Last Updated on January 4, 2026
Surfing Waikiki Beach sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? On a recent family vacation to Oahu, Hawaii, I had it on my bucket list to catch a wave while in the Aloha State.
No one in my family had ever surfed before, including me, but we thought it would be an exciting Hawaiian experience. Waikiki is known for its gentle waves and beginner-friendly surf spots. We even questioned whether Waikiki surf lessons were necessary or if we could just rent a board on the beach and figure it out on our own.
We ended up testing both options and here’s how it went.
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Our Family’s First Time Surfing Waikiki
I was fairly certain I wanted to take surf lessons on Waikiki Beach because it would save me time and frustration – I wanted to do it right, right from the start. My husband, Ryan, wasn’t convinced lessons were necessary. And our kids, ages 20, 18, and 15 decided they didn’t want a lesson – they’d rather just give it a go on their own. In the end, Ryan and I signed up for a 1-hour lesson from the Kahu Surf School in Waikiki.
Our Waikiki Surf Lesson
We met our instructor, Ethan, at 7:30 a.m. at the surf school, a couple blocks from Waikiki Beach. Ethan was 18 years old and had just finished his first year of college. I couldn’t help but wonder what he thought about two 50-year-olds attempting to surf for the first time!
After going over basic technique and safety at their office, we walked to Waikiki Beach. We paddled out into the water ready to take on the waves. When Ethan spotted a good wave coming our way, he’d give our boards a push and tell us to start paddling our arms.
Our first couple attempts to pop up were total flops, but eventually we each started to get the hang of it. By the end, both of us managed to stand, balance, and ride a wave a couple times. It was exhilarating!
The hour flew by. We each only got about six chances to catch a wave, but it was worth it.
Our Kids’ Experience with DIY Surfing
Our three kids opted to skip surf lessons and just rent boards from a surf shack right on the beach. (Turns out it would have been waaaay cheaper to rent surf boards a block or two off the beach. Discover more money-saving tips in our post: Hawaii on a Budget.)
Getting up on the board was tough, and staying up was even tougher. Even after we taught them some tips from our lesson, they struggled to catch a wave. In the end, they were a bit disappointed. They had fun trying, but without the guidance of an instructor, they never quite got the full “surfing Waikiki” moment.
Why We Recommend Waikiki Surf Lessons
Looking back, Ryan and I are so glad we splurged on surf lessons. If you’re a beginner, here’s why we think they’re 100% worth it:
- Proper instruction saves time and frustration. Our instructor explained things clearly and showed us exactly what to do.
- The right equipment matters. The boards provided during our Hawaii surf lesson were larger and more stable than the ones you typically rent, which made it easier to stand up.
- Extra support in the water. Having someone out there to guide us to the right waves and give us a little boost made all the difference.
If it’s your first time surfing Waikiki – or surfing at all – don’t skip the lesson. Surfing was a bucket-list experience for me, and I would’ve been really disappointed if I never got up on the board.
Tips for Booking Surf Lessons on Waikiki Beach
If we’ve convinced you to go the surf lesson route – here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Book in advance. We booked our lesson two days ahead, but surf lessons on Waikiki Beach are popular, especially during busy travel seasons.
- Many surfing schools offer small group and private lessons. A private one-on-one lesson is great, but small group options work well for families (if you can convince your kids!)
- Consider a 1.5 or 2-hour lesson. The time went by fast, and I would’ve liked a couple more attempts. If your schedule and budget allow, opt for a longer session – it’s worth it for the extra practice.
- Go early in the day. The waves are calmer, and the beach is less crowded. Later in the day, Waikiki Beach gets packed with surfers – some experienced, some not. In fact, Ryan and I both had to jump off our boards mid-ride to avoid other surfers who cut in front of us.
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard if you have one. It’s not necessary to wear a rash guard, but Ryan did notice he was starting to get a rash on his stomach after surfing.
Our Takeaway
As it turns out, surfing Waikiki is totally achievable at 50 – with lessons, a good instructor and the right board. At any age, if surfing is on your bucket-list, go for it. And be sure to book a lesson so you can enjoy the experience of riding your very first wave in Waikiki. Click here for our full 10-day Hawaii itinerary!
Have you ever surfed in Waikiki? Did you take lessons beforehand? Tell us in the comments. We’d love to hear from you!
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