Family, Private & Group Bodyboard Lessons In Waikiki

As a solo traveler trying surfing for the very first time, my private lesson with Marco and the Ohana Surf Project was an experience I’ll never forget. Marco took care of me every step of the way. He was incredibly patient, kind, supportive, and encouraging, especially when I was one of the last people to finally stand up on the board. Not once did I feel discouraged. The entire team and even the other participants cheered me on and celebrated my success like it was their own. To top it all off, they captured the experience with amazing photos and videos that I’ll treasure forever. If you’re thinking about learning to surf in Waikiki, this is the team you want by your side!

Wonderful experience of a lfetime so unforgettable! I was able to surf standing during my first lesson!

This experience was so much fun, the instructors were so helpful and supportive! We never surfed before and it was a blast! Would highly recommend!

Great group, highly recommend. Jayden was our main instructor and he was awesome. Everyone was great and super supportive and helpful.

Our experience began with a video demonstration. This was very helpful as my husband and I are both visual learners. Staff was very knowledgeable and assisted us whenever needed, no questions asked. We enjoyed the rush of surfing and felt there was no better way to experience Hawaii!

Everyone was supper awesome and supportive! Over all a supper great first experience surfing!! Would definitely recommend to anyone that’s looking for a really great first time experience with surfing!

Family was visiting and wanted a surf lesson. We choose Ohana Surf Project because they are highly recommended!! I now know why. Booking was simple. Jenny had excellent customer service. We were greeted with smiles and excitement when we arrived. The team is professional, encouraging and fun. All 4 of us were able to stand up on our boards! Ages 12- 50!!! We felt safe with all the instructors- Cole and Alana were great!! The best part was the photos!!! Thank you Chelsie for the memories!!! We will cherish them forever!!! (BUY THE PHOTOS!) Worth every penny!! Thank you!!!

This lesson was so much fun, I went twice! Really clear explanations, patient instructors, and easy conditions. I had never surfed before and they made it really easy to learn quickly! Would absolutely recommend a lesson here.

Best 2hr group lesson surfing. After a quick instruction and safety briefing in the shop we boarded to surf school bus to the beach, it’s a short ride but appreciated! We had Mark as our instructor and well what a guy! He had us do some stretches on the beach and had us practice our technique before heading to the water. My husband managed to stand on every wave which was incredible! I struggled a little but Mark and the other guys out there were great by giving advice and guidance for the next waves. I managed to stand a couldn’t have enjoyed myself anymore! We even purchased the videos and photos after….well worth it for some amazing action shots we had no idea were being taken. Thank you so much Mark and the Ohana surf team, we had so much fun!! Laura & Dave B

Jacob is an amazing surf instructor. My son loved him so much back in June that he couldn't wait to come back. Always a great experience. Thank you!

Pretty much, you learn by doing. Surfing for almost 1.5 full hours. Excellent experience. Kids had a great time.

First time surfing for my 2 daughters. They enjoyed every minute and didn’t want it to end. They felt safe in the ocean and had a great time learning with their instructor Jayden. Mahalo!

It's fun to be in a lesson when the coach really wants to see you excel. And the multiple coaches made it feel like it was one-on-one. Everything about our time with this organization was fantastic. Great communication with the van pick up and lots of encouragement out on the waves. Our family would recommend Ohana Surf Project to everyone!

No pressure to stand up. If riding a wave on your belly or on the knees is your thing then just enjoy the experience. Ohana surf, such a good experience I went twice. Best tip of the day 'just look at the trees', the rest will come naturally.

Great group of instructors! This was my 60th bday bucket list to do and they were all very helpful with everyone and never gave up helping everyone achieve the goal. Some took a little longer😜😜but they kept helping til it was accomplished. Aloha

This was excellent. The instructor Matt was patient and kind and had us standing up the first try! I would highly recommend.

I have so much to say about this surf school. They helped make our Hawaiin vacation so much more special with so many awesome memories(all captured on video and camera!). We booked a 2 hour lesson for our kids on our first day here, and I'm so glad because they loved it enough that we let them do two other lessons throughout the week. The instructors definitely live up to the name that the owner cleverly selected for this school- Ohana. They treated my kids like family, and for the first time ever I was completely comfortable with them being out in the ocean. I observed other schools in the same vicinity, but didn't see the same level of engagement that these instructors had. They all went out of their way to be friendly and welcoming from the moment you stepped onto the beach. The experience that they gave my kids was worth every penny, and the pictures and videos that they took will allow them to keep those memories forever.

The instructiors were really nice and even though my group contained different levels of surfers, we all had a blast. Even though I was a beginner and have never done anything like surfing, I was able to ride waves! Can only recommend it.

