Get 1:1 coaching with a certified lifeguard surf instructor at Kahaluʻu Bay
2 Hours
Private coach, board, rashguard
Build your surfing skills in a private 1:1 lesson led by a certified Hawaiian lifeguard surf coach. Start with classroom coaching at HLSI HQ, then head to Kahaluʻu Bay for up to 2 hours in the water.
You must be able to swim, follow basic English instructions, and safely participate in intensive physical activity. A parent or guardian must stay on location for minors if not surfing.
No change/cancellation fee if made 2+ days in advance. Changes and cancellations within 2 days of class date will incur a 100% charge, including late arrivals or no-shows. A 15-minute grace period is allowed from the scheduled start time.
Plan about 2.5 hours total from check-in to paddle-in.
Yes. Student transportation from the check-in location to Kahaluʻu Beach Park is not provided, so plan to self-transport.
Arrive dressed in swim clothes. Bring a towel and reef-safe sunscreen. You can use complimentary rentals for a swim shirt and water shoes.
75-5909 Ali'i Drive. Kailua-Kona HI 96740
This family-owned operation run by siblings Jake and Tiffany (who took over from their father and uncle) has mastered the art of getting beginners surfing quickly. Most first-timers report standing up within their first 10-15 minutes, thanks to a smart approach that starts with on-land instruction before hitting the water. The small group sizes make a real difference too, with many reviewers noting they had essentially one-on-one attention and got instant feedback after each wave. Jake gets consistent praise for being encouraging, conversational, and genuinely fun to spend time with in the water. What stands out is how much the instructors actually engage with students rather than just pushing them onto waves. They provide ongoing tips throughout the session, adjust when conditions aren't ideal, and create an atmosphere that feels authentically welcoming rather than transactional. Extras like providing rash guards and water shoes set them apart from other surf schools. Multiple families mentioned this ended up being their kids' favorite activity of the entire vacation, with children as young as 9-10 having successful sessions. The flexible scheduling and kama'aina rates are nice touches from a business that clearly cares about doing things right.
Tiff and Jake — brother/sister duo — were fantastic! They took amazing care to prepare our kiddos who had never surfed and made sure they had a fantastic experience! You begin your lesson at their building where you get outfitted with water shoes and a rashguard, included with your lesson. You learn about this 3rd-generation, family-owned and operated business and the love they have for surfing and caring for the island. They spend a good amount of time explaining the mechanics of surfing while on dry land, and it pays off for when you are in the water. Then you take a short drive about 8 minutes up the road where you meet up with Jake for the water time. Jake did a great job making sure our kids felt relaxed and they both caught several waves. The bay where you surf has a protective seawall that makes it perfect for first-time and repeat surfers looking for a good time but nothing too rough. While the kids surfed, I was able to snorkel from the beach and enjoy the water, too. There are public bathrooms and lifeguards at the beach. Easy parking, and picnic tables and showers. The perfect spot to stay and hang after your lesson if you are looking for beach time. A fantastic experience. Highly recommend!
Jessica Brockman
June 13, 2026
Tiff and Jake — brother/sister duo — were fantastic! They took amazing care to prepare our kiddos who had never surfed and made sure they had a fantastic experience! You begin your lesson at their building where you get outfitted with water shoes and a rashguard, included with your lesson. You learn about this 3rd-generation, family-owned and operated business and the love they have for surfing and caring for the island. They spend a good amount of time explaining the mechanics of surfing while on dry land, and it pays off for when you are in the water. Then you take a short drive about 8 minutes up the road where you meet up with Jake for the water time. Jake did a great job making sure our kids felt relaxed and they both caught several waves. The bay where you surf has a protective seawall that makes it perfect for first-time and repeat surfers looking for a good time but nothing too rough. While the kids surfed, I was able to snorkel from the beach and enjoy the water, too. There are public bathrooms and lifeguards at the beach. Easy parking, and picnic tables and showers. The perfect spot to stay and hang after your lesson if you are looking for beach time. A fantastic experience. Highly recommend!
Jessica Brockman
June 13, 2026