If zero stars could be the score it would, but, alas, we're stuck with 1 star. I suppose I should have done my homework beforehand ... and certainly having Elon Musk as your background picture on Yelp would have been a big red flag .... Avoid: Kahu Surf School. My son was so excited for his first surf lesson and we had signed up with this School based on reviews on Google. I don't even know where to begin - they were late, the photographer no-showed, they didn't have a plan for who would give the lesson, and then they expected my kid - (and this was billed for 6-11 year olds) to immediately grasp it - and this is all before getting in the water (we also had to meet them at an office two blocks off the beach). The instructor told my son to "stop f'ing around" in front of us when he giggled nervously when he didn't get some something perfect immediately. We should have pulled him right there (parenting fail). Verbal abuse is never okay. The surf lesson was an absolute nightmare. The instructor swore at my child repeatedly (including f-bombs) leaving my son in tears, he was impatient with my son as he struggled to learn a new skill, and he seemed to have a little experience or willingness to work with a new-to-surfing kid. Kids need to be told things and receive constant reminders to help them learn. Instead, the instructor was verbally abusive of a child. This was supposed to be the highlight of the trip and instead my son ended up on the beach in tears. The surf instructor took off and paddled away from him as my son was attempting to learn how to navigate on a board and then screamed at him that he was f'ing terrible when my son fell. The whole thing was only 25 minutes instead of an hour. I've reached out to the surf school for a refund (they did give back the photo fee, but have refused everything else and are now LYING that my son is special needs and that I misled them . Our son does not have special needs and is not special needs in any way ... their story has changed ged repeatedly- all to justify financial irresponsibility and verbal abuse of a minor. They tried to say it was my son's fault for not learning his first time out or listening (to verbal abuse). These are kids- they deserve better- and patience is part of it..It was the most unprofessional experience we've ever had and I'm so, so sad for my kid. I would NEVER recommend them and encourage everyone to seek more appropriate options for children's beginner lessons. In fact, the instructor started out saying he would be on the beach watching my son, and he'd come in if he needed help. It was unreal and I think he saw our expressions as he did go in the water with him. Note the photo, that they offer refunds for reviews ... so, buyer beware. I don't suppose I'll get a refund for this? I have also had really strange communications via email with the person I can only assume is the owner and the author of the below response. Each email has changed the story and now he's settled on calling an academically gifted child/swim team swimmer special needs (I think there is maybe a reading comprehension issue? It's alarming and very strange. These are not people I'd want around my kid. It's a violation of yelp and Google to offer incentives for reviews. read more

Kahu Surf School - Surf Schools Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This school is a scam. We booked and paid for a $330 group surf lesson for 3pm today. The email said to show up 10 minutes before our lesson. We show up at 2:50. Nobody is at the location so we call the business to say that we have a 3pm booking. Immediately the person on the phone who I assume is the owner starts giving us attitude. They said that we need to book online and you cannot just call and expect to be seen. I respond that we already booked and are waiting for the instructor. I mean seriously what kind of response is that. And then he says we need to wait, they're on a tight schedule. Then the phone call ends. Okay??? We keep waiting. Eventually it's past 315pm so we call again and this time the person on the phone says you can either keep waiting or leave and email for a refund. He spews a bunch of excuses like "someone is injured, we are on a tight schedule, we are short-staffed, etc". I simply say okay. And then at 3:24, we leave because this type of wait is unacceptable. We email for a refund and he immediately calls us to say that the instructor was there the whole time and he will not be issuing a refund. WTF? I call again and say you need to honor what you said about refunding us and he says we have to go back to the location to talk to the instructor. And I say why would I waste even more of my time returning to the location we left when you said we could just email for a refund. Then he says he is not responsible, it is through the booking site. Are you not the booking site dude? You are the owner , you can refund us but you are choosing not to because you are a scammer. He then calls me a "piece of shit" and tells us he will not refund and that we need to speak to the instructor. I keep telling him we will not go back, you can just refund us like you said you would. I then say that I have picture proof with timestamps that the instructor was not there and he says the instructor was on the street smoking the whole time because that's how things work around here. MORE LIES. First, someone is injured and you are short-staffed. Now, it turns out the instructor was here the whole time but across the street smoking??? At this point, I hang up because we are getting nowhere. Luckily I took pictures of the empty location/store we were waiting at for 30+ minutes. I have all the proof. Timestamps are included above. Do not engage with this disrespectful and scam of a business. read more

