My wife and I went with our two oldest and told them beforehand that Mom was the most likely to actually catch a wave, and the rest of us should just have fun. Enter Esiah, our awesome instructor. He went through all the basics for us very green beginners, and emphasized the importance of looking straight ahead (and hula hands, which are now a family staple as we describe to people how to surf). The four of us went out in the water with Esiah, and we ALL FOUR caught waves, even me (who was definitely least likely). Esiah was awesome: complimentary, enthusiastic, and giving us feedback as my wife and I kept coming back to fall off again. Thanks to his awesome teaching, timing, and patience we had a blast, and my wife and I ended the day taking waves all the way to shore where we promptly had our boards run into our shins. Awesome memory, and we look forward to going out again. read more

We used KSS 2.5 years ago to learn how to surf- amazingly, even with ALL of the doubt! We were recently able to bring our 3 boys back, 14, 11, and 7 years old. We had Essyia (no idea how to spell his name) as the instructor for our boys. He was very patient and basic with the instruction for the boys. He made sure they understood the dry land training before going to the water. He helped each one of them ride a few waves. The younger two definitely got worn out pretty quickly. It was our first day there and our lessons started at noon so there could have been a couple of factors for them wearing down. But, I have to say, the youngest one has a Gtube so we were a little worried about him trying this. He did great! Nothing slows that kid down...well maybe an hour of surfing slows him down some. Very thankful for these guys helping our boys have this experience ! ‍ read more

See all

My kids and I had a great time learning the basics of surfing. Esiah made us feel very comfortable and was an awesome teacher. I would highly recommend Kauai Surf School. read more

Hundred percent a great experience with Kauai Surf school. I booked them online after seeing the good reviews on Yelp and Google. The process of booking was easy, and I was able to find a slot for the next day. Classes happen only until noon, So be sure to book accordingly. I arrived on time, but it was a little hard finding the location and as a result I was a little late and panicked but the instructors put me right at ease . You basically park, near the hotel car park and then walk to the grounds towards the beach , where on the corner, you will see a small hut for the surf school. The class started with some land instructions, and then we whizzed off to the water. The instructor was extremely good at teaching and very supportive. He kept us engaged and made a point to talk in between , so that we could catch our breath and recuperate a bit before we went for another round .He also pushed us when needed and gave tidbits on what could be better next time .The class was phenomenal, and I would highly recommend them to anyone who is looking to learn surfing or just sharpen their skills. read more

We didn't have the experience others did. The teachers didn't really pay much attention to what my son was doing and he floated away from the group without anyone noticing. He got hit with multiple big waves and I took him out of the water and we left. Let the desk staff know what was going on but not much was said. read more

The Kauai Surf Shop is great! And mason is awesome!!!! With great instruction my wife and I were able to surf until the lesson ended. Keep up the great work mason! Good luck on your surveying journey! read more

Great first time surfing experience. Our instructor, Elijah ( i probably got the name wrong) was awesome. Taught us the basics and I was able to get half way up on thr board finally. Lol. I definitely recommend this place and the prices are very reasonable compared to other places! read more

Just had my first swim lesson ever today at the KSS. Husband was golfing and I decided to jump in the 10am class with three others. Mason was our instructor and he was so nice, calm, and friendly. Very good at teaching us beginners! Also very encouraging and kept cheering us on while still keeping us safe. I HIGHLY recommend you check out KSS while on the island, and ask for Mason! read more

Kauai Surf School - First time and so much fun! - Surf Schools Near Me

Amazing experience. Our guide Mason was super helpful and gave a great lesson. He made it fun and relaxed for me and my two sons who are 9 and 12. At the end of the lesson we all rode together on a "party wave!" Would highly recommend for individuals and/or families, they're great. read more

See all

Family vacation was completed with a surf lesson Curren was amazing with our teenagers he was very understanding and encouraging with the teens especially with one of the teens that had a disability he had an amazing experience and I'm thankful we had curren as an instructor read more

We had a great experience with the Kauai Surf School. The instructor was polished and patient in his instruction, and was clearly an expert. The lesson started on land where we practiced getting from laying down on the board to standing. Then we moved to the water. The instructor had a spot where we all worked towards, and he'd hold us until he saw a good wave coming. Then he'd let us go and yell at us to stand at the optimum time. After we finished the ride we'd work our way back to him and he'd provide helpful feedback. The system worked really well. read more

Kauai Surf School - Surf Schools Near Me

The owner had come in HOT and confronted my son because he had a hard time carrying the surf board to the designated surfing location after practicing on the grass area. He shared that the boards were his tools of his trade which I can respect. He was angry and aggressive and basically wanted to know if he wanted to participate or not on the spot. It was all good prior to this moment.... As a parent I thought there were a plethora of ways to have better handled the situation instead of confronting my son dead on. He could have came to me to address the issue which would have been more fruitful. My son declined the lesson after this confrontation. read more

