Hawaii, known as the birthplace of modern surfing, is a great place to learn how to surf. Beginning surfers should definitely take a few surfing lessons before heading out into the water with their surf boards.
Surf lessons generally run one to two hours, and are taught by experienced surfers across many beaches in Hawaii. If you are completely new to surfing, you will want to get started on gentle surf breaks with easy, rolling swells that are small enough to manage yet large enough to give you the thrill of surfing.
Start with a longboard, and sign up for lessons through private instructors or surf schools you'll find on most beaches in Hawaii. You can join group lessons, with an average of 6 surfers per instructor and around $50 per two hour lesson; or you might want to sign up for a private two hour lesson. Private lessons average about $100 per two hour session.
Once you've had a couple of lessons, head out on your favorite beaches and practice, practice, practice! Keep in mind that you will probably only be able to surf for about two hours at a time, since your arms will grow tired from paddling through the waves.
Here are some of our favorite surfing locations for beginners:
Launiupoko State Park, Maui
Just south of Lahaina, Launiupoko State Park has gentle reef waves which is perfect for the new surfer. There are two parking areas for the park, and it's ideal for families with small children. There are public restroom sand picnic facilities available on the beach. A natural pool is formed inside a lava rock wall border, giving a secluded and safe area for young children to enjoy the water.
Waikiki, Oahu
Walk along Waikiki Beach to any of the seaside booths and sign up for a surfing lesson. People travel from all over the world to take lessons from authentic Waikiki Beach Boys, as they've been giving surfing lessons for generations. The gentle breaks on Waikiki Beach in Oahu are ideal for learning how to surf and for practicing as a beginning surfer, although you may find the water a bit crowded with all the new surfers and canoes in the water. You can also take outrigger canoeing lessons.
Kahaluu Beach Park, Hawaii's Big Island
Kahaluu Beach Park is sometimes referred to as "Turtle Beach" due to the number of green sea turtles sharing the area with swimmers. This is a popular place to learn to surf in Hawaii. You can take beginning surf lessons and enjoy calm water conditions just a bit beyond the snorkeling lagoon.
Hanalei, Kauai
Hanalei Bay is ideal for surfers of all experience levels. Learn to surf closer to shore with calmer breaks ideal for first time or inexperienced surfers, or head out further from the shore for the biggest waves surfed by the pros!
If you're not into getting on a board and riding a wave, then surf on over to the best Hawaiian online store: KTC Hawaiian -- with over 3000 fun, unique and authentic Hawaiian items, you'll find something for everyone.