Private · $150
One-on-one coaching, two hours, board rental included. Choose your own pace and leave room for questions.
Ask about private lessonsYour first Waikiki surf lesson
Beginner surf lessons in Waikiki
A first lesson should answer more than “Can I stand up?” This guide helps you choose a format, prepare useful questions, and arrive ready to learn.
Before your lesson, each surfer signs a waiver: sign online in about three minutes, or print it. A parent or guardian signs for anyone under 18.
Choose your format
The best lesson is the one that fits how you learn
Private, semi-private, and small-group sessions offer different balances of attention, company, and price.
Semi-private · $135 each
Bring one friend. Two hours, two students: $120 lesson + $15 board rental per person.
Ask about semi-privateSmall group · $104 each
Two hours for up to three students. $89 lesson + $15 board rental per person.
Ask about small groupsBefore your lesson, each surfer signs a waiver: sign online in about three minutes, or print it. A parent or guardian signs for anyone under 18.
What to tell Hella before the lesson
Start with the practical details