My sons and I had fun learning how to surf. Our instructor was Mason. He was very patient and encouraging as we are total beginners. It was a bit crowded at the 2:00 lesson but still we had a great time. Parking is by the dead end street near the Sheraton. Then follow the signs to the little hut near the Kiahuna Plantation Resort. read more

We had a large group of first timers ranging from 7 to 50+ and could not have asked for a better experience. Jerad gave the land lesson and did and amazing job putting everyone at ease and getting us ready to have fun. He was really detailed and found ways to relate with things the group was familiar with. Kernen joined him for the water portion and both were very attentive with instructions, tips, and watching for everyone's safety. Everyone was able to catch some wave and supper happy after. We took a lesson at Hanalei later that week because the swells were too big in the south and the instructor we had was total opposite of Jerod and Kernen. I might now have the guys name exactly right (sorry guys) but judging from the other reviews, this business hires and keeps top instructors. read more

We had a great lesson with Steve of KSS. He was thorough, great with the kids, professional, and had all of us surfing by the middle of the 90 minute lesson. Will definitely return. read more

I had an awesome lesson and learned a ton. Steve was an excellent, patient instructor. We thoroughly went over the basics on dry land for a good chunk of time before diving in. And while doing that in the water is a different ballgame altogether, I had a good time trying. read more

Esiah was the best! He was chill, kind, patient, and never made you feel dumb! 10/10 would do surfing lessons with him! It's not easy but it sure is fun! read more

Absolutely fantastic! The instructors were clear and precise in their instruction. We were with a great group made up of various ages who had never surfed. The instructors showed patience and celebrated each participant. Kauai Surf School is the best on the island. read more

We had Steve as our instructor. He gave us like a 10 minute instruction then took us in the water. He was very impatient, and the never surfed group, was obviously not what he wanted to deal with. The location was great, but we were very rushed on everything. He almost was angry at those of us that didn't instantly pick it up. I would maybe try it again, but with a different instructor. read more

Great surf lesson. The instructor was really friendly and a great teacher. Reasonable prices, They take you out to a nice beach with decent waves, not too big for a beginner. I would definitely recommend this place. read more

Took a lesson with Curran and he is amazing. Everyone in our group (3) was able to surf. He gives simple instructions and breaks it down so I was able to get up and ride the waves to the shore. If you're considering surf lessons, book a session with Curran, you won't regret it! read more

This place was such an unexpected surprise for our trip to Kauai! Such a fun experience. Jared was our instructor and he was awesome. We did the group lesson which was only four people. I'm in my 40s and was a little bit hesitant to try this but my eight-year-old really wanted to do it! So glad we did!! It was both of our first times surfing. The class started by some dryland instruction and then into the water you go. Everybody in our group got up and was riding waves. The instruction was excellent and I definitely feel like we could rent boards another day ourself and transfer the skills and know what we are doing. The beach that they taught the surf lesson was beautiful, it was one beach down from Poipu beach, we walked over there after our lesson for some swimming and snorkeling. Added bonus there was a playgroup too. This surf shop Also had other water items that you could rent for the day (boogie boards, snorkels etc). They sold sunscreen, snacks and drinks. read more

See all

Kat and Chad hooked us up! Took care of me and the Fam real nice. Great people to work with.

It was fun I took the trio class from thE first time Kyle very cool guy help me stood up and catch sone waves And Jesse was for the next 2 day what I can say ?!!! He was great as well he start to teach me how to read the ocean and see the waves cominG and catching waves by my own without having him pushing me I really recommend this school a big cheers for jesse and Kyle you are the best read more

This place can be a bit difficult to find, and parking is a premium! You need to have great mojo and follow the foot path through the sea of holiday rentals. You'll arrive at the beach shack. My sister got a great refresher course here from Alan. He was awesome! Funny, easygoing, just what beginners need. The class was small, four peeps. And it was an amazing experience. You're in a small bay with easy surf, great for learning. And it seemed like everyone in her class got up on the board. I will definitely be booking my next lesson here on my next visit in a few months. Thank you Kauai surf school for making this a great experience for every one! We all loved it and it was a great time we'll be talking about at all the family get togethers! Mahalo! :D read more

Kauai Surf School - Here's da spot! Mahalo! - Surf Schools Near Me

Great instructor, really wanted you to succeed in catching waves. Nice location with pretty smooth landing. Great place to learn the art of surfing! read more

Surfing was awesome with Kauai surf school! Our instructor was brilliant. Every person he taught was able to get up about 90% of the time! They lend you rash guards if you want. I think the whole thing was only an hour and a half even though I thought it was 2 hours. Overall I would definitely recommend if you have never surfed! All I wish is that we surfed longer and had bigger waves! read more