I had never surfed. I don't ski or skateboard, so the entire concept was new to me. But thanks to all the instructors and two hours of exhausting practice, I caught a wave and stayed up. The fact that it was a 5" wave didn't dampen the exhilaration. I recommend this to anyone!

Had a wonderful experience learning how to surf for the very first time. The instructors were really helpful in guiding us to get used to catching the waves and standing up. I left feeling pretty confident to continue surfing. They also kept us safe and you would be able to take this group lesson even if you don’t swim (they can provide life vest and the water level is low enough to stand). If you want more time spent on you and have more surfing time then I suggest taking the semi-private lesson.

My fiancee and I signed up for an hour lesson. It was great! We had non stop rides into waikiki beach with two surf guides and someone from shore taking our pictures as well. The pictures and videos were great and we had a great time. The safety presentation before was also helpful.

Located up at the Diamond Head end of Waikiki Beach is perfect setting for group lesson. No need to worry about swimmers. Friendly team with pro advice. You get lots of practice as a team has you on the board and surfing in no time !

Let me save you some trouble and say, if you’re considering a surf lesson, book with Ohana Surf Project (OSP). A few months ago, I took a work trip to Honolulu and didn’t prebook a lesson, so ended up just taking one with Dive Oahu (DO), the one with purple tents set up everywhere. Then, I came back here for work and booked with Ohana online a couple days in advance (you can book via phone w even less notice). Here’s a Comprehensive comparison of my experience with the two companies: Price: + OSP was competitive with all the other companies I researched here and on yelp. $99 for a TWO hour group session. - DO charged $99 for a ONE hour group session. Location: + OSP teaches at Queens beach, which is less than a 5 min walk from the Duke statue. Great location, it’s got the same quality beach and waves but with about 1/4 of the people. There was plenty of room and I never got close to running into anyone (or vice versa). - DO teaches right in front of the Duke statue. It was so packed. Had other surfers run into me or me run into them multiple times. Quality of instruction: + OSP checked you in in a little tent they set up, then everyone gets into the air conditioned luxury bus and watches an instructor give a PowerPoint presentation on the basics of how to carry your board, get into the water, surf etiquette, safety tips, how to stand (before the live demo and practice) etc. then, after they get you geared up (more later), the instructors introduce themselves and walks you through how to stand up and we practice several times on the beach, with instructor correcting each person. Then, they lead you out. He has no more than 2 ppl waiting with him ready to catch a wave (oh one person will actually catch the wave he preps them for) and instructs the other group members to float a safe distance away. This was great because it gave me time to rest a couple minutes and watch my fellow students between every try. Paddling is hard! When the instructor finds the right wave, he’ll tell you to start paddling and then he paddles next to you and gives you a push at the last second so you have more momentum. And he’ll call out instructions and correct you as you stand and surf. Also, for group lessons, they have no more than 4 students per instructor, which is plenty. They also had personnel with go pros who would help you too. - DO had an instructor walk you through how to stand up on a practice board on the beach. Then, no joke, he just disappeared for about 10 minutes and told us to practice. Then he comes back and says come with him into the water and grab that board. Kind of gets annoyed when you aren’t carrying or dragging it correctly (which they never taught you how). You paddle out and he’ll float next to you, spots a wave and tells you to paddle and gives you a shove to help with momentum, then yells when it’s the proper time to stand up. Then you make your way back in a sea of other surfers. He gives you a correction on what you did wrong. Then the prices repeats. Never knew his name and he just called me “girl” the whole time. Not sure what they cap their groups at, but we only had 3 (all walk ups) in our group. Gear/ Logistics + OSP got our shirt and shoe sizes as soon as we checked in and made sure we were comfortable with the sizes we picked (they provide both rash guards and reef shoes). I booked online and you have the option of them picking you up at your hotel for free, but I was so close I just walked. There was very detailed instructions on where to meet and what to bring. Everything started promptly and little time was wasted. Plus it’s really easy to spot their surf bus (that’s actually how I found out about OsP, by walking by their surf bus). - DO. Not sure if they offer transport bc I just walked up. Also, they didn’t have any specific times posted. When I booked a group lesson at around 8:15, they said meet back at their tent at 10. All of my group had our own rash guards, so I’m not sure whether they provide them or not. They don’t provide reef shoes. I don’t know enough about surfing to comment on the quality of boards for each company. Pics/video +OSP took a ton of photos and video both from the shore and with gopros (with specific personnel who were there on boards solely to surf next to you to take video/pics). You can get the whole set of dozens of photos and severa videos for $50 or choose any 2 (pics or video) for $20. Which I thought was a great deal. they gathered the group to show everyone the photos and video (it was fun to laugh over all our wipeouts). I didn’t feel pressured at all to buy any. Delivered to me via drop box a few hours later. if you didn’t buy immediately, they keep them for a few weeks so you have the option to buy later as well. - DO only took photos from the shore. And seal them fro $35 PER pic. They really try to to sell you photos. No option to buy online later. Attitude + this was a big one to me. Overall, every single person who was at OSP seemed excited to be there and happy to teach. Everyone made me feel welcome, and like I did a good job, and it was overall a great experience. One I would take my parents or friends to when they visit. - Honestly, DO seemed kinda annoyed to be out there. There weren’t even basic intros, and other then the cashier at the tent, no one seemed super friendly like OSP. I think it’s a pretty obvious choice between the two. Even if you’re booking last minute, call up OSP or billy gem online. It’ll save you the hassle of a less than stellar experience for your vacation.

