Noho taught my kids (ages 5, 9, 11) to surf last winter. He was awesome! The kids had a blast and they caught so many waves they lost count. Great family-run company and patient instructors. We couldn't have asked for anything better! read more

My kids had a great time surfing with Raymond at Chun's Reef. They both caught lots of waves. I took off one star because of the office's lack of communication. They were supposed to text me right after I made my appt and the day before the lesson. Neither occurred until I called the office. They were very friendly. read more

Buttons Surf School - Surfing Near Me - Haleiwa, Hawaii

We had the most amazing experience with Noho our teacher - he was incredible. The way he taught made it easy for everyone and the whole group was shortly standing up on the board!! I hurt myself in a scooter accident the day before and the instructor was so sweet to me - he carried me to the beach and then paddled me out on the water so I could chill with my friends in between sets. And so glad I did! My friend who had never surfed before was up on that board looking like a total natural after Noho's unique way of teaching (I've had other surf lessons before in Costa Rica, but this was special!!) if you're on Oahu and you don't use buttons surf then IDK you read more

I booked a private surf lesson and received my confirmation. I showed up only to find out no one was coming. They offered another time but it was after I left. They were not helpful with my refund and as a result I have a bank dispute which can take up to 90 days. As this was the sole item on my bucket list I wanted to do while in Hawaii, I was extremely disappointed. By the time I found out everyone else was booked. read more

Hands down the best surf instructor in Hawaii for any level of surfer. Buttons is a legend and completely made surfing what it is today, however you would never know it by his down to earth approachability and attention to detail in his teaching style. When I took a lesson from him, students from other companies would come up to him and ask him for advice on their form. My lesson with him was the most memorable part of my trip, and definitely worth driving up from Waikiki. He will take you out away from the crowds of surfers and give you the attention to detail needed to improve your surfing instantly. He makes surfing simple and completely enjoyable. In addition to being the best instructor on Oahu, Buttons provides the history, philosophy, and spirituality behind surfing. He has been a professional surfer since he was 15 and popularized the 360 on the surfboard in the '70s. He has incredible stories to tell that you can't hear anywhere else. And his rates were actually lower than all the other surf schools. When you finish a lesson with Buttons, you are left feeling like a completely different person, with a strong appreciation for the sport, for the ocean, and for life. And you will have learned everything you can about surfing in a short period of time. He's amazing with small children, families, singles, pros, beginners, and everything in between. Go with Buttons, you will love your surfing experience, guaranteed! read more

Buttons Surf School - Surfing Near Me - Haleiwa, Hawaii

Buttons surf school is simply the BEST!!! He has a great attitude and an excellent teaching style. By the end of my lesson today, I was catching the waves by myself and working on a little boardwalking. He even took my daughter afterwards for a tandem surf ride on 2 waves. So stoked to have met and surfed with Buttons. Don't bother with any other surf school. Buttons is who you should learn to surf from on the north shore. Looking forward to my next trip and surfing lesson. read more

See all

There are not enough nice words for Uncle Buttons and his Surf School. Down right one of the most personal guys out there. Along with doing his surf school, Buttons provides lessons and surfboards for AccessSurf once a month and for Mauli Ola Foundation whenever they have their surf experience days. He takes the time to teach you properly how to surf and paddle board. Our family has had the opportunity to be there when he's taken out a 9 month old baby (the cutest thing you'll ever see). Uncle Buttons is a man I trust to take not only my 10 and 9 year olds out, but my 17 month old also (if he would let mommy out of his site LOL). Buttons and his family go out of their way to make sure your experience is a good one and if you see them out and about and say hi, they will make sure to say hello. Much Mahalo for the great surf days and inspiration in being a better person. read more

Buttons Surf School - High Five Santa Buttons!!! - Surfing Near Me - Haleiwa, Hawaii

