
Waikiki: Open Group Surfing Lesson
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 622 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Waikiki: Open Group Surfing Lesson worth booking?
Waikiki: Open Group Surfing Lesson is a 2-hour experience in Oahu, United States, from $112 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 622 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (622)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $112 per person
Learn to surf on Oahu’s iconic Waikiki Beach with a 2-hour group lesson led by certified, professional instructors. Join fellow beginners and discover the secrets to riding waves, starting with a safety briefing and on-sand training before heading into the water. With a small student-to-instructor ratio of 1:3 or 1:4, participants get personalized attention and are more likely to stand up on their first wave, making this an ideal introduction to surfing in Hawaii. Participants of this lesson must be able to swim without life jacket.
What you get
About this experience
Learn to surf on Oahu’s iconic Waikiki Beach with a 2-hour group lesson led by certified, professional instructors. Join fellow beginners and discover the secrets to riding waves, starting with a safety briefing and on-sand training before heading into the water. With a small student-to-instructor ratio of 1:3 or 1:4, participants get personalized attention and are more likely to stand up on their first wave, making this an ideal introduction to surfing in Hawaii. Participants of this lesson must be able to swim without life jacket.
What's included
Included
- Safe storage lockers to store your belongings
- All Equipment including surfboard, rash guard, and reef shoes
- 2-hour Group Lesson
- All taxes and fees
- Professional instruction from a certified teacher
Not included
- Hotel pick-up and drop off
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
- Gratuities
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Oahu
Please check in at the surf shop 20 - 30 minutes prior to activity which is located at Queen Kapiolani Hotel Lobby Surf Shop
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please check in at the surf shop 20 - 30 minutes prior to activity which is located at Queen Kapiolani Hotel Lobby Surf Shop
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ja, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Hans Hedemann Surf Inc
Know before you go
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Not recommended for non swimmer
- Need to be able to swim without a lifejacket
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 619 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
619 verified traveler reviews for Waikiki: Open Group Surfing Lesson. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great Experience
We've been to Hans Hedemann Surf School twice - once recently and once 2 years ago. That says a lot right there. We had such a good experience the first time that we were willing to pay for it a second time. The safety prep is done well and the instructors really stick with you out in the water. It's been a great experience overall.
via Tripadvisor
Awesome experience
Everyone was nice and explained everything we needed to know. Instructors were great and very knowledgeable.
via Viator
Surfing
This was honestly a great experience. Celebrated our anniversary first time surfing and had so much fun. I would definetly recommend this and is also kid appropriate. They also offered footage and video at an extra cost that was worth it.
via Tripadvisor
Must do in Waikiki!
This was an awesome excursion, so much fun!! The instructors were great, very patient. Highly recommend!!
via Viator
Waikiki Surfing
I decided to take a last minute surfing class and absolutely loved it. The staff was very friendly, the instructor Seth was amazing. I would definitely recommend taking lessons here.
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
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 218
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Waikiki: Open Group Surfing Lesson: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Oahu.
How much does Waikiki: Open Group Surfing Lesson cost?
+
Prices start at $112 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 Waikiki: Open Group Surfing Lesson take?
+
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 Waikiki: Open Group Surfing Lesson worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 622 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 Waikiki: Open Group Surfing Lesson?
+
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 Waikiki: Open Group Surfing Lesson suitable for kids and families?
+
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 Waikiki: Open Group Surfing Lesson?
+
Around 218 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?
+
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 Waikiki: Open Group Surfing Lesson start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
On Outty we rank every Oahu experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Waikiki: Turtle Canyon Snorkel Adventure on Oahu, Hidden Gems of Oahu Circle Island Tour with Byodo In Temple, Oahu Catamaran Snorkel Tour: See Turtles 100% Guaranteed. 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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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 Waikiki: Open Group Surfing Lesson?
+
Included: Safe storage lockers to store your belongings; All Equipment including surfboard, rash guard, and reef shoes; 2-hour Group Lesson; All taxes and fees; and Professional instruction from a certified teacher. Not included: Hotel pick-up and drop off; Souvenir photos (available to purchase); and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Waikiki: Open Group Surfing Lesson?
+
Please check in at the surf shop 20 - 30 minutes prior to activity which is located at Queen Kapiolani Hotel Lobby Surf Shop Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Waikiki: Open Group Surfing Lesson offered in?
+
It is offered in Japanese and 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 Waikiki: Open Group Surfing Lesson?
+
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 Waikiki: Open Group Surfing Lesson wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers; Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Waikiki: Open Group Surfing Lesson if the weather is bad?
+
It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Oahu. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Waikiki: Open Group Surfing Lesson?
+
Across 622 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, value for money. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Waikiki: Open Group Surfing Lesson.
Pick your date