See all

Paulo was a great coach and all 3 of us caught multiple waves. Aura farming: surf lesson at Waikiki Beach, right at the Duke statue. Great time and value! read more

Kahu Surf School - Vibe - Surf Schools Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I have not had customer service like this in years. Booked a surfing lesson and called them to ask for instructions as their email doesn't include them. The guy was extremely unprofessional. He gave me a hard time just confirming my booking, and then yelled "F**K You" and hung up the phone. I canceled my booking. What kinda clowny business is this? And how do they have good reviews? read more

James was my instructor and he was great! It was my first time surfing and he helped me get on every wave (at least 4?? 5??) - you can try to prepare on land as much as you want but the best way to learn is be on the water and take every chance you can get!! read more

Jameson was cool and professional. Did a one hour 1 on 1. Affordable and was able to book last minute. Jameson helped carry me out so I could get more time on the board. Great experience. read more

**Avoid Josh as an instructor if you actually want to enjoy your surf lesson.** I booked a one-hour surf lesson in Hawaii along with a video package, and unfortunately, my experience was far from enjoyable--largely due to our instructor, Josh. First, when we arrived, Josh was completely unprepared. He had no idea we had paid for a video package and had to make several calls just to confirm it, delaying the start of our session. From the beginning, Josh was rude and dismissive. He rushed through the basics without properly explaining them and then hurried us into the water. Once in the ocean, he provided minimal guidance, barely correcting our mistakes or helping us improve. Despite the delayed start, he made sure to end the session right on time, showing no interest in making up for the lost time. He even refused to let us take pictures with the surfboard after the session. The worst part was the video transfer process. Josh insisted we come to his office to download the footage, which should have been a simple process. Instead, he made us install an app and then carelessly transferred all the videos--including footage from other people's lessons! Because of this, I wasted over an hour and a half sitting in his office just trying to get the videos I paid for--all while dealing with his continued rudeness. Yes, I learned the basics of surfing, but the experience was overshadowed by an unprofessional, disorganized instructor who clearly didn't care about providing a good experience. If you're looking for a surf lesson in Hawaii, do yourself a favor and book with someone else. read more

Honestly, I have to start by giving a major shout out and props to my instructor -Jameson- Mans need a raise for real, owner is lucky to have him as an instructor because I thought he was the owner the way he treats his clients. I was able to a book a surfing lesson last minute since another surf instructor canceled on me. So plus points to the school for having flexible times! The location I surfed at was PACKED, MAJOR SURFER TRAFFIC. That's why I want to emphasize my instructor because he made it enjoyable, and he did everything he could to get me to ride the waves. I should mention it was my first time surfing and I caught multiple waves (thanks to Jameston) Place is super friendly; family vibes, don't hesitate to book, its completly worth it! My only request to management would be to get a cuter surfboards. Aloha Thanks Team! read more

Kahu Surf School - Jameson shouting to bend my knees :D - Surf Schools Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I had an amazing experience with Kahu surfing school. I got a lesson with Nick and got drone footage as well. I used to surf but 20 years ago pre mom days and had low expectations on catching a wave. Nick was great and supportive and I was able to catch 4. The drone pilot also got great footage that I will be sharing with my kids to show them that surfing is fun and cool at any age! I wanted to immediately book another session the following week since I was in such a natural high but my arms and shoulders were sore. I will be sure to book again this year when I get back out there. Thanks Kahu surf school and Nick for making me look so cool read more

Jesse was fantastic. Kept it thorough and made sure we had a ton of fun Highly recommend read more