I found buttons on Yelp prior to our trip to HI. My husband and I were determined to learn how to surf and wanted someone who knew their stuff and had experience with the waves. Buttons is legend around Oahu. He taught himself how to surf, won competitions back in the 70's, had some trials and turbulations, however, now he gives back to the community. Every first Saturday of the month he surfs with children with special needs and also works with the wounded soldiers program. I had the opportunity to receive my surf lesson from him and he was a great teacher. My husband and I were lucky enough to have a private lesson with him and his nephew as I'm sure it can get hectic with many students. Buttons was laid back, friendly, showed me what to do, advised what I needed to do better to get on the board and not once critical or negative about what I was doing. He cheered me on each time I was to catch a wave, gave me a little push every now and then to help me and was easy to talk to. If you're interested in surf lessons or need to rent a board, he does all of the above and you'll find his tent on the north shore. Pass up the other guys and head here, you won't be disappointed. read more

I read about Buttons Surf School prior to going out to Hawaii right here on Yelp. My wife and I were driving along the north shore after one of our excursions. We saw Uncle Bryans Sunset Suratt Surf School in Haleiwa, but continued on our drive. Good thing we did, because as we were passing a beach between Haleiwa and Waimea Bay, I saw Buttons gazebo like tent. (Besides, I would rather give my money to a true local Hawaiian). We quickly made a U-turn and stopped down at the beach to see if we could get some surf lessons for the next morning. Sure enough, Buttons' wife signed us up. We arrived the next morning 9-11-11 and waited for a bit till Buttons and the gang showed up. (Must be on Hawaii time - Kind of like my Chicano time) Anyway, we got suited up with the rash-gaurd shirts that they provided and started on the lessons. I picked it up on the first wave (Similar to snowboarding...) now I am hooked. My wife picked it up on her second wave (Good job babe!) Kala (spelling??) - Buttons nephew was my teacher. (Thanks again Bra!) Buttons was my wife's teacher. Joey - Photographer (Thanks for the great pictures!) These folks were so about family mentality it was great. Everyone out on the waves was friendly. Buttons even managed to help a stubborn tourist get back into shore (The current was taking the tourist and his family toward the waves that were smashing into the rocks along the bad part of the beach.) read more

Buttons is one of the most AMAZING people I have ever encountered. If you're looking for the best value for your time and money, you can't beat learning from someone who's spent his entire life on the water. After 40 years, surfing is as natural to him as breathing and oh what you can benefit from that level of mastery! Here's a list of things that set Buttons' lesson apart from the others I had and saw: 1. He treats every individual with such care and respect you feel like a glowing Christmas tree. He's goofy and fun and you can't help but feel good around him. 2. He meets you at your level and helps you develop at the appropriate pace for your individuality. He keeps it simple but extremely effective. 3. He is always encouraging and dispelling of the frustration of the learning process. 4. He is aware of everything around him and makes a point to help anyone he can. He raises the level of humanity to something I've never encountered before and only hope I can become. 5. He can read the ocean so well that all of your time is spent in productivity. I got up on 90% of the waves, starting with the first, as did my co-student. I cannot say the same for my lesson with a different company or for the students of the instructors around me. 6. He does a lot of the hard work in getting you back out to the waves. I stayed out until I couldn't paddle anymore and it would've been much shorter if he hadn't done so much of the work for me. 7. You will feel like a surfer after just one lesson. Peter, his assistant, is a good soul. He is happy and helpful and just wants to see you enjoy the surfing experience. Buttons is an experience to behold - one that I will never forget for the rest of my life!!! That's what a Hawaiian vacation is all about! read more

The best of the best right here! We were sorely disappointed with Sunset Suratt and opted for Buttons when we got the itch to surf again. Buttons was much much better. They have the same set up (one instructor keeps you near the shore while the other guides you surfing out in the waves) but their classes are MUCH nicer. The two guys we went out with were super nice and incredibly helpful. Additionally the owner's husband volunteered to take our camera chip and use it in his waterproof camera - WOW! We got some great pictures! Definitely go with Buttons for your surf school needs! read more

Buttons Kaluhiokalani is such an awesome guy. Privileged to meet with him once a month with AccesSurf Hawaii during Wounded Warrior "Day At The Beach". Buttons provides lessons and surfboards for my wounded service members. Offering a therapeutic, nurturing and positive environment to build confidence and accomplishment. Mahalo Buttons for all your support and for giving your Hawaiian spirit to the community and service members in need of inspiration. read more

