When our surf instructor became unavailable, we asked for recommendations and were referred to…read moreMickey's, which came highly recommended. We reached out via text, and Mickey responded promptly the same day. Although he was not available for our session, we had the opportunity to observe him teaching two children, likely around 8-9 years old, and were very impressed. Both kids were confidently riding their own surfboards, and Mickey filmed their entire session--creating what appeared to be incredible footage while still delivering an engaging and supportive lesson. Based on what we observed, he clearly provides a memorable and high-quality experience. We look forward to having our own children take lessons with him in the future.

Found Mickey's surf school on Yelp. I texted him for availability after researching a bunch of…read moreother schools. I wanted my two kids to have semi private lessons but all the other schools required kids to be over 13 for semi private lessons. We texted back and forth a few times before we settled on a date and time that worked for everyone. It was a busy week since we were there Thanksgiving week. We paid via PayPal and met on Waikiki beach. He was a bit late since he had trouble finding parking. Mickey had the kids practice some moves on land and wax the boards before paddling out. 90 minutes for $100 each student plus $30 for videos. He paddled them forward with the waves and told them when to stand. The kids had a blast. The videos from his go pro were amazing! A totally rad experience that the kids will remember forever. Mickey was great with the kids. He is super friendly and sang a bunch of songs to them. We highly recommend him. Be sure your kid is comfortable in the water and knows how to swim well. You can find him right behind the famous Surfer statute on Waikiki beach with the colorful umbrella. Fun fact- he taught the k pop group Twice to surf and met Ronny Cheng and Simu. Super

It was our first time surfing and we were comfortable and had so much fun…read more Coach and the entire team was amazing. I was the oldest in the group (including my kids) and Coach and Ryan were super attentive and ensured that I didn't get hurt and enjoyed myself. The team promoted connection that made the entire group of first time surfers and total strangers comfortable and supporting each other. From the time we checked in until the check out, every staff member was friendly and professional.

My kids decided they wanted surf lessons while we were in Oahu, and I didn't hear back from most…read moreplaces I reached out to since they can book out months in advance. Ohana Surf Project was the exception--they got back to me within an hour and were able to set up private 1:1 lessons for each of my kids the very next day! If you don't see availability online, definitely try calling--they are really accommodating. The whole experience itself was really organized. When we signed up, they collected shirt and shoe sizes - and when we arrived, rash guards and water shoes were already set out for the kids in a bin (you can also rent a wetsuit top for $10). After gearing up, they watched a short instructional video, then everyone hopped on a school bus to head to the beach. They take you away from the crowd to a more private area (which feels rare for Waikiki). It made the whole experience a lot more relaxed. Sean was an amazing instructor--super patient and great with the kids. Overall just a really smooth and fun experience. I highly recommend booking with them! Oh! We also prepaid to have photos taken. The kids had lessons on Wednesday afternoon and we received photos/videos the next day at 11am (about ~80 total between photos and videos).

I was put in an odd spot. Surely not in my comfort zone…read more You see, a friend from Japan came to Hawaii and when asked what he wanted to do, surfing came up. As a local boy born and raised in Oahu, I'm embarrassed by the fact that I cannot swim. Surfing clearly out of the picture. I used to work in the Japanese tour agency many blue moons ago where I recall a surfing school that offers surfing lessons. My friend already knows how to surf so I didn't think this was for him so I asked one of my physical therapists who surfs regularly. He introduced me to a surfing school that's at Ala Moana Beach where I was given their website, which is also available in Japanese. I forwarded the information to my friend prior to his arrival to Honolulu where he didn't jump at it and said he'd think about it. On his arrival I drove him to his hotel on Kalakaua Ave and upon check in we saw a rack of surfboards nearby where I asked if they were rentals. The staff advised the boards belong to the in-house guests who were keeping them as storage while not in use. When asked about rentals, the front desk staff advised us to inquire with Moku Hawaii (MH) as their rates are 1/2 to what the businesses are asking for across the street on the beach. MH has been in business since 1985 where they hail from Japan. They started off as a clothing company but transitioned over to a surf shop offering surf lesson and rental business. We walked over and soon found MH, which is on the 1F at the corner of Koa Ave and Uluniu Ave. We were greeted by a friendly, young female staff who welcomed us and answered our multiple questions. With its locality, reasonable rates and customer service, my friend liked MH and decided to look no further. While checking out their inventory, my friend noticed hard boards and was hoping for soft boards. The staff guided us to those soft boards where it's available in either long or short. You will need to complete their rental form which to our surprise is quite flexible. For example, you can initially request for a 2 hr package but in the event you go overcast, you just pay the difference of $5, which is the price difference between 2 hr course and the next course of up to 4 hrs. MH gives back to the community as they sponsor multiple local keiki surf contests. That's so awesome. So, if you should be in a bind where someone asks you for a surf school in Waikiki, look no further and guide them to MH. We were surprisingly impressed with their surf shop and their amazing customer service. They open from 6am and close at 8pm