As a gift I got my step daughter, who was going to be visiting Hawaii, an hour surf lesson from this place, based on the reviews. However, ten minutes into the lesson, I got a text from her saying "this is a very odd experience. The guy is super angry." I messaged the company to ask to have someone call me to talk about this experience, and they replied with the owners number and asked me to call him. I did, he was very gruff and said he'd call me back. I never got a call back. However I did start getting these messages from him. There is a review, it likely will be the one before mine, from a Greta whose experience sounds very similar to my step daughter's experience. The owner started messaging me, obviously confused about who I was, saying: "As one lady put a bad review about 3 hours ago... Ask her to please post our send a picture of her booking confirmation . So we can really believe that she is telling the truth. And it is not one more harassment from competitors. If she says that one of the kids were under 12 years old. We know she lied." this is in reference to a review on Google posted on June 11th by someone named Greta. I replied with who I am and that I would like a refund for the horrible service provided. He replied "No refund... A few lot of people try to do what you are doing. Try harder. And... Harder..." The way he talks to people both over text and in person is very unprofessional. I would not recommend ruining your time in Hawaii with this miserable human. read more

Had Josh as my instructor--first time surfing. Was such a great experience. Stood up on the board every wave I rode with his help. Definitely recommend this place if you're looking to surf for your first time. read more

Fantastic Surf school. We loved our lesson with Vance! My girlfriend and I did a 2 person lesson and felt totally taken care of the entire time. Got tons of waves, focused on the fundamentals, and most importantly had fun! Can't recommend this Surf school enough read more

Kahu Surf School - Surf Schools Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

My family had a lesson with the instructor, Skylar. My sister and dad had a good experience here, and caught a substancial amount of waves. However, my experience was mediocre. I don't know if surfing is not my thing or if I was overwhelmed by the crowed beach that day. The one thing I liked about the lesson was the structure of it. The lesson begins with an on land demo. There were two main things I believe should have been covered in this demo more: turning the surfboard and how to carry the surfboard in and out of the shore. In the next part of the lesson, you go to the beach and begin catching waves. My sister was the first one to surf in our rotation. He told me to paddle out with them, so I did. I tried to turn but could not and ended up directly behind them. Skylar was irritated with me and said, "Always to the side never behind." To which I responded, "I'm sorry I can't turn." When Skylar came to help me; he seemed happier and tried to calm me down. I was able to catch a small wave, but was afraid to stand up. Later, I asked for Skylar's help with turning. I tried turning, but failed again. Overall, I did not have the best experience. I wish the surfing school had more patience with people who are not fast learners. read more

Awesome experience! Bought a private lesson for my daughters and I. We had never surfed before but our instructor Jameson made us feel comfortable and gave us all the tools we needed. He was very informative of the situations that could've come up so we weren't worried at all once we were in the water. Friendly. Even sent us restaurant recommendations once we were done. Highly recommend this surf school, especially Jameson!! read more

Absolutely phenomenal experience for a first time surfer. I went during the less busy season in the beginning of October so this review is a bit late. Our instructor Ka-ʻĀina (told us his name means 'land' I hope spelt it right) was super down to earth and we had a great time. It's a short intro inside the building and you'll be out in the water within a short period of time. If you have some board experience that's transferable, this process will go by faster. Just want to give a shout-out to Ka-ʻĀina as he made it seamless, easy and fun. He's super fast on the water and his precision/speed when he pushes you to catch a wave - immaculate. We were able to stay on the board and advance further each time while falling only the first time as he gives you extra tips each time. When the session finished, I didn't even know my knee was bleeding but Ka-ʻĀina noticed it first and asked if I was okay. Super cool dude also told us the history about the area and he literally knew all the Uncs/Aunties and just about anyone walking by. Makes you think how everyone should just slow down a little bit and enjoy the environment and company - embrace the Hawaiian way! BTW if you wear glasses, consider contacts (or glass straps) cause I had to surf blind mostly and I found out it gave me weird motion sickness (im getting old). I'm sure others are more well-prepped than I am but just a heads up. And... bone up on your swimming (using your arms only especially) as towards the end you'll be very exhausted. I'm positive the other instructors there are top-tier as well and the area is beautiful with tons of things to do. Highly recommended for first-timers and returners! *Sorry I dont have any photos - we left our phones in the locker and I still regret not taking a photo at least in front of the shop. read more

