor could control. Good first experience!
Claire_M, May 2026
It was really hard work, but we had so much fun! Max was great and really took it seriously. We knew we were safe with him out in the ocean. We went at 1pm, and it was really crowded, so I'd suggest going earlier in the day.
Ronnie_C, May 2026
Kids had a blast! Instructor was very patient and worked well with my kids. They never got frustrated and did quite well! They both want to buy surfboards now and go surfing all the time. I would recon this experience highly - for adults and especially for kids.
Gabrielle_M, May 2026
This was an amazing experience! He is an excellent teacher and super motivating. My daughter and husband had an unbelievable time and amazing experience. The memories we made were priceless and the surf lessons were 100% worth it. We will book in the future on our next trip back
Akimi_n, May 2026
We had such a great time! It was my first time surfing, and he explained everything so clearly at the beginning. Then we headed straight into the ocean and surfed the whole time.
Even as a beginner, I was able to ride waves thanks to him! He’s super friendly and very attentive to safety.
I’d love to take his lesson again when I’m back in Hawaii!
Emily_E, Apr 2026
Instructor was excellent. Very encouraging. Great time. This was my first time surfing and was able to have a successful time
Edgar_G, Apr 2026
We had great time. Max was awesome and great teacher. Cannot recommend this experience enough. Don’t think twice book.
John_E, Mar 2026
It was awesome dude. Max was an excellent instructor and did a Great job. We started at the surf shop to get the rules and basically. Then we headed to the beach and hit it. We got up on the first try and every time after that. It was busy but very fun.
Catherine_G, Mar 2026
My friends and I had so much fun! We highly recommend doing a surf lesson while in Hawaii especially with Max! He had great energy and helped us learn a lot in a short amount of time.
Sher_S, Mar 2026
We had 4 adult beginner surfers with no prior experience. Max did a great job explaining, teaching, and coaching to help us catch a few waves and appreciate how incredibly fit surfers are to make it look so easy!!
hima_k, Mar 2026
This was a safe, low stress way for my kids to have their first surf lesson. Both were exhausted when they got out of the water, but so happy. They couldn’t stop talking about the experience. I got a lot of “did you see me mom???” Also, the kids are older teens and for them to be this happy, you know it was a good experience. Lol
Chloe_R, Mar 2026
Max was fantastic! 10/10 would recommend, also well worth the extra cash to have fantastic video drone footage! This is a must do!
Neri_L, Feb 2026
We arrived to the surf shop a bit early , everyone was so nice. Max arrived and he was amazing. Showed us everything. Would recommend to take this. Me and my girl has so much fun .
Allison_S, Jan 2026
Max was terrific. He went over safety stuff at the shop first before we took the boards over to the ocean. He gave great instructions and was a blast to hang out with. Highly recommend!
Mark_C, Jan 2026
Max was great! He was knowledgeable and patient for beginner surfers. Make sure to show up 15 minutes early for land practice. 10/10 would recommend!
Jonathan_G, Jan 2026
Max was great! He was able to get me and my girlfriend standing on the board in minutes. We had a fun time and definitely got a good workout out of it. Excited for the next time we are back in Hawaii and look forward to booking with him again.
Likely to Sell Out
From $96.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Private Surfing Lessons in Waikiki
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