My daughter and I had never touched a surf board before meeting Chelsea and crew! She got up every time and now loves surfing. We will be back for more lesson!!!! Thank again Curt

For me it was a first time, and I was really terrified at first but really want to do so. Chelsea, the instructor, was the best! She took me as a project for the next two hours which end where I succeeded to stand on the board for a few seconds! It was amazing! She also helped my husband to improve his technique, and we were a total group of 6 - and she gave each one her full attention, also with her were two more instructor and photographer. I recommend the two-hours lesson + the pictures (which you need to pay extra for - but it's amazing memory) One of the best attractions we did in all Hawaii. Highly recommended!!!

I was visiting Hawaii for the first time and took surf lessons for the first time ever. All of the instructors are super friendly and super chill. You could tell that they loved what they did and really cared for their customers. Despite being in a group lesson it felt very private. Not only bc the groups are small (around 4 students per instructor) but very individualized. They gave you pointers exactly how and when you needed them. Definitely reccomend these guys.

I cannot say enough good things about this group of people. Chelsea was incredible, from start to finish. She comes off a little tough in the beginning because she’s very focused on the safety of her groups... but once everyone is out on the water, it’s all about learning and having a good time! The rest of the staff was incredibly sweet and helpful, knowledgeable and funny! My husband had never surfed before and they took the time to really go over everything with us... I would HIGHLY recommend booking with them!

It was my very first experience of surfing. The coaches were super nice and supportive for everything you might need in the sea! Definitely will come back for my next lesson.

This was my first time surfing and it was a blast! We were picked up close to our hotel and taken out to a quieter piece of beach near Waikiki, given instructions and stretches to get ready and off we went. The instructors were very helpful, making sure we knew what we were doing on land before we paddled out, and were given suggestions and tips after each attempt. I'd highly recommend them for first time surfing. I'm looking forward to trying it again now.

very kind and helpful people. good service. was a very good time for me :) they pick you up (if needed) an bring you back. you get a surfboard, shoes and a shirt which makes surfing a bit safer. any time again!

This was an amazing experience. My second time surfing : the instructors were really helpful and available. We had a really good group and weren't too many people so that was appreciable. We also had the opportunity to buy photos and videos of the lesson, this is a real plus !!! Best spot to surf instead of going at Waikiki beach that is overcrowded for beginners. Strongly recommend.

Kevin and Lani were absolutely the best! They explained everything clearly and then gave us a perfect amount of surfing time. Kevin made it so easy to catch the waves by giving us a good push each time. Lani took some amazing video and pictures of us. It really has been the highlight of our trip. Thank you so very much 🤗

I did a second day because I had so much fun on day 1. The instructors were professional, friendly and all around helpful. I recommend getting the photos, the quality was great, videos were fun to watch as well. Highly rec OSP, I gained confidence and was actually surfing! Thank you OSP! Would definitely do it again, next time I'm in Waikiki.

I had an open group surf lesson with Ohana surf school today and it was a lot of fun! The school was well organized. Five people had booked a lesson and we went to water with four instructors: one for each of two private lessons, one for me and another couple, and one who took pictures and videos and also gave some pointers. At the beginning we watched a video in the bus and warmed up, this took just right amount of time (I guess 20 minutes). It was my first time surfing and I could catch about the half of the waves pretty well and for the rest I kept falling off the board, which was also fun :) The instructors were all very friendly and relaxed and gave good pointers. The second hour I was alone with the instructor as the other couple had booked just one hour. Still even as we were three of us, I didn't have to wait long for my turn (most of it I was paddling back or stretching my neck). Two hours were tiring but worth it. If you are like me just trying something new and not planning to pick surfing as your new hobby, the private lesson is not giving you much more so you can save the extra 85$ in my opinion. Photos and videos were awesome. I can highly recommend this school.

The instructors were nice and very experienced. I had never surfed before and they were good about adjusting their coaching to each student. They also let you go at your own pace—2 hours was a good amount of time but also very tiring. Highly recommend!!

