Viator Rating : 5 (266 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 9.1/10 (Verified Excellent)
Oahu
Oahu Surf Lessons: Ride North Shore Waves with Pros!
90
Overview
Surf Lessons on the North Shore of Oahu offer an unforgettable experience riding the waves with a seasoned Hawaiian lifeguard and her friendly dogs. This 90-minute surf lesson is designed for beginners and takes place on the famous North Shore, known for its beautiful beaches and surfing history.
Participants will learn the basics of surfing in a safe and supportive environment, and may even encounter sea turtles while catching waves. The experience includes a beach lesson, all necessary equipment like a surfboard and rash guard, and a free turtle tour, offering a comprehensive introduction to the sport and the local marine life.
This surf lesson provides a unique opportunity to learn from an experienced local instructor and enjoy the thrill of surfing in one of the world's most iconic surf destinations. It's a great way to experience the beauty and culture of Oahu's North Shore while learning a new skill. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Crowd Density (9 - Empty / Light) : Very few people, free movement
Safety (9 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Upsell Risk (9 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Logistics (9 - Seamless) : Smooth and well executed
Mobility (8 - Easy / Accessible) : Comfortable for most people
Pacing (9 - Balanced) : Smooth and comfortable timing
Instagram Factor (9 - Iconic) : Highly photogenic and memorable
Guide Quality (10 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (10 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
Highlights
Learn to Surf with a Pro: Get expert instruction from a Hawaiian lifeguard with 20+ years of experience.
All Gear Included: Surfboard, rash guard, and leash rental are provided.
Turtle Tour: Enjoy a free tour where you may see sea turtles.
Perfect for Beginners: Designed for those who have never surfed before.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers love the small group sizes, which makes it easier for instructors to teach and give personalized attention.
-
People say the instructors are great, super helpful and patient, especially for beginners.
-
Many reviewers appreciated the instructors being very kind and wanting their students to have a great experience.
-
Customers enjoyed seeing sea turtles.
Some customers reported that the waves were very small on the day of their lessons.
-
A few customers mention that the lesson was a bit short.
The Journey
North Shore of Oahu
The North Shore of Oahu is world-renowned for its powerful waves, making it a prime surfing destination. During the winter months, it hosts some of the most prestigious surfing competitions. In the calmer summer months, it is a great place for beginner surf lessons and enjoying the beautiful beaches.
Oahu Beaches
Oahu's beaches are famous for their golden sands and crystal-clear waters. They provide the perfect setting for learning to surf and enjoying the Hawaiian sun. The beaches also offer opportunities to spot local wildlife, such as sea turtles.
Know Before You Go
This surf lesson includes a local guide, surfboard, rash guard and leash rental, and a free turtle tour. Food and drinks are not included, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not provided. Meet the instructor at the designated beach location on the North Shore.
Hot Tip
Some reviewers recommend booking your lesson earlier in the day for calmer waters and a better chance of seeing sea turtles. Also, be sure to apply sunscreen before the lesson!
Review Summary
People usually say that the Surf Lessons on the North Shore of Oahu provide an excellent beginner surfing experience with highly knowledgeable, patient, and friendly instructors. Positive remarks frequently mention the safety, encouragement, and the memorable opportunity to see sea turtles during the lessons. Some travelers highlight the well-chosen surf spots with manageable waves, making it perfect for first-timers and families. On the downside, a few reviews note occasional issues with equipment quality or less enthusiastic teaching from some instructors, but these are uncommon. Overall, the experience is highly recommended for those looking to try surfing in a supportive and scenic Hawaiian environment.
This page is synthesized and developed by Dyvarcity Team
More like this
Oahu
$44
Honolulu Parasailing: Waikiki Adventure with Breathtaking Views
4.9
(7622 reviews)
Duration: 60
minutes
Honolulu Xtreme Parasail offers a thrilling 1-hour parasailing adventure off the coast of Waikiki. Participants are securely fastened into a harness and lifted from the boat, soaring up to 1,000 feet above the ocean. From this height, they'll witness unforgettable views of Oahu's south shore, including the iconic Diamond Head. This extreme parasailing experience is perfect for adventure seekers wanting to experience the best of Hawaii from a bird's-eye view.
This experience takes place on a shared boat, with a total duration of about one hour. While soaring in the sky, guests may purchase photo packages on the boat to capture their high-flying memories. The activity is designed for all skill levels, and no prior experience is needed. The meeting point is at Kewalo Basin Harbor.