Buttons is the best. He's a living (surfing) legend. He was a joy to meet on land that translated out in the water.Not only did I surf the 1st wave he got me on we continued for over an hour and I came back twice more during our stay. He's a fantastic teacher and cheerleader. He was as happy as I was every time I'd ride a wave in! Tons of fun and I cannot wait to get back and learn some more! Viva La Buttons ! UPDATE: Buttons passed away 11.2.13. The surf school continues and is operated by his wife Hiriata. They are still located in Haliewa / North Shore. Don't miss the chance to surf with these guys! read more

Buttons is awesome! My wife and I rented boards from Buttons one day and then went Stand Up Paddling with him the next. Through some mis-communication(my fault) Buttons thought we wanted a Stand-Up paddle lesson even though we had just meant to rent boards...I'm really glad I mis-communicated; Buttons is the nicest guy in the world, has the best attitude, is a really patient and good teacher, and was super bummed that my wife didn't catch a wave the prior day; you could tell he really cares about people having fun. Buttons also works with people with cystic fibrosis, disabled military, and quad and paraplegics! He doesn't just work with these folks once or twice a year but multiple times per month. You don't do that unless you truly care about people and surfing. Just a great guy. You're missing out if you're not meeting this guy; he's inspirations. read more

My wife and I had a fantastic time learning to surf. Lots of personal attention at a reasonable price. Highly recommended. They provided us a rash guard. That was good. read more

My wife and I decided to surf for the first time while we were in Hawaii. After looking at all the surf schools, we chose Buttons because of his mission and culture described on the website and by other reviewers. We did a semi-private lesson with Jason so my wife and I had him to ourselves. He was a great coach and got us up on the waves immediately. While we surfed, he shared history, stories and represented the spirit of Hawaii. We had a great time and came back a second time before we went home. Thanks Jason for a great time. Say aloha to the honu for us. read more

Two fighter pilots, the North Shore, and no clue how to surf!!! lol!! I called Buttons because my friends on the island said he was the best. Fast, courteous and fun customer service. We set a rendezvous point and we were ready! Matthew, one of Buttons's surfer dudes, met us and told us about the conditions. We went a couple of miles down the road and started. After a comprehensive talk about the waves, currents and unwritten rules, we hit the surf. First time up and raged the rest of the lesson!!! Matthew and Buttons are the BEST! There were other lessons going on and no kidding, we surfed at least 5 waves for everyone 1 the others did. I am exhausted, but before I crash, I just wanted to say, hire Buttons and Matthew!! You will surf like a pro, okay, not that good, but you WILL stand up and you WILL have a great time! read more

Born and raised in Hawai'i, and never surfed... until now! Buttons was AMAZING. My boyfriend and I decided to take a lesson, and after reading all of the Yelp reviews, decided on going with Buttons. We definitely made the right choice. We were both able to get up on a few waves, and had a great time! Buttons was super supportive, and was cheering us on, while other instructors in the bay were criticizing their students. Buttons brought a true sense of aloha that others just don't have, and isn't that what surfing is really all about? Thank you Buttons! We had an awesome time and we'll come see you again soon! :) read more

Love Buttons! He makes surfing so easy, relaxing and enjoyable you think you are all alone in the big ocean! I first met up with Buttons back in Dec '11 from a local referral at the Surfin' Tacos in Hauula, great referral I must say! My friend and i met up with him 2 days later and I was able to get up on every way he threw me out on! Sweeet!! I called him again when I was out there this past month with a different friend and we had the best time again! This time the beginners luck wore off a bit, but my friend was doing awesome! One of the best experiences! He has the true Aloha spirit and makes your experience in the water safe and enjoyable no matter what level a surfer you are. He also gives back to the community and I've just learned he even teaches my little cousin who has autism through one of the local programs! Aloha and see you again! read more

Buttons & Steve are great! Both are amazing teachers. Friendly, Patient, extremely knowledgeable! I learned to surf after 1 lesson! They make you feel at ease and safe in the water. If you are a beginner i 100% recommend Buttons Surf School. read more

