Waikiki Surf Lessons at Hans Hedemann Surf School, Queen Kapiolani Hotel

Overview

Waikiki surf lessons at Hans Hedemann Surf School run 2 hours from the Queen Kapiolani Hotel at 8 am, 11 am and 2 pm daily, at $100 for a group of 3–5 per instructor, $150 semi-private or $180 private, with board and rash guard included. They suit first-timers and families. The drawback: photo and safety time can cut into surfing.

Highlights

• Group lessons $100, semi-private $150 and private $180 per person on the operator's site (October 2026); Greetwell lists the group lesson at $113.71 with tax.
• Three 2-hour sessions daily at 8:00 am, 11:00 am and 2:00 pm, with about 3–5 students per instructor in group lessons.
• Soft-top board, leash, rash guard, reef shoes and a land lesson are included; non-swimmers can be given a life vest and kept in shallow water.
• Rated 4.8 from 1,014 Google reviews on the operator's site and 4.9 from about 1,800 on Greetwell as of October 2026; 9 of the 11 reviews we read name their instructor.
• Meets at the surf shop in the Queen Kapiolani Hotel lobby, 150 Kapahulu Ave, next to the Honolulu Zoo; shop open 7:30 am to 4:30 pm daily.

What to Expect

1. Check in at the surf shop in the Queen Kapiolani Hotel lobby at 150 Kapahulu Ave for the 8 am, 11 am or 2 pm session and complete the waiver.
2. Staff hand out a rash guard, reef shoes and a soft-top board sized for you; sunscreen is sold in the shop.
3. The instructor runs a land lesson on the sand covering paddling, popping up and safety, which 1 of 11 reviewers felt took too long.
4. Groups of about 3–5 per instructor paddle out to the gentle Queen's or Canoes breaks off Kapiolani Beach.
5. Instructors push students into waves and coach pop-ups; 10 of the 11 reviews we read describe standing up during the first lesson.
6. Optional photo or drone packages can be bought; one reviewer felt attention dropped while photos were being taken.
7. The lesson ends back at the shop about 2 hours after the start.

What to Bring

• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Reef-safe sunscreen

Restrictions and Requirements

• Group lessons are for ages 13 or 14 and up (the operator's pages differ); younger children must book private lessons, available from age 5
• Good physical condition for paddling; swimming ability preferred but not required if declared in advance
• Not recommended during pregnancy
• Waiver required

Cancellation Policy

No fee if cancelled more than 48 hours ahead; 50% fee between 24 and 48 hours; 100% fee with no refund inside 24 hours. Checked October 2026 on Greetwell.

Location

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Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii

Meeting Point

Hans Hedemann surf shop, Queen Kapiolani Hotel lobby, 150 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, next to the Honolulu Zoo

Check-In

Sessions at 8:00 am, 11:00 am and 2:00 pm daily; arrival time before the session not stated

Frequently Asked Questions

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