I'd recommend you be a decent swimmer and be ready for a workout. Instructors are very welcoming and willing to work with you where you are. As opposed to other lessons, you won't be able to surf as much and I feel this one I had so many opportunities to do so I ran out of breath! Free hotel pickup and drop off is included as well as they provide you with board, rash guard, and shoes.

This was my first time surfing, and I had the best instructors! They have a little bus on the side of the road next to Waikiki Beach, and that's where they have most of their stuff set up. But make no mistake, they have everything they need. I did the group surf lesson for an hour, but extended it because I was having so much fun. They were all very personable, and very patient and supportive of everyone in the group! Especially Danny, Reed, and Zach! Such good vibes, I lost track of time completely, and before I knew it the sun was setting. Great experience!!! also the cheapest rate I could find on the beach. Would definitely do it again.

Highly recommend!!!!!! This was so fun and the staff is AMAZING!! We will definitely be back :). The pictures were really good too - lots of pictures!

The instructors are high energy safety conscious professionals who look out for you while assuring your success. High fun quotient.

ハワイでサーフィン体験をしてみたいと思い、TripAdvisorで高評価のこちらのスクールにグループレッスンをお願いをすることにしました。 基本的に英語ベースなので少々不安はありましたが、日本語ができるインストラクターさんもいらっしゃり、大変楽しい2時間を過ごすことができました。 インストラクターさんたちはみんな親切で陽気、またハワイを訪れた際にはぜひ指導をお願いしたいと思えるスクールでした。 サーフィン中、GoProで写真や動画を撮影してくれて、お金を払えばデータでもらえます。Dropboxで共有してもらった写真や動画は良く撮れていて良い思い出になりました。 サーフィンに慣れないので波に乗った後はだいたいボードから落ちるのですが笑、なんとか足がつく程度の深さなので、泳ぎが苦手な人でも大丈夫です。（リーフシューズも貸してくれるのでケガすることもありません。） サーフィンが初めての方、英語が苦手な方にもおすすめのスクールです。 We had wanted to try surfing in Hawaii. Therefore,we took part in this surfing school when we visited Hawaii from Japan. We chose this school from among many schools because this school receives high commendation. We were worried that we wouldn't be able to communicate with staffs in English and ride standing on a surfboard on water. However, without thinking about that, staffs were so kindness and good coaches. We enjoyed wonderful time and time just flew. By the way, I was not good at swimming, but there was no need to be worried at all. The lesson was hold in the shallow end. We would love to participate in this school again. I can recommend this school with confidence. Mahalo!

Had a wonderful two hour surf lesson with Ohana Surf Project. The instructors were excellent. The photographer took really cool pictures and videos.

Absolute fabulous time. Thanks to all at Ohana Surf Project who helped my daughter and me to learn to surf. Never been on a board before. Special kudos to Sean and Taylor who took us under their wing and imparted the information necessary to quickly correct our problems and get us up and riding the waves in no time. I looked at other surf schools before hand, and feel that I absolutely made the right choice with Ohana. The captured the whole group with photos and videos and were engaging right to the end.

If you haven’t surfed and always wanted, you gotta go and visit these guys. Great instructors that’ll have you up on the board. Good Vibes all around and great price!

What amazing experience and vibe! My daughter and I are surfers now :). The Ohana Surf Project team is awesome, very nice and pantient with the pace of each one of the new surfers. Highly recommended. Thank you all!

Chelsea and the guys are amazing! They are experts and gave great advice to help us on each try. They also captured some amazing pics and video of us. This was by far one of the best parts of our visit to Oahu. Would definitely come back for another lesson.

It was a blast! The whole crew is very experienced and very professional. My wife and I were total beginners and by the end of the 2 hour session we managed to get up on the board several times, which was a very cool feeling! They were great at explaining things and giving us advices after each try. Also, it's very cool that they offer photos and videos of the experience! Go for it!!

Instructors were amazing - professional and friendly and fun. Everyone got the individual coaching they needed to catch waves and stand up. Strongly recommended!

I had an incredible time my first time surfing with Ohana Surf Project. I did a two hour group lesson and was fully expecting to wipe out the entire time, but instead was able stand every time. The boards they had us use were perfect for beginners. I know this because I rented a different board on another beach the next day and had a more difficult time with it. They had great instructors, great instruction, and gave a solid safety tutorial in the beginning to make sure everyone was super comfortable in the water. They had an entire team of 6 or 7 people in the water with us, and had a very organized system to make sure we all caught waves. Can't say enough great things about this school and their staff, they are awesome. Mahalo!

This is our second time back to the Ohana Surf Project because they are just so good. They really make an effort to make sure that you are having the best time while still being super safe. Everyone in your family, from young kids to grandparents, would have a blast with this company. Highly HIGHLY recommend Chelsea as an instructor. She really took care of our group and made us feel like ohana! Can’t wait to come back for our third time.