Button is the best surf teacher EVER!! Not only do you get his incredible knowledge of the ocean and more importantly the proper breaks and equipment to learn on. But you also get to learn from one of the most legendary pro surfers in Hawaii! Skip the Hotel and tourist trap surf lessons of Waikiki, go get a real lesson from a real Hawaiian who will not only get you up and ridding but have you leaving the islands with the true sense of the word Aloha! read more

Awesome experience for me, my wife and my 2 kids (15 and 8 years old). We had never been on a surf board before, but we had a great time! We were all able to stand up and surf the waves minutes into the class! Highly recommend! read more

We just got back from Hawaii, and one of the best times we had was surfing with Buttons! It was my hubby, two daughters (8 and 6), and myself. Buttons surfed tandem with our youngest, Henry was working one-on-one with our other daughter, and "Robbie" helped my hubby and I. We all rode a wave the first time up!!! He is so amazing! We caught so many waves, by the time our session was up we were tired. Worth every penny. Buttons is so nice, fun, and easy going. I hope we all meet again and surf. And I hope you, who are looking for surf lessons, get a chance to surf with him. read more

See all

I will never go to anyone else! I recently was fortunate to have a surfing lesson with Buttons (Feb 2013). It was my first time on a surf board and I was more nervous than excited. Buttons was very reassuring and had even knocked out most of the nervousness and I was majorly excited to get in the water. He started me out on small waves at first so I could get a feel of the positioning and balance. I had a couple problems, but Buttons paid a great deal of attention to my stance and let me know how to correct it. By the end of the lesson I was able to stand and surf better than I could have ever expected to. There were several other lessons by different companies out there. Looking around there was no other instructor that was paying attention or giving direction as well as Buttons. I only have a couple days left here, and I plan on going back up to surf with Buttons!!! read more

http://vimeo.com/19360365 Had a blast with my family. Check em out in action by watching the video from the link above. read more

Surf lesson was an amazing experience, life changing. Buttons was awesome. If you are ever close you have to check them out. I got the surfing bug. Buttons is a legend. read more

About 2 years ago, I only had one morning left to do the surf thing in Hawaii and my only regret was that I didn't meet up with Buttons and his wonderful wife Hiriata earlier! This trip, I drove from Honolulu just about every morning to go and have lessons with Buttons. So, why not take surf lessons in Waikiki which was much closer? My past experience with surf lessons in Waikiki was just blah. It seemed really short - I was part of a big group of people in the water, which was already super packed. I kinda got the feeling that the instructor really had his eye on the clock - when it was time to go, it was time to go. It was frustrating because it felt like I got shorted. Buttons Surf School is a totally different experience. The North Shore is not just for big wave pros. Beautiful uncrowded beaches with waves for the beginners - Buttons is born and bred here and knows exactly where to take you for your level. Not only are his rates really reasonable, but he truly LOVES surfing and he wants you to love your experience - this guy is all about making sure that you cap off your session with that last awesome ride. I always got plenty of time in the water and on the waves. I saw a really overweight woman who was with another instructor and having trouble. Buttons jumped right in, gave her some pointers and got her a wave. He really knows his stuff. Lessons, surboard & rash guard were all included. Buttons has a great eye for what you need to tweak to have a better ride. True aloha here and individualized attention makes Button the best. I would totally recommend him for kids as well. His 5 year old son is already taking home trophies in surfing. So, needless to say, he's great with kids. If you have a chance, don't just be another anonymous body in some group surf lesson in Waikiki. Go to Buttons for your surf lesson and get some personalized attention that will have you loving surfing. read more

My husband & I had a great time learning to surf with Buttons. He embodies the aloha spirit with his kindness, patience and complete mastery of the sport of Hawaiian Kings...surfing. I have taken lessons from 3 surf schools on island (others highly rated on Yelp), and Buttons was hands down the best. #1 Buttons is there personally throughout your entire lesson from the land portion to the water portion. I wished I had clarified that before booking with the other companies. #2 anyone that can teach his 5 year old to surf knows how to coach. #3 he really focuses on getting you on the waves (including the so helpful tows when your arms are exhausted). I will continue to bring all my out of town guests to surf with Buttons. Highly Recommended! read more