Admission fees are included, while a fuel surcharge and ocean user fee, gratuities, souvenir photos, and an Ocean Stewardship Fee at Kewalo Basin Harbor are not included.
Oahu
$295
Unforgettable Private Adventures: Explore Oahu's Hidden Gems with Mahina Hawaii
5.0
(168 reviews)
Duration: 480
minutes
Mahina Hawaii Full Day Adventure offers personalized tours to Oahu's secret spots. Enjoy surfing, snorkeling, hiking, and cliff jumping, all tailored to your preferences and abilities. With expert local guides, create an adventurous and unforgettable day exploring the island's best-kept secrets. Perfect for thrill-seekers!
Honolulu
$509
Soar Above Paradise: Unforgettable Private Helicopter Tour of Honolulu
5.0
(92 reviews)
Duration: 60
minutes
Experience the Private 60 Minutes Helicopter Tour in Honolulu, offering breathtaking aerial views of Oahu's landmarks, valleys, and waterfalls. Enjoy a personalized flight with doors optional for enhanced views. This unique adventure provides an intimate and unforgettable exploration of Hawaii's beauty, perfect for a memorable island experience.
Oahu
$99.48
Oahu Shark Dive: Cage Adventure on the North Shore
4.8
(2886 reviews)
Duration: 90
minutes
Oahu Shark Dive offers a thrilling and safe encounter with sharks off Oahu's North Shore. This adventure takes place a few miles from Haleiwa Boat Harbor, where participants can observe Galapagos and Sandbar sharks in their natural habitat.
Guests have the option to enter a secure aluminum floating cage for an up-close underwater viewing experience or remain on the boat to watch from above. An expert crew ensures the safety and enjoyment of all on board. The experience includes the use of snorkeling equipment and covers local taxes, providing a hassle-free adventure.
Please note that food, drinks, gratuities, towels, swimwear, and suntan lotion are not included. For those staying in Waikiki, transportation is available for an additional fee at select times: 7am, 9am, and 11am. There is also a High definition underwater video service upgrade available on the boat for additional $75.
Oahu
$275.77
Oahu's North Shore: Gyroplane Flight Adventure!
5.0
(37 reviews)
Duration: 30
minutes
Hawaii Private Gyroplane Flights offer an exhilarating 30-minute instructional adventure over Oahu's North Shore. Experience flight with expert pilots in a unique aircraft blending helicopter and airplane tech. Enjoy breathtaking views and easy communication via a two-way intercom for an unforgettable flying experience. It provides unique flying.
Oahu
$45
Waikiki Parasailing: Soar Above Oahu's Turquoise Waters Since '77
4.7
(1364 reviews)
Duration: 60
minutes
Experience Hawaiian Parasail, offering Waikiki's best parasailing since 1977! Enjoy breathtaking views of Oahu from above. This adventure is perfect for small groups, with tandem and triple options available. Look for dolphins and whales during the scenic boat ride. All equipment is provided for your safety and enjoyment.
Nearby Events
Maui Arts & Cultural Center
Sep 25
7:00 PMMorgan Jay Goofy Guy Tour Maui Tickets
Morgan Jay: The Goofy Guy Tour brings the Los Angeles-based musician and comedian to the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului, HI. Known for his unique blend of performance art and comedy built on imperfection, authenticity, and relatability, Morgan delivers shows that fuse smooth R&B and bossa nova melodies with hilarious stand-up, captivating audiences with viral TikTok fame and TV appearances on MTV's Wild'N'Out, NBC, and Comedy Central.
A first-generation American of Brazilian and Italian descent, Morgan Jay honed his craft at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts while performing in New York's underground comedy scene, winning awards at festivals like Laughing Skull and SF Sketchfest. The Maui Arts & Cultural Center, a premier venue for arts and theatre on the island, provides an intimate backdrop for his goofy, connection-driven performance.
Hawaii Theatre
Oct 10
7:00 PMBook Tickets: Brian Culbertson, Candy Dulfer, Keiko Matsui Live at Hawaii Theatre
Brian Culbertson & Friends featuring Candy Dulfer and Keiko Matsui bring world-class smooth jazz, funk, and soulful grooves to the historic Hawaii Theatre in Honolulu. This award-winning jazz-fusion artist Curates two unforgettable nights at the Hawaii Theatre Center, showcasing an all-star lineup of world-class musicians for a unique blend of genres. The event promises an electric atmosphere where the chemistry between these legendary artists transforms the venue into a sanctuary for jazz lovers.