Did a quick 1 hour lesson just as a refresher with Jameson. Jameson was friendly and encouraging. Looking forward to going back to Hawaii to surf one day. Meet up location was a little confusing, convenient and walkable distance from our hotel but was a smaller not obvious office inside a residential building. Nonetheless it was a good experience overall thanks again Jameson! read more

My 9 year old daughter had a private beginner surf lesson with Skylar. He went straight into the lesson and gave examples that were simple for her to understand. We walked to the beach and off they went. She stood up many times and Skylar made sure she caught waves. She reported that he was nice and she was very happy. Overall a great teacher and representative of Kahu surf school. The only thing I would say is to make sure he introduces himself to us because I am leaving my daughter in his hands and that makes a parent a little more comfortable. read more

Ka'aina was a great teacher for my kids. He was punctual, patient, and encouraging during their lesson. Even 4 on 1, he was able to get everyone up on their first surf rides and by the end I could see them becoming surf lovers. I would highly recommend Kahu and if you're lucky get Ka'aina. The wife and I are going to check you out when we're back on the Island. Mahalo read more

Kahu Surf School - Surf Schools Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

Super easy to book online. Prices were really good and the instructor was so patient. My son had a hard time paddling out and the instructor was so helpful. First time out and my son was actually able to stand up and catch a few waves! Great place! read more

I don't know how good of a surf instructor Paolo is but based on a recent Marketplace interaction I had with him, I would not recommend dealing with him. He seems to have a chip on his shoulder and my interaction was NOT one that exemplified the Aloha Spirit. He did not meet me at the agreed upon time and I needed to followup with him to see if he would show up. He then proceeded to tried to shift the blame to me for not wanting to talk to him of the phone. I handle all my Marketplace transactions via text until I am comfortable with who I am dealing with. In any event, if you deal with Paolo from Kahu Surf School, proceed with caution. read more

Terrible experience. Instructors are good. Business owner is unethical. Find a better school in the area.

I went surfing with Kahu Surf School for the first time with Kurt and it was AMAZING. Kurt was so nice and friendly and took time out to really teach me and my girlfriend the art of surfing and aloha. Kurt was really patient with us as we were total noobs. But he made it so fun and I really would love to surf with Kurt again next time I visit Hawaii! Also if it's your first time surfing, the 1 hour surfing lesson is plenty. It may not sound like a lot but you get super tired paddling out to the waves so just a heads up! Anyways shout out to Kurt for making it an unbelievable experience! Maloha! read more

Paid for 2 hours only received one hour lesson - would not recommend -owner is rude- Attached photo of our purchase because the owner wants to act like my review isn't valid- read more

Kahu Surf School - Proof of purchase - Surf Schools Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Nick was a great instructor. He was really nice, helpful, super chill, and patient. He made surfing feel safe and fun. He carried the surfboards in and out of the water for us, which was very helpful. He also helped us paddle and turn our boards in the ocean. read more

Took a 2hr private with Paulo. I really liked his teaching style: Less talking, more doing. We wasted no time and after a short intro on what to do we hit the waves. Actually came back the next day, rented a board and hit a few waves myself. Very happy I took this lesson and the video serves as great feedback on what to improve on. Also a very memorable experience, surfing in Waikiki next to the Duke Kahanamoku statue, a surfing legend and pioneer. read more

Kahu Surf School - Surf Schools Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Everything was perfect. Kind and patient teacher, good info, worked at my pace, good rate. 100% happy. Mahalo and aloha.

Do not use these people. I paid over $100 for a video of my daughter's surf lesson. The lesson was May 30 and I still have not received it. They don't respond to emails or return phone calls. HUGE SCAM!!! read more

Paulo a great instructor. Me and my cousin had signed up for a 1 hour lesson. My cousin did great. I was not the best but I never gave up, and he never gave up on me. His guarantee of being up to stand up on the board while riding the waves does not disappoint whatsoever! I had my issues in the beginning and he gave easy-to-understand pointers on instructions on how to do better. Short intro on the basics and into the waters we go! I was expecting him to waste time with a boring safety lecture but he was quick about everything so we could maximize our money! Don't see much of that these days. If you want a good surfing experience, especially if you're brand new, Paulo is for sure the one you should go to. The next time I'm back in Waikiki I'll be sure to grab another lesson with Paulo! read more

