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Catch the sunrise and learn to surf with a Native Hawaiian instructor at Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon. This 90-minute Early Bird group lesson ($100) offers hands-on coaching, supplied gear, and a true introduction to Hawaiian-style surfing.
Catch the sunrise and learn to surf with a Native Hawaiian instructor at Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon. This 90-minute Early Bird group lesson ($100) offers hands-on coaching, supplied gear, and a true introduction to Hawaiian-style surfing.
Book with Hawaii Surf Guru
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Hawaii Surf Guru · Honolulu, Hawaii
At the eastern edge of Waikiki’s gentle breakers lies Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon, a flat‑water rehearsal space for the Pacific and the launch point for the Early Bird Discount - $100 Beginner Group Lesson. Located on the south shore of Oahu near Honolulu, this 90‑minute sunrise session teaches surf fundamentals from Hawaii Surf Guru, a Native Hawaiian company led by Kimo, who grew up riding these waves.
The lesson opens on sand and in the shallows. In the first third of the class you'll learn water‑safety, breathing technique, paddling posture, and the pop‑up—how to move from prone to standing in one fluid motion. Students are grouped at a ratio of one instructor per four surfers and receive gear (wetsuit top, booties, flotation vest if needed) and a board matched to age, height, and weight. Small logistical details matter: arrive 15 minutes early to store belongings and be fitted; lessons start promptly at 7 and 9 a.m. and are capped at 20 participants.
What sets this experience apart is the local lineage and setting. Hawaii Surf Guru has taught the art of Hawaiian surfing here for 15 years on a shoreline shaped by coral reef flats and rolling Pacific swells. The lagoon and nearby reef create manageable, learner-friendly waves at sunrise—soft light, cooler temperatures, and fewer crowds make it easier to focus on technique. Kimo’s students often describe not just progress on the board but memorable life lessons delivered with clear safety standards: licensed, insured, and First Aid/CPR certified.
Practical details matter: the 90-minute format runs only at 7am and 9am, costs $100 plus tax and booking fees, and serves ages 14 to 100 with a maximum of 20 participants. Instructors maintain a one-to-four ratio to keep guidance hands-on, and all necessary gear is supplied — boards, wetsuit tops, booties, and flotation vests — with secure storage available during class and a friendly, encouraging teaching style.
Expect a mix of dry-land drills and escorted ocean practice; by the end many first‑timers stand briefly on foam and get their first ride. This isn’t a private clinic—groups may be combined—so it’s social and supportive. Children under 14 are not permitted in the Early Bird lesson; private options exist for younger learners.
Planning notes: sunscreen, a light towel, and a willingness to get wet are all you need; storage is provided during class. The Early Bird Special runs at an accessible $100 plus tax and platform fees—an affordable way to experience Hawaiian surfing roots while watching the sunrise over the Pacific. For travelers based in Honolulu, this lesson is a fast, meaningful introduction to the island’s signature sport and a chance to connect with local coaching that has its feet firmly in community and tradition.
moderate.
90 minutes.
Comfortable swimming ability and basic upper‑body strength help; expect short paddling intervals and getting up from prone to stand.
Participants must be at least 14 years old for this Early Bird group lesson; private lessons are available for younger children.
The fee covers a 90-minute lesson, all gear (wetsuit top, booties, flotation vest if needed), the optimal board for your size, and secure storage during class. Tax and platform fees are additional.
The meeting point is Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon; arrive 15 minutes early to get fitted and store personal items.
Groups are capped at 20 participants with an instructor-to-student ratio of one instructor per four students for hands-on guidance.
Yes—if you prefer to use your own wetsuit or board you may bring them, but standard gear is provided to match age, height, and weight.
Lessons begin promptly; latecomers may not be able to participate. If an instructor starts late due to delayed students, the session will still end on time.
Hawaii Surf Guru has taught at this south shore location for 15 years, continuing a long local tradition of ocean instruction and community-based coaching.
Protect the reef by using reef-safe sunscreen, avoiding standing on coral, and following instructor guidance to minimize habitat impact.
Hawaii Surf Guru is a Honolulu-based surf and stand up paddle (SUP) school offering private, semi-private, and group lessons for visitors and locals. The company provides 90-minute sessions across a range of formats: one-on-one private surf and SUP lessons, semi-private lessons for two, private group lessons for three or more, and specialized private kids lessons for children 13 and under. Students may choose between SUP surfing or flat-water paddling during SUP lessons, and surf lessons are tailored to each participant’s skill level. For larger groups Hawaii Surf Guru adds additional instructors to ensure personalized attention. An in-water videography add-on records lessons and delivers an iCloud link with footage within 24–48 hours. All lessons are held in Honolulu, Hawaii, and focus on hands-on instruction and safety in ocean conditions appropriate for each group. The staff emphasizes technique, ocean awareness, and progression through guided practice during the 90-minute sessions. Equipment for lessons is provided as part of the experience. Booking options include private one-on-one instruction, semi-private sessions for two, and private group sessions for three or more. The kids-only private lesson format gives each child their own instructor and the option to ride tandem or independently. Hawaii Surf Guru presents straightforward options for surf and SUP instruction in Honolulu with clear add-ons like videography to capture progression. Reservations can be made online or by phone, and scheduling accommodates single sessions, repeat bookings, and small-group availability. Seasonal conditions affect availability.
Book with Hawaii Surf Guru