Kauai Surf School - Surf Schools Near Me

Fabulous experience! Curran was incredible, passionate, and very patient. I was in a group of 3 other people and all of us were surfing by the end of the 1.5 hr lesson. Definitely recommend this school! Everyone In my group had a great time and there was a great camaraderie amongst the group. Thanks Curran!!! read more

5 stars: - Great instructors. We took the 3-day surf camp and had kyle for two days, alan for one. - Military discount. Our 3-day surf camp was only $150 per person. - Free trucker hats :) Even though I look fobby with mine on, I still love wearing it because it's a reminder of our awesome trip. - Great location. If you're staying at Sheraton, you can very easily walk down. - The way they teach will have you up in one lesson...unlike Oahu, where I took my first classes, they don't have you go up to your knees (the falling leaf of surfing). Each lesson is about an hour or so. Yes, you can "free surf" for longer. I can guarantee you that you won't want to - especially if the water is chopping (our was for 2/3 days). Tips: They provide a rash guard. This is important. You should also wear shorts or swim tights if possible. Water shoes are KEY as the rocks can be sharp. The hardest part of surfing is getting back out into the waves. On day 3, I realized that if the instructor was standing out there...I should be able to walk/float my board closer to him. This saved me a ton of energy. And if you like your instructor, TIP the man! Kauai is expensive as hell. People don't get paid well. Just sayin' read more

First off, what an amazing place to have the check in office. The neighboring resort has a fabulous yard that you and your group can hang out on while surfing/body boarding. Our instructor was really great, he was patient and helpful as we learned on land and in the water how best to "ride a wave." We got a couple in, but more lessons are required. When we go back, we will certainly be back for more surf lessons! read more

Kauai Surf School - The main check in desk and viewing lawn. - Surf Schools Near Me

Steve was great. He was good with the kids. The kids had a great time. I would recommend this surf school.

Curren (or instructor) was amazing!! We are beginners and have done a few surf schools in the past but this was by far the best! Curren was energetic and enthusiastic about our surfing. He tried to get us as many waves as possible. The class is groups of 4 which was perfect for catching the wave and then paddling back out. The instruction was on point and we all ended up catching and riding so many waves!! To my surprise! Curren celebrated us every single wave and when we fell off, he gave us pointers for the next one. Best class we've ever done! Would highly recommend. read more

Kauai Surf School - Surf Schools Near Me

Kauai Surf School is fantastic, especially great for anyone staying in the Poipu area. The instructors grew up surfing and know their stuff. Curren and Jared are awesome-friendly, fun and encouraging. Kiahuna beach hands down is the best place to learn. You begin with a land lesson to get your fundamentals down, then have an hour in the water. It's good for plenty of waves! You'll be up and surfing in no time! read more

We had a great experience here. The instructors were friendly and positive. It was awesome to see my kid's experience surfing for the first time! read more

Kauai Surf School was awesome. The owner is a super nice guy who fit us in on short notice when another surf school cancelled on us, and gave our son a great lesson. Our son had a great time, caught a bunch of waves, and we can't wait to return! read more

Never in my mind have I ever thought of doing this. Our instructor, Allen, was the best and the price was really worth it. He was very nice and patient as all three of us (GIRLS) were first timers. This school is awesome. there's no better place doing this other than here in Hawaii. Thank you very much! read more

Kauai Surf School - Surf Schools Near Me

The people were awesome, the beach was great, I was able to catch the first wave and ride to beach thanks to our fantastic instructor Kyle. Totally recommend it! It can't be beat :) read more

This was, hands down, the best experience of our trip to Kauai....no question. I was a bit apprehensive when the hotel made the arrangements for us that we'd end up getting one of those hardcore surfers that want nothing to do with our haole townie type, but I couldn't be more wrong. Sure, the guys were clearly avid surfers, but they were welcoming and friendly and super supportive of my 11 year-old daughter. No bad vibes at all.. Jared (sp?) was her private instructor and was super helpful and cheered her on throughout the whole lesson. She got up on the board several times and had some real good rides. She had a blast, and we had a blast watching and cheering from shore. Next up!? Banzai Pipeline....Mahalo nui, Kauai Surf School!!! read more

This place has earned its star rating for a reason. My husband and I both had a little prior surfing experience, but our instructor (sorry I don't remember his name) was a great teacher. We caught multiple successful waves and felt confident enough to try surfing on our own a few days later (and were successful too). This beach really is the perfect place to learn. The waves are manageable and there aren't too many people in the water to navigate around. I would highly recommend Kauai Surf School to anyone visiting the island. read more

Instructor was patient and had lots of knowledge it was a group class but you didn't feel like you were ignored an hour and a half was well worth the money and well worth the time had a lot of fun enjoyed the beach enjoyed the lesson read more