Addy taught me everything I needed to know to have a successful first time ever surfing. After teaching me the basics, I was successfully on the water riding waves for the first time! read more

Kahu Surf School - Addy was awesome! - Surf Schools Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

If you're brand new to surfing, look no further. Hire Paulo! With decades of pro surfing experience and a no B.S. approach to teaching, you'll get much more value than the typical Waikiki surf schools nearby. Paulo rocks! He is definitely a seasoned instructor and doesn't waste time on the beach talk, talk, talking through things - his goal is to do the basics on land but get you in the water as soon as possible. Hubby and I did a semi-private lesson, so we could learn together. Paddling into the waves for the first time took some doing, and I consider myself a pretty fit person on land. The water is completely different, and Paulo did a good job demonstrating and directing every step of the way. The moment I successfully popped up onto the board after a great push from Paulo, I was hooked. The feeling of the wave carrying you and the energy within it (even in baby waves) was incredible. Paulo was skilled in telling us each what to do and when, and I feel that the semi-private lesson provided just the right amount of attention. While one of us was paddling back, the other was getting pushed into a wave. The lesson flew by but at the same time felt like time stood still. Paulo gave us enough positive feedback and constructive criticism along the way to point us in the right direction. At the end of the lesson, he gave us a good number of tips on parking nearby, the local scene, and good spots to practice. I was on cloud nine after the lesson and couldn't wait to get back out there again -- after powering down some calories at Duke's nearby. Thanks to Paulo, our first experience was incredibly positive and was just the jumpstart we needed to start practicing and getting more confident in the water. read more

Kahu Surf School - Successfully stood up :) - Surf Schools Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Terrible service. The practice surf boards were old and dirty. The place was also dirty and the kid just woke up and kept yawning the entire time he was explaining how to surf. Very unprofessional and not worth it. read more

We had such a blast. Addi was awesome. The GoPro videos turned out great. Fun for the entire family.

Our 9 yr old son had his first surf experience with instructor Jason. It was amazing! The intro lesson on land was quick and very well done. Once in the water, he was carefully supervised and well supported the entire time. He stood up on the first try! Then caught several more waves with Jason's expert help. Our son said Jason was very nice and encouraging. From the shore I saw loads of high fives out there! Hands down, this was a great Hawaiian experience! I recommend Kahu Surf School for anyone of any age or skill level looking to get on a surfboard in Waikiki. Mahalo, Jason! read more

My bf and I had an hour surf lesson with Preston who taught me how to ride my first wave! Initially I was a little disappointed in myself for not being able to get it down but after about maybe 4-5 tries, and switching to Preston's board which is wider and grippier, I was able to ride a wave all the way through! I rode approximate 3-4 really good ones and that was satisfying. Preston was supportive, calm, and patient the entire lesson and I appreciated that as a first time learner/surfer. Wonderful experience with him. He also helped my bf (self taught and never had formal lessons) by giving him pointers such as pumping with your front foot and when to ride the wave. We also got lucky with some amazing waves today! Lots of fun! read more

Had a lesson with Ka'aina with me and my girlfriend today. He was great and had awesome energy. My girlfriend was a little nervous to surf but he made her feel relaxed and had great fun! Highly recommend! read more

Did not enjoy my experience. The guy was pushy and unpleasant. He kept criticizing me for being slow and yelled at me when I messed up.

Paulo has a great program and is tailored to his students skill level. My son (21) and I (56) were given the basics on the sand then off to catch some waves.... and we did catch waves. Paulo is straight forward and makes sure to let you know what you are doing right and wrong. His style of teaching is guaranteed to make you remember the proper steps to ride surf on your own. Highly recommend this school. read more

See all

Great lesson for the twins. Highly recommend using Kahu. Patient and super friendly for first time surfers

This is our first time in Hawaii. My daughter she wants to Surf so we did enroll her at Kahu Surf School. Our trainer Noam he handles the kids very well and she had a great time. We will be back to see you guys again. read more