Waikiki One-on-One Private Surf Lesson at the Royal Hawaiian

Overview

The Waikiki private surf lesson from Waikiki Beach Services is a 75-minute one-on-one session on the sand in front of the Royal Hawaiian, $150 on the operator's site. It suits first-timers, children aged 5 to 11 and nervous swimmers. The drawback: the operator publishes no cancellation policy, and resellers charge 100% inside 48 to 72 hours.

Highlights

• One instructor for one student for 1 hour 15 minutes; the first 15 minutes are a land briefing, then about 1 hour in the water (operator site and Greetwell listing).
• $150 per person on the operator's site; the same lesson costs $167.18 on Greetwell and is listed at $166 on Google-sourced data, so booking direct is cheapest.
• Soft-top surfboard and a complimentary rash guard are included; instructors are described as certified and lifeguard-trained on the VELTRA listing.
• Meeting point is the Waikiki Beach Services desk on the beach at the Royal Hawaiian, 2259 Kalākaua Ave, so there is no transport to arrange.
• Children under 12 must take this one-on-one format; group lessons are for ages 12 or 13 and up depending on the listing.

What to Expect

1. Check in at the Waikiki Beach Services desk on the sand at the Royal Hawaiian 10 to 15 minutes before your start time, with the waiver already completed online.
2. Spend the first 15 minutes on the beach learning paddling, the pop-up and basic safety with your instructor.
3. Paddle out with the instructor to the small, sandy-bottomed waves directly off Waikiki Beach for roughly 1 hour of guided wave catching.
4. Buy the optional photo or video package at check-in if you want shots of the lesson; it is not included in the price.
5. Return to the desk to hand back the board and rash guard; small essentials can be stored at the counter but valuables are at your own risk.

What to Bring

• Swimsuit worn under your clothes
• Towel
• Reef-safe sunscreen

Restrictions and Requirements

• Minimum age 5; children under 12 must book this one-on-one lesson rather than a group lesson
• Must be able to swim at least 25 yards (23 meters) unassisted
• Not permitted for pregnant guests or guests with neck, back or joint injuries
• Guests under 18 need an adult (18+) to check them in, stay on the beach during the lesson and pick them up; a parent or guardian signs the waiver online
• The instructor may refuse service based on attire, behavior or physical condition

Cancellation Policy

The operator's own site does not publish a cancellation policy. On Greetwell, cancellations at least 48 hours before the lesson are refunded and no-shows or cancellations inside 48 hours are not; on VELTRA, cancellations or changes within 72 hours of the start time are charged 100%. Checked October 2026 on Greetwell and VELTRA (hawaiiactivities.com).

Location

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Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii

Meeting Point

Waikiki Beach Services check-in desk on Waikiki Beach in front of The Royal Hawaiian, 2259 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815

Check-In

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your lesson with the online waiver completed (Greetwell listing)

Parking and Getting There

No parking is included; hotel and public parking in Waikiki is at your own cost

Frequently Asked Questions

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