Private Surf Lessons in North Shore Oahu
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 57 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Surf Lessons in North Shore Oahu worth booking?
Private Surf Lessons in North Shore Oahu is a 2-hour experience in Oahu, United States, from $120 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 57 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 68 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (57)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $120 per person
Private surfing lessons on the north shore. Our guarantee is we get you up and riding waves during your first lesson. With all of our staff being local Hawaiian pro surfers who are CPR certified with lifelong knowledge of Hawaii’s oceans we are the only surf school that can guarantee you a fun/safe time or your money back no questions asked.
What you get
About this experience
Private surfing lessons on the north shore. Our guarantee is we get you up and riding waves during your first lesson. With all of our staff being local Hawaiian pro surfers who are CPR certified with lifelong knowledge of Hawaii’s oceans we are the only surf school that can guarantee you a fun/safe time or your money back no questions asked.
What's included
Included
- We provide all gear ! Including surfboard, rashguards and life vests if requested.
- Use of surfboard, rash guard. Everything you need to go surfing.
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Oahu
Aloha guys, we will be meeting in the parking lot at the address shown (Kahalewai pl.), or just a mile down the road at Chuns Beach depending on the waves and conditions that day. You will get a text or call the day of your lesson to assure you the best waves possible for learning.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Aloha guys, we will be meeting in the parking lot at the address shown (Kahalewai pl.), or just a mile down the road at Chuns Beach depending on the waves and conditions that day. You will get a text or call the day of your lesson to assure you the best waves possible for learning.
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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- North Shore Oahu Surf School
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- 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 57 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
57 verified traveler reviews for Private Surf Lessons in North Shore Oahu. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
You won’t regret it!
Really wonderful experience, can’t recommend enough! All needed supplies were included and our instructor was very kind and extremely knowledgeable.
via Viator
Awesome time with an awesome instructor
I had a great experience with North Shore Oahu Surf School. The weather decided to break on our last full day on the island and I decided to give them a call that morning to chat about lessons. Kala, the owner, was extremely easy to communicate and coordinate the details with and I booked my lesson for that afternoon with Mitch. Syncing up with Mitch was easy and we got right in the water after a quick refresher on the pop up technique. There were a lot of locals enjoying the swells but Mitch seemed to know everyone and helped explain the etiquette so I never felt in the way amongst the surfers that knew what they were doing. Despite being a bit crowded, Mitch made sure I was able to get as many waves as I could handle (paddling back out after a wave wears you down quickly!). Kala and his team at North Shore Oahu Surf School will be my first call next time I’m on the island!
via Tripadvisor
Awesome day with Kekai
Making reservations was very easy to do. Had to change the reservations and no issues also. They were very good with communication prior and the day of our activity. Easy communication when they had to change the beach location that morning because of better waves. Not wanting us to wait for even 5 mins for our instructor to arrive, Kekai brought out us and he was absolutely wonderful . There were 3 in the party and we were popping up within minutes after paddling out. The best experience with the absolutely nicest person! Their truck was a white pick-up truck with surf boards in the bed. No signage on the truck. We did 10am time spot and it was practically empty. As it go closed to noon it started to get crowded
via Viator
Just Ok -
Booking these surfing lessons was smooth and easy. We were initially assigned to Mahalo, but due to a double-booking, we were offered a new instructor named K-Kai. I’m honestly surprised by the stunning reviews this place has received, so perhaps our experience was simply a one-off. We booked a two-hour private lesson for two people (one child and one adult). We had specifically informed them in advance that we would need life jackets, but the instructor only had one that properly fit the child. After about 90 minutes, the instructor brought the child back and said he was done. I pointed out that there were still 30 minutes remaining and asked if he could continue practicing. At that point, the instructor became very defensive and started ranting that my child wasn’t paying attention, that he would only benefit from a private lesson (despite the fact that this was a private lesson with his father), and that I was going to complain about the final 30 minutes of the lesson. I explained that my concern wasn’t about getting every last minute of the lesson, but rather about how we could encourage the child to enjoy the experience and stay engaged. Unfortunately, the instructor continued to rant about how parents don’t understand how tiring this job is, etc. What really confused and disappointed me was the complete lack of effort to make the remaining 30 minutes a positive experience. There was essentially zero willingness to let either the child or the adult get one more wave in, despite the lesson still having time remaining. I found the instructor’s attitude incredibly apathetic and, more importantly, discouraging toward a child who was there to learn and have fun. A private lesson should be an opportunity to encourage a beginner, especially a child, rather than make them feel like they are a burden. I’m also wondering whether this was related to a change in instructor. The person we originally booked may have been reassigned, and we ended up with a different instructor. If that’s the case, perhaps our experience was an unfortunate exception, because it was very different from what I expected based on the reviews. For me, the cost mattered far less than the experience my child had. Unfortunately, my child felt neglected and said the instructor barely paid attention to him. Because of this poor experience, we chose not to tip. I was honestly surprised when the instructor then complained, stating he only works for tips. Towards the end, another staff member came up and offered us free photos and videos. I couldn't believe how generous he was! We were so impressed that we definitely made sure to tip him.
via Tripadvisor
Let’s Go!!
We had the best experience! We booked a semi private lesson for 3 first time young adult surfers (17-25). Same day booking was easy and accommodating. Kala was great with communication and where to meet up. Our instructor Aton made our experience fantastic! He helped us catch the waves and we were up on the first wave! Not only helpful with surfing, but with all local questions and recommendations of the island. Our favorite of all the experiences we did! Highly recommend!
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
- $120 to $225
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 20
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 68
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Surf Lessons in North Shore Oahu: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Oahu.
How much does Private Surf Lessons in North Shore Oahu cost?
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Prices start at $120 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 Surf Lessons in North Shore Oahu 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 Surf Lessons in North Shore Oahu worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 57 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 Surf Lessons in North Shore Oahu?
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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 Surf Lessons in North Shore Oahu 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 Surf Lessons in North Shore Oahu?
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Around 20 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 Surf Lessons in North Shore Oahu 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, Pearl Harbor Remembered Tour, Oahu Majestic Circle Island Tour with Waimea Falls and Byodo Inn. 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.
What is included in Private Surf Lessons in North Shore Oahu?
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Included: We provide all gear ! Including surfboard, rashguards and life vests if requested; and Use of surfboard, rash guard. Everything you need to go surfing. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Private Surf Lessons in North Shore Oahu?
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Aloha guys, we will be meeting in the parking lot at the address shown (Kahalewai pl.), or just a mile down the road at Chuns Beach depending on the waves and conditions that day. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Private Surf Lessons in North Shore Oahu offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private Surf Lessons in North Shore Oahu?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Private Surf Lessons in North Shore Oahu wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Surf Lessons in North Shore Oahu if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Private Surf Lessons in North Shore Oahu?
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Across 57 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include small groups, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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