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Hawai'i Big Island Activities Surf & SUP lessons

Private and Group Surf Lessons near Kailua-Kona

Join the best surf school on Hawaii (and the only native Hawaiian-owned and operated) to get on the waves for the first time or improve your skills. These guys will get you on the waves with a smile on your face.

Big Island Group Surf Lesson

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Activity Overview

  • Departs From: Big Island – Kona
  • Duration: 2-hours
  • Price: $115
  • Included in the price: Surfboard and leash provided, rash guard/water shirt and water shoes available, storage for car keys

VIP Exclusive Group and Private Surf Lesson Details

  • 2-hour exclusive, private Hawaiian surf school with lifeguard surf coaches
  • Located at Kahalu’u Beach Park, 14-minutes south of Kailua-Kona town
  • 3 to 4 people per group class, 1:1 for private lessons
  • Group lessons are perfect for the whole family to join
  • Surfboard and leash provided
  • Rash guard/water shirt and water shoes available
  • Car keys can be stored by instructor for safe keeping at beach park
  • Ages 10 and above in group lessons, ages 3 and above welcome in private lessons
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VIP Group and Private Surf Lesson

The best surf school on the Big Island (Island of Hawaii) is 15-minutes south of Kailua-Kona. Book this tour before you come to ensure you get a spot on the day you want.

For the group lessons, you get an exclusive group of 3 to 4 surfers. Learn to surf in an Exclusive VIP class with 2 private lifeguards at Kahalu’u Beach Park with a 2:1 student to lifeguard ratio! So good! Hawaii Lifeguard Surf Instructors are trained and certified by the American Red Cross.

Group Surf Lesson Includes the Following

  • Exclusive small class
  • 2 private lifeguard surf coaches
  • 10-minute classroom surf school at Hawaii Lifeguard Surf Instructors Headquarters
  • Return surfers can opt to bypass the classroom time
  • Up to 2 hours of surf school water time at Kahalu’u Bay
book exclusive group class

Take your surf lesson a step further with 1:1 coaching in a private lesson. Private lessons are required for children ages 3-9 years old, and children under 55 pounds have the option to ride on-board with a lifeguard and for added safety and fun can be provided with a lifejacket by request.

Private Surf Lesson Includes the Following

  • 1 private lifeguard surf coach
  • 15-minute classroom surf school at Hawaii Lifeguard Surf Instructors Headquarters
  • Up to 2 hours of surf school water time at Kahalu’u Bay
  • Return surfers can opt to bypass the classroom time
  • Lifejacket (optional) for children under 50lbs surfing tandem on board with Lifeguard
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Student transportation from the check-in location to the surfing location is NOT provided by HLSI. It is a short walk to the beach. 

Safety & Health Disclosure: All Students must be able to swim, follow basic English instruction and participate in strenuous physical activity. Please disclose any major past injuries/ surgeries or medical illnesses. Parents/Guardians who are not surfing must remain on location to accompany their minor children. Those persons with any ailments are advised to please select a private surfing course so that our Lifeguards are able to best serve your special needs.

FAQ: VIP Exclusive Group and Private Surf Lesson

What to bring for your surf lesson

  • Towel
  • Sunscreen- reef safe only (mineral-based is recommended)
  • Swim Clothes (please arrive dressed in swim attire by check-in time)
  • Swim Shirt – free rental available
  • Water Shoes- free rental available

If I’m with a group, but not surfing, can I watch?

An ideal surf viewing area is available at Kahalu’u Beach Park for spectators to enjoy. Kahalu’u is also ideal for swimming, picnicking, and snorkeling.

Surf lesson restrictions and special instructions

  • Minimum 3 – Max 4 persons per group class time
  • Ages 10+ for group class, ages 3+ for private lessons
  • Students must be able to swim and participate in physical activity.
  • A parent/guardian must remain on location to accompany their minor children.
  • Maximum weight limit 265 lbs. Students over weight restriction must select: PRIVATE SURF for equipment upgrade and 1:1 coaching

What happens if there is bad weather or bad waves?

HLSI monitors the weather and water daily. If your lesson is scheduled on a rough day or stormy weather occurs then you will be contacted by a lifeguard to reschedule. If the waves are very small, then HLSI will provide students with Stand Up Paddleboards to catch as many waves as possible and still enjoy the water!

If lessons are canceled by HLSI and you are unable to reschedule there is no charge to you.

Book exclusive group surf
book Private Surf lesson
Hawaii Lifeguard Surf Instructor Kailua Kona Surf School

About Hawaii Lifeguard Surf Instructors

Erica and I enjoy taking surf lessons with the team at HLSI. They are not only the best-reviewed surf school on the island but they are also a local, family-owned business that we love to support. I’ll let the guys tell you about themselves below.

Aloha, join our Ohana (family) of professional surf instructors.

Surfing is the ancient tradition of the Native Hawaiians and the feeling of riding an ocean wave lasts a lifetime. Hawaii Lifeguard Surf Instructors (HLSI) is committed to perpetuating the heritage of surfing and the Hawaiian culture with aloha and a safety-first attitude.

As Hawaiian Watermen, we live, work, and play amidst the ocean sports environment. HLSI lessons and educational activities were born through our passion for the sport and experience in ocean safety. We promote Hawaiian culture, surfing, paddling, swimming, kayaking, ocean awareness, and above all, a safety-first positive aloha attitude.

On that foundation (awareness in water safety), HLSI promotes the skills necessary to learn and progress in the sport of surfing or paddling. Your instructor will have a minimum of 15 years of experience surfing and holds a current professional certification with the American Red Cross in Lifeguarding, First Aid, CPR, and Ocean Water Rescue©.

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We are affiliate partners with Hawaii Lifeguard Surf Instructors s which means we receive a small commission for each completed booking made through this site. This is done without any additional cost to you. You can read more about our affiliate policies here. Know that we only recommend tour operators that we know and trust. Your positive experience and your trust in us mean more than any affiliate commission. By booking tours through our website you help us to provide free information and videos to help you and other readers plan their perfect Hawaii vacation. Thank you so much for your support — you are amazing!

about us jordan and erica hawaii vacation guide

Aloha! We’re Jordan and Erica.

We’ve lived on Maui and Oahu and now travel back to Hawaii frequently sharing our adventures, travel tips and resources, and honest reviews so you can easily plan your dream vacation to Hawaii.

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