This local surfboard rental shop is the best in Waikiki by some distance. Their rates are…read moreincredible: I rented for nearly a week for around $100 with the ability to swap boards and ride for as long as I wanted each day (they close at 8PM!). You really won't find better value anywhere. Their board selection is great and their staff is knowledgeable in helping you select a surfboard to suit your experience and style. I even spotted a few of their staff in the lineup at Canoes during their lunch break. And their location one block from Kalakaua Avenue makes it a most convenient way to maximize your enjoyment surfing the legendary Waikiki waves. If you're like me and don't like flying with your surfboard, Moku Hawaii is an easy choice.

What a blast! I chose Big Wave Dave's based on the reviews and the choice was spot on. John Paul…read morewas easy to work with and guided us novices through everything! Easy peasy. Took a guy out who never really went in the ocean, and I think we won't ever get him out after this experience! The feeling once you know you caught that wave is exhilarating. John Paul's guidance made sure we caught every wave! Highly recommend

Do not buy their Groupon, it has blackout dates that include most of the year. Better off looming…read moresomewhere else for a good deal on surface lessons.

I signed up my 8 year old for his first surf lesson with Gone Surfing and the experience was…read moreamazing. I will totally recommened this company, they are very professional. They also got us some amazing photos and videos of him surfing. He had lot of fun and cant wait to go back again surfing with them.

Great instructors. Tommy and Dev were friendly, professional and so patient! It was great having a…read morephotographer there to catch my two daughters getting up during our first surfing lesson ever! We highly recommend this company!

Over the past four years, my family and I have returned to Kimo at Hawaii Surf Guru, and each…read morelesson has been so much more than just learning to surf. Kimo isn't simply teaching techniques he's sharing profound wisdom that stays with you long after you leave the water. From our very first session, Kimo has had this incredible way of relating the ocean's waves to life's challenges. He teaches you not just how to read the waves and ride them, but how to face obstacles with patience, resilience, and grace. When things get tough out there, he reminds you to stay calm, go with the flow, and trust that the right wave will come if you keep pushing forward. Those lessons have helped me conquer fears, build confidence, and approach problems in everyday life with a new perspective. Kimo's aloha spirit is genuine and infectious. He's patient, encouraging, and truly cares about each person he teaches. We've watched our skills grow tremendously over the years, but more importantly, we've grown as people because of his guidance. Hawaii Surf Guru feels like ohana now and coming back feels like coming home. Mahalo to the awesome little surfer girl for our memorable videoes. Mahalo nui loa, Kimo you're a gift to everyone lucky enough to learn from you. We'll be back soon!

Free parking lot for 6 hours and if you follow the lagoon, it'll lead straight to the Grand…read moreWaikikian Hotel. By 8/9 pm, the entire lagoon clears out and it's empty. Private beach to yourself with beautiful weather.

Yogi was super helpful and our instructor was awesome My…read morekids loved it Will be going again

Decided on a whim to book a private surf lesson at Star Beachboys. So happy I did this. Danny was…read moremy teacher and did an amazing job. We practiced first on the grass before hitting the waves. While in the water Danny was great and gave me all the necessary cues and cheered me on. I was his best student of the day per him (first student hahahah). He was a great time and I had a blast!!!

Aloha ! Kahala Beach is a serene, upscale, and uncrowded…read morebeach located in Honolulu, Oahu, offering a peaceful alternative to nearby Waikiki. It's Known for its calm waters, soft sand, and stunning views of Koko Head, this spot is ideal for families, swimming, and relaxing and when I tell you I napped like a newborn baby after swimming in the ocean , mahalo Hawaii , I'll definitely be back .

I remembered as a kid, I used to catch the bus with my friend and go to the Kahala Beach Park to…read moreswim, & hang out. One of my favorite childhood memories was to go on this wooden platform that was located near the Kahala Hilton, as we used to jump off/dive off the wooden platform. The beach doesn't appeared to have changed much over the years, as I find the beach relatively clean, and not too crowded. There are is a parking lot leading into the beach park, restrooms, & a covered picnic area with picnic tables. The beach park is a great place to hold picnics, as it's not as busy as other beach parks in town. I have to admit, don't come to the Kahala Beach Park as often as I used to, ever since the passing of my beloved Makana, but it's still a very nice place to visit once in a while.