Candy Dulfer is globally renowned for her pioneering smooth jazz saxophone style, while Keiko Matsui is celebrated for her emotive New Age and jazz compositions that span decades of musical evolution. Brian Culbertson, the driving force behind this gathering, is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist who effortlessly blends R&B, jazz, and pop, creating a 32-minute New Age opus and dropping acoustic jazz trio collections with equal mastery. The Hawaii Theatre, a restored landmark in downtown Honolulu, serves as the perfect grand backdrop for this musical celebration of jazz history.
Blue Note Hawaii
Aug 27
9:00 PMRoy Wood Jr. Live at Blue Note Hawaii
Roy Wood Jr. brings his Emmy-nominated comedy to Blue Note Hawaii in Honolulu, delivering a night of sharp wit and thought-provoking humor. The acclaimed comedian, known for his work as a correspondent on Comedy Central's The Daily Show, is celebrated for blending satire with social commentary that confronts issues of race, class, and justice with clarity and compassion.
Described by Forbes as "one of comedy's best journalists" and by Entertainment Weekly as delivering "charismatic crankiness," Roy Wood Jr. has established himself as one of America's most compelling comedic voices. His three Comedy Central stand-up specials showcase hyper-relevant material, with his 2019 special remaining the network's highest-rated original stand-up premiere. Blue Note Hawaii offers an intimate setting in one of Honolulu's premier entertainment venues, providing the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening of live comedy.
Blue Note Hawaii
Aug 25
6:30 PMBuy Tickets: Summer Salt Live at Blue Note Hawaii
Summer Salt brings their signature alternative sound to Blue Note Hawaii in Honolulu, delivering an intimate and high-energy live music experience. The band, known for blending surf-rock vibes with indie melodies, is currently touring across Asia and the Pacific in 2026, with authoritative support from major ticketing platforms like Spotify and Ticketmaster. This event marks one of their final stops before continuing their international journey, offering fans a rare chance to witness their dynamic performance in a renowned venue. Summer Salt has gained recognition for their cohesive storytelling and infectious rhythms, drawing inspiration from classic surf and modern indie scenes. Their 2026 tour includes shows in Bangkok, Manila, and Kuala Lumpur, showcasing their growing global appeal. Blue Note Hawaii is celebrated for its world-class acoustics and vibrant concert culture, making it the perfect stage for Summer Salt's evocative set.
The Republik
Oct 02
8:00 PMBush Live at The Republik Honolulu Tickets
Bush and The Republik unite for a Honolulu alternative rock night built around one of the genre’s most enduring live bands. Bush is currently on its 2026 run, The Land of Milk and Honey tour, giving fans a chance to catch Gavin Rossdale and company in a high-energy set that mixes new material with the anthems that defined the band’s rise.
Known for powerhouse songs like "Glycerine," "Machinehead," and "Comedown," Bush remains a major name in alternative rock with a career that helped define the sound of the 1990s. The Republik is one of Honolulu’s go-to live music venues, offering an intimate concert setting that puts fans close to the stage and keeps the focus on the performance.
Blue Note Hawaii
Dec 03
8:30 PMHenry Kapono Live at Blue Note Hawaii
Merry Christmas to You With Henry Kapono is set to enchant audiences at Blue Note Hawaii with a soulful blend of contemporary Hawaiian music and festive spirit. Henry Kapono, a Grammy-nominated and 21-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning artist, captivates with his rich voice and compelling performances that have spanned decades since the 1970s as part of the legendary duo Cecilio & Kapono.
Known for fusing Hawaiian traditions with contemporary sounds, Henry continues to inspire with his dynamic solo career and community leadership through the Henry Kapono Foundation. Blue Note Hawaii, a premier Honolulu venue, offers an intimate setting renowned for showcasing world-class music, making this event a memorable holiday celebration for locals and visitors alike.
Best Things to Do in Honolulu – Waikiki, North Shore & Oahu
Looking for things to do in Honolulu? This is your secret guide to the best tours, adventures, and events across Oahu. Connect with the most exciting adventures like ATV tours and Honolulu helicopter tours, or get on a Hawaii snorkeling tour to explore the ocean depths. Take a day trip to Maui or Circle Island Tour of Oahu. For those staying close to the city, discover all the things to do in Waikiki and explore events in Honolulu tonight, from concerts to stand-up comedy.
View Honolulu Activities