Private & Semi-Private Surf Lessons in Waikiki
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 55 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private & Semi-Private Surf Lessons in Waikiki worth booking?
Private & Semi-Private Surf Lessons in Waikiki is a 2-hour experience in Oahu, United States, from $119 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 55 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 71 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (55)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $119 per person
REAL WAVES - AND MORE OF THEM! We’ll take you to the real lineup where the best and longest waves happen. REAL SURF INSTRUCTION. Ty Gurney Surf School has the lowest student-to-teacher ratios anywhere in Waikiki. We boo
What you get
About this experience
REAL WAVES - AND MORE OF THEM! We’ll take you to the real lineup where the best and longest waves happen. REAL SURF INSTRUCTION. Ty Gurney Surf School has the lowest student-to-teacher ratios anywhere in Waikiki. We book no more than 2 students per instructor to ensure that every minute of your time with us is spent riding waves and learning to surf. SAFETY FOCUSED. We put safety first without sacrificing fun! All instructors maintain current CPR, Ocean Lifeguard, and First Aid Certifications. Our team’s experience and expertise as both individual surfers and professional surf instructors ensures that you’ll be surfing and learning with the best.
What's included
Included
- A safe place to store your belongings
- Rash Guard Shirt
- Lots of waves and tons of fun with some of the best surf instructors in Hawaii!
- Introductory land lesson to review basic skills and water safety
- Surfboard
Not included
- Gratuity (optional)
- Photos & videos (optional - must be booked in advance)
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Oahu
We are right next to Denny's restaurant across the street from the Halekulani Hotel.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We are right next to Denny's restaurant across the street from the Halekulani Hotel.
Options you can book
Private Surf Lesson (2hr)
Duration: 2 hours All ages & abilities
Semi-Private Lesson (2hr)
Duration: 2 hours Requirements: All participants of our semi-private lesson must 13 years or older and able to swim.
Semi-Private Lesson (1hr)
Duration: 1 hour Requirements: All participants of our semi-private lesson must 15 years or older and able to swim.
Private Surf Lesson (1hr)
Duration: 1 hour All ages & abilities
Ali'i Private Surf Lesson(1hr)
Ali'i Private Lesson: Your instructor will tow you to the lineup after each wave.
Ali'i Private Surf Lesson(2hr)
Duration: 2 hours Ali'i Private Lesson: Your instructor will tow you to the lineup after each wave.
Open Group Surf Lesson (2hr)
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Ty Gurney Surf School
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 55 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
55 verified traveler reviews for Private & Semi-Private Surf Lessons in Waikiki. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Another great session with Ty Gurney Surf School!
Another great session with Ty Gurney Surf School! I had a two-hour lesson on August 8 with Aiden, and this was another step forward in getting back into surfing. The ocean was pretty placid that morning, so there wasn’t a ton to work with, but Aiden made the most of what we had. He paddled up from his previous lesson right before our start time, introduced himself, and we headed straight out. One of the first things he did was ask what I wanted to work on. He listened, addressed exactly those areas, and did a great job explaining what I could change and why. We worked on my paddling, positioning, and catching waves on my own 9’6” board. I caught some waves and whitewater, got to my feet, and kept working even when the ocean wasn’t giving us much. Toward the end I was still hoping we’d get one more good wave—which probably says everything about how much fun I was having. This was also the first time I’ve done the full two-hour lesson with Ty Gurney. My first lesson, back in June, was on one of their big 12-foot boards with a lot of assistance. Since then I’ve gotten my own board and have been learning how to do more and more for myself. It’s harder, but it’s also much more rewarding. Aiden was patient, knowledgeable, encouraging, and gave me tips I can actually take with me when I’m surfing on my own. And as I was getting started, the previous group was coming back in from better conditions earlier that morning. The smiles on their faces said plenty about their experience too. Another great morning in the water. I’m really enjoying the progression and will absolutely keep coming back to Ty Gurney Surf School. Mahalo, Aiden! Can’t wait for the next one. 🤙🌊
via Tripadvisor
2 hour surf lesson for my wife and I
We had a great time being instructed by James & Tyler! Both very knowledgeable. They kept us safe & comfortable the whole time. I'd highly recommend 'em!
via Tripadvisor
Caught her first waves! 🏄🏽♀️
Ryan helped our daughter have an amazing first surf experience! Highly recommend and good value for private lesson!
via Tripadvisor
Excellent surfing instructions
Marco was an excellent instructor did warm-up exercises and showed how to get onto the board on sand before heading out into the water and his one-on-one instructions were perfection even got to see a turtle swimming in the ocean highly recommended
via Tripadvisor
First Time Surfers
Our kids (13 & 24) had a blast doing the one-hour semi private surfing lesson with Pete! Despite never having surfed before, they both got up a few times and even saw a few sea turtles while out!
Response from the operator: Thank you!!! We had so much fun surfing with Keanu and Stoni! So glad they got enjoy surfing and got to see some of our ocean friends as well! We hope you keep surfing and come back soon :)
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $119 to $242
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 19
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 71
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private & Semi-Private Surf Lessons in Waikiki: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Oahu.
How much does Private & Semi-Private Surf Lessons in Waikiki cost?
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Prices start at $119 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Oahu usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Private & Semi-Private Surf Lessons in Waikiki take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Oahu is not rushed.
Is Private & Semi-Private Surf Lessons in Waikiki worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 55 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Oahu, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private & Semi-Private Surf Lessons in Waikiki?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Private & Semi-Private Surf Lessons in Waikiki suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private & Semi-Private Surf Lessons in Waikiki?
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Around 19 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Oahu can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Oahu and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private & Semi-Private Surf Lessons in Waikiki start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Oahu within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Oahu?
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On Outty we rank every Oahu experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Oahu: Full or Half Day Grand Circle Island Tour, Oahu Small-Group Circle Island Tour with Turtle Snorkeling, Pearl Harbor Remembered Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Oahu?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Oahu?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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