Planning a trip to Oahu and want to know some fun things to do on Oahu with kids? Keep scrolling to find the best Oahu surfing lessons for kids and families for a memorable experience!
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As you’re working on your Oahu itinerary, it can be hard to narrow down which activities to do during your Oahu trip. There are SO many amazing options.
One of the most popular things to do in Oahu Hawaii is learn how to surf.
While it may be tempting to rent a board and try it on your own, it’s really much safer to learn from a professional. And thankfully, Oahu is full of qualified surfing instructors!
So, I’ve got a list of some of the best kid-friendly surfing lessons in Oahu worth booking before your trip. And I’ve added in the minimum ages to help you figure out which one is right for your family!
See the top rated Oahu surfing lessons for kids here.
Don’t have time to read a bunch of Hawaii blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting Oahu with kids.
Best Kid-Friendly Oahu Tours/Activities
- Kualoa Ranch UTV Tour (drive around Jurassic Valley with kids as young as 5yo)
- Private Surf Lessons for Kids (this is the BEST way for your kids to learn how to surf in Hawaii)
- Hawaii Bucket List Tour (this is a custom circle island tour that’s our personal favorite)
- Toa Luau (the is the most popular luau for families)
- CLIMB Works Ziplining (this is the top kid-friendly zipline on Oahu for families)
- Secret Island (this is a private beach area with water toys)
Best Kid-Friendly Oahu Resorts
- Hilton Hawaiian Village (this is our favorite Waikiki resort because of the amazing pool area and nearby restaurants)
- Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa (this is a splurge that is totally worth it)
- Turtle Bay Resort (this is a swanky resort with incredible kids’ programming tucked away in North Shore Oahu)
Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Oahu Itinerary complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.
Oahu Surf Lessons FAQs
Oahu has tons of amazing surfing beaches. If you’re looking for somewhere fun for the kids, head to the beach by Diamond Head. White Plans Beach is also a good spot on the West Shore of Oahu. A lot of surf lessons take place at Chun’s Reef up on North Shore Oahu. And Waikiki Beach is always a good bet! Just be sure to check the Oahu surf report before you go.
The answer varies depending on the length of the lesson and whether it’s private or a group lesson. If you’re looking at doing a Waikiki surf lesson that’s an hour long, it can be anywhere from $40-$80 per person. However, you’ll probably want a longer lesson.
You can learn a lot with just one surfing lesson in Hawaii, but you probably won’t be ready to tackle the waves on your own. If you want to feel fairly confident in surfing, it takes about three surfing lessons to truly learn all the basics. When you can catch a wave all by yourself consistently, you’re in good shape.
Best Oahu Surfing Lessons for Kids
Waikiki Beach Surf Lessons
If you’re looking for kid-friendly surf lessons, Waikiki is where to go. This is actually a private family session for kids as young as 6 years old.
They will customize this Oahu surfing lesson for the ages and abilities of your group. Check latest prices and get more information.
Surf Lessons in North Shore Oahu
Try this 2 hour surfing lesson in Hawaii with a certified lifeguard. These North Shore Oahu surfing lessons are for kids as young as 4 years old.
Plus, you might even see some Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles! Check latest prices and get more information.
North Shore Surfing Lessons
If you’re really serious about learning how to surf, this is a great option for families.
Kids as young as 8 years old can sign up for these Oahu surf lessons, which is the recommended age for kids to learn how to surf. Check the latest prices and get more information.
Haleiwa Surfing Lessons
Another place for surf lessons in North Shore Oahu is this one in Haleiwa, which you can choose a 1.5 hour or 2 hour lesson.
It’s for kids as young as 4 years old. Check the latest prices and get more information.
Honolulu Surf Lessons with Transportation
If you’re staying in Waikiki and not renting a car, this is a really easy surfing lesson in Honolulu that will pick you up from your hotel. You can choose 1 hour or 2 hour lessons and they take place at Ala Moana Beach Park.
Lessons are for kids ages 5 and older. Check latest prices and get more information.
Private Waikiki Surf Lesson for All Ages
Younger kids really need private lessons, especially if they aren’t strong swimmers. That way, the instructor can focus on keeping them safe.
Kids as young as 2 years old can participate, so this is fun for families with toddlers and preschoolers who want to try surfing for the first time. Check latest prices and get more information.
Best Waikiki Surfing Lessons for Teens
Join a 2 hour surfing lesson at Waikiki Beach that is geared for teens and adults. They offer hotel pickup anywhere in Waikiki and provide everything you need for a stellar time.
These are semi-private lessons for people ages 13 and older. Check latest prices and get more information.
Outrigger Canoe Surfing
If your family isn’t quite ready to try surfing on your own, you might consider surfing in an outrigger canoe. It’s a unique thing to do on Oahu for families.
This is geared for kids ages 5 and older and can be a blast! Check latest prices and get more information.
What to Wear for Your Surfing Lessons on Oahu
Rashguard
Some Oahu surfing companies will provide you with a rashguard, but others will encourage you to purchase one at their surf shop. That’s totally your call.
It helps to check to see whether or not they will be providing one so you aren’t caught of guard. If they don’t provide one, you might consider buying ahead of time, especially for kids. Here are the best kids rashguards worth checking out.
Reef Safe Sunscreen
Whatever you do, don’t forget to wear sunscreen! The only sunscreen allowed in Hawaii now is reef safe sunscreen. These are ones that don’t have certain chemicals that can harm the coral reef and sea life.
You can buy your sunscreen in Hawaii or pack in your suitcase. Here are my favorite reef safe sunscreens to buy before your trip.
Comfortable Swimsuit
While it may be a no-brainer that you’ll need a swimsuit to go surfing, my emphasis is on the word comfortable.
A lot of us own swimsuits that look cute for laying on a beach towel or wading into the water. But, surfing is a lot more adventurous.
Make sure to wear a swimsuit that will stay on and you won’t have to fidget with too much. That will be super distracting while you try to learn to surf. This is our favorite UV swimwear for the whole family.
Wrap Up
As you can see, there are tons of Oahu surfing lessons for kids of all ages! Your family will make a ton of memories and your kids will learn a new skill. Win win!
There’s a reason that surf lessons are one of the most popular things to do in Hawaii for kids. Book now!