I wish I could give Buttons 10 stars. My girlfriend and I went went for a lesson. He took great care of us. Really picked up quickly on our strengths and weakness and guided us each depending on what we needed. I was a slightly stronger paddler so he helped my girl zip around. He's got this great little trick that Peter (his assistant) referred to as the "Aloha Tow". This guy can get around like he has a motor under his board. He told us "my job is to get you waves. you'll be the boss of the board and I'll be with you to get you right where you need to be" He was instantly comforting. I knew he'd keep us out of trouble. What was said in the other reviews of Buttons' legendary status is completely accurate. Everyone on the beach was excited to see him and it really felt like we got wave priority because we were with him. Other pro surfers (Andy Lyons and friends) were running up to meet and take pictures with him when we got out of the water. It was like surfing with Elvis. Most importantly, he loves to teach and share his love of surfing. That's rare for someone with his status and experience. We wish you the best Buttons and will always remember surfing the North Shore with you. Mahalo from Jason and Jen. read more

My wife and I surfed yesterday with Jason. He did a great job helping my wife feel comfortable in the water and getting us into waves that were right for us. Awesome experience. We'll be back! read more

I surprised my man with a surf lesson off groupon for Buttons Surf School. I had been a few times a couple years ago but my man was pretty freaked out about going surfing. So we drove up from Ewa and on our way we got a phome call from the woman who runs the booking. She let us know that the original.agreed upon location was not going to work because there were no waves, but she immediateky gave us the new location with address and said that if we got lost or anything to give her a call. We found our way there VERY easily and immediately found her and our instructor James! James outfitted me in a rash guard (my man had his own) and had us feeling comfortable from the start with easy conversation and laughter. He led us over to the boards went over everything surfing from A to Z without overwhelming us with a ton of information. Had us do all the basics on the shore and made us feel extremely comfortable! In total we maybe spent 20 mintues on shore from the moment we got there until he showed us how to bring the boards down to the water and put our leashes on! My man was extremely nervous paddeling out but I was thrilled to death! Iy was incredibly beautiful and the waves were just right! He had us catch waves one at a time... and my man stood up on his very first wave! We had an incredible time and instead of just surfing for an hour and 10 minutes (we had paid for an hour n half session) we ended up surfing for over 2 hours!!! It was an incredible experience and I would and will recommend this company to anyone who will listen!!! Just a personal suggestion though DO NOT FORGET TO PUT SUNSCREEN ON BACK OF LEGS/THIGHS/BUTT!!! lol I am definitely burnt. :-) I wish I had thought ahead of time to bring some cash for a tip though cuz James was AWESOME, and we saw so much amazing aquatic life. Dolphins and sea turtles (they were everywhere!) And everyone out on the water was so incredibly kind and courteous!!! read more

See all

We tried to use the Yelp deal with the group and they really had no idea what the story was with how it was supposed to work, so we would up paying full price and then having to deal with Yelp Customer Service to get a refund of our money. We were also supposed to be a small private group but when we got the the location, they added two other people to our group. So much for private! Lessons were stated to be 90 minutes but really wound up being about 60. Connor, who really is not a people-person, started sending our group back in after about 30 minutes on the water, but a few of us decided to stay out and continue our lessons on our own. If we were to do lessons again, I would look at one of the other schools that are more established and offer longer lessons for the same price. read more

I wasn't very impressed. I got a text message at 9:30pm the night before specifying where to go for the 8am group class, I thought that was a pretty late text for an 8am class. I got there early and the instructor arrived just at 8am and then had to carry 4 boards down to the beach. When I made the reservation, they asked for our shirt size for rash guard but when we arrived the instructor gave my husband a shirt that was MASSIVE and the sleeves hung down to his knees...he wears a large shirt. Company doesn't seem very organized. Once we got into the water I had a good time read more

We had such an amazing time! We booked using a groupon and had more than a groupon price experience! We were on our honeymoon and had a private lesson. I was worried that I would not be able to actually surf but our instructor helped push us into each wave and we had soooo much fun! I highly recommend this service, they treat you like friends and we have great memories of it forever! read more

Buttons and his stepson Noho were great instructors! We loved the lesson: few minutes going over the basics and the other 99% of the time surfing. Buttons made surfing for a first-timer extremely easy. Highly recommended for anyone visiting North Shore. read more

Buttons Surf School was totally awesome! Super chill, but still professional. Husband and I purchased a Groupon - 90 minute basic surf lesson for two on Friday morning. I called BSS Friday afternoon to see if they had any openings for the following day. The sweet girl who answered the phone said she didn't have anything, but would try calling one of their instructors to see if he could squeeze us in. She called back 5 minutes later and said we were good to go. Later that evening we received a text message confirmation with link to GPS directions and our instructor's cell phone. The actual lesson and surfing was so rad! Sean, our instructor, called us while we were on our way to make sure we knew where to go. He was great the whole time - patient, funny, and super encouraging - everything a teacher should be! We had a quick, yet thorough, instruction on land and then headed out into the water. Husband has surfed a couple times before, but this was my first time. We were both up and cruising in no time. Thanks, Sean! :) read more

Buttons is the best! I visit my family in Kaneohe, Oahu about twice a year and since I first found out about him in my last trip in January 2009 I've had four lessons with him and am loving it. In fact, I liked my first lesson so much that during my current trip I stayed for three days in North Shore just so that I can take lessons with him every day I'm there. I had taken a surf lesson from a popular touristy school in Waikiki and did not enjoy it at all because it was impersonal and really touristy and just not cool at all. But I decided to give it another try with someone more authentic and experienced. So I checked with a local surf shop in Kailua (Kimo's Surf Hut), a place where they sell all different kinds of used and new boards and not just flashy surf boutique. The shop owner recommended Buttons to me and I'm really glad I asked. Buttons, a well-known former professional surfer, is a really friendly guy with great energy. He picks out a beach with the most suitable waves for me on that day. He must be way ahead of the crowd because we usually have the amazing spot to ourselves and the other surfers start to roll in just when we are about done and ready to leave. He put priority in having fun in the water and being safe. I felt like I was in good hands indeed, as I would never have paddled out that far away from the shore on my own with fear of waves and "sharks" yet I feel really safe with him watching out for me. I have learned to surf and stand up paddle board with him and would like to continue to study with him every time I'm back on Oahu. Buttons seems to know just about everyone in North Shore. He is nice to everyone and everyone loves him. And I find out from other people (as Buttons is really modest and never brags about himself) that he's a surf legend and that I totally lucked out for having him as my teacher. His current website needs work and doesn't have much info so the best way to contact him is by phone. Buttons teaches people of all levels and also coaches advanced surfers to refine their techniques. He teaches adults, children, and someone told me that he has even taught people with no legs! read more

I met Buttons at an Access Surf outing this past May. My daughter, Lily does not walk or speak. She cannot even stand up on her own yet her "Uncle Buttons" took her surfing! It was a dream come true for this proud Mama to watch my daughter do something that I, at one time thought, only "typical" kids could do. Well, Lily had so much fun that we drove up to the North Shore to spend another day with Buttons and his family & friends. He was patient and so gentle and kind with my daughter that she took to him instantly. The moment you meet Buttons you realize what a gentle soul he is and a very special person. Surfing on the North Shore was another day that I will not forget filled with sunshine, laughter, Honu, the healing waters of the ocean and my daughter's smile. MAHALO Buttons! We are forever grateful. Much aloha! read more

Buttons and Henry were great, along with rest of his crew it was a pleasure getting to surf with a North Shore legend like Buttons

Would have been great if it wasn't for Conner... He has a short temper and scolds you like a child if you don't understand something. I went with my whole family and we each had our own negative experience with him. Other Yelp reviewers seem to have had similar problems with him as well. Hopefully Buttons Surf School will get the hint. Message to Conner: Yes, you can balance on a piece of plastic very well, but at the end of the day, you are in the customer service business. We are paying you, not the other way around. So keep your attitude at home. Non-Conner note: Pictures at the end are an additional $35 a person... we had four people, so $140 more. A bit excessive, if not ridiculous. read more