Introduction
Surf lessons on Maui, Kaua’i and the Big Island are offered in group, semi-private and private formats.
It sets how many students share your instructor. On several of these pages it also sets how young a child in your group can be.
Blue Hawaiian Activities books twelve surf lessons across these three islands. Seven are on Kaua’i, three on the Big Island and two on Maui.
The question worth settling first is whether the private lesson buys anything the group lesson does not, and only two of these schools publish the ratio that would answer it.
Key Takeaways
- Blue Hawaiian Activities books twelve surf lessons on Maui, Kaua’i and the Big Island.
- Where published, group lessons run 4 students per instructor, while private lessons are one-on-one.
- At Poipu Beach the smaller formats take children from age 5.
- Four of the twelve pages state a swimming requirement.
- Lesson length runs 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Group, semi-private or private, and what each ratio means
Two schools publish their ratios, and they match each other.
At Hanalei on Kaua’i, the group lesson is 4 students per instructor in a mixed group. The semi-private is 3 students per instructor and the page states it is your group only.
The private is 1 student per instructor.
Kona on the Big Island follows a similar structure. Its group lesson states four students per instructor, and its semi-private states two to three.
The Kona private page describes itself as the format for surfers working on skills and for hesitant beginners, which differs from the family-focused description of the semi-private lesson.
Poipu Beach and East Kaua’i state no ratio on any of their pages. If class size is an important factor, ask before booking.
The age floor moves with the format
This is the part that catches families out, and it moves school by school.
At Poipu Beach on Kaua’i the pattern is clean.
The group lesson states a minimum age of 8. The semi-private and the private both state a minimum age of 5.
A six year old can surf at Poipu, but only in the smaller format.
All three Poipu pages state a maximum weight of 225lbs.
On Maui, the Learn To Surf class in Kihei states that ages 11 and under must take a semi-private class with their family, or a private lesson. Same principle, stated as a rule rather than as two age floors.
Age requirements vary by lesson format in Kona as well. The group lesson states a minimum age of 10, while younger children may require a private lesson. Check the individual activity page for current age requirements.
Kaua’i has seven of the twelve
Kaua’i carries more of this catalogue than the other two islands combined.
The Hanalei school sits on the north shore at Hanalei Bay. Its pages run 90 minutes, Monday to Saturday, with classes operating between 7:30am and 1:30pm. It describes itself as a multi-generational Native Hawaiian owned and operated surf school, and every student is provided a soft-top surfboard, a leash and a rash guard.
Poipu Beach sits on the south shore and runs a different clock.
All three Poipu lessons are 1.5 hours, every day at 8:00am, 10:00am, 12:00pm and 2:00pm. The structure is a land lesson and demonstration followed by an hour in the water with the instructor.
Soft surfboards, booties and a rash guard are provided.
East Kaua’i Surf Lessons runs 1.5 hour lessons daily. Its page offers both group and private formats without giving separate pricing or duration for either, so the desk confirms which you are booking.
The Big Island runs two-hour lessons
The three Kona lessons are 2 hours, matching the Kihei class on Maui as the longest stated in this set, and they run daily at 7am, 9:15am, 11:30am and 2pm.
The school provides its own boards and rash guards across all three formats, and the Kona private lesson is the one it points hesitant beginners at.
The group lesson lists $142.60 for a traveler aged 11 and over, which is the only other price published in this set.
Maui has two, and one of them is private only
Maui carries the smallest share, and the two are quite different.
The Kihei class runs 2 hours, Monday to Friday at 8am, 10am and 12pm, with Saturday sessions as well. It provides surfboards, reef shoes and lycra surf guards, and offers yoga or surf pants for women on request.
The page notes a variety of board sizes for children, adults and surfers with experience.
The Private Lahaina Surf Lesson is one on one with an instructor for 1.5 hours, including a surfboard, rash guard and surf shoes.
That page states a guarantee, that you will stand up, catch a wave and leave the beach as a certified surfer. Blue Hawaiian Activities points nervous first-timers at that one, on the strength of the one-to-one ratio.
Swimming, and which pages actually ask
All surf lessons require guests to have a basic level of comfort in the water. Some individual activity pages also state specific swimming requirements.
The Private Lahaina page states that guests must be able to swim on their own, while the Kihei page states that all surfers must be able to swim. The Kona group and semi-private lessons also specifically note swimming ability in their requirements.
Guests who have concerns about swimming ability or comfort in the ocean should check with Blue Hawaiian Activities before booking.
For flat-water practice before a lesson, our guide to stand-up paddle and watersports on O’ahu covers the calmer alternative.
Choosing between the three islands
Kaua’i has the largest selection, with lessons available in Hanalei, Poipu and East Kaua’i. Options include group, semi-private and private lessons.
On the Big Island, the Kona lessons run two hours and include group, semi-private and private options.
Maui offers lessons in Kihei and Lahaina, including group and private instruction.
The best option will depend on where you are staying, the ages and experience levels in your group, and whether you prefer a group or more personalized lesson.
Already on O’ahu? Our roundup of beginner surf lessons on O’ahu covers that island separately.
Conclusion
Surf lessons on Maui, Kaua’i and the Big Island offer options for a range of ages, experience levels and group sizes. Choosing the right lesson comes down to your group, preferred location and whether group, semi-private or private instruction is the best fit.
Ready to get in the water? Book your Hawaii surf lesson with Blue Hawaiian Activities and our island concierges can help you find the right option for your group.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best surf lesson on Kaua’i for a first-timer?
Kaua’i offers several options for first-time surfers in Hanalei, Poipu and East Kaua’i. Group lessons can be a good choice for beginners, while semi-private or private lessons provide more personalized instruction. The right option will depend on your age, comfort level and preferred location.
How young can a child start surfing in Hawaii?
Age requirements vary by lesson and format. Some of the surf lessons offered by Blue Hawaiian Activities accommodate children as young as 5 with private or semi-private instruction, while group lessons may have higher minimum ages. Check the individual activity requirements when booking with younger children.
How many students share an instructor in a Hawaii surf lesson?
Class size varies by surf school and lesson type. At Hanalei and Kona, group lessons have up to 4 students per instructor. Semi-private lessons have smaller ratios, while private lessons provide one-on-one instruction. If class size is important to your group, confirm the ratio for your specific lesson before booking.
Do you need to know how to swim for a surf lesson in Hawaii?
All surf lessons require a basic level of comfort in the water, and some have specific swimming requirements. Guests who are not confident swimmers or have concerns about being in the ocean should check the requirements for their selected lesson before booking.
How much do surf lessons cost on Maui, Kaua’i and the Big Island?
All surf lessons require a basic level of comfort in the water, and some have specific swimming requirements. Guests who are not confident swimmers or have concerns about being in the ocean should check the requirements for their selected lesson before booking.
How much do surf lessons cost on Maui, Kaua’i and the Big Island?
Surf lesson prices vary by island, location and whether you choose a group, semi-private or private lesson. Check the individual activity page for current pricing, or contact Blue Hawaiian Activities for help finding an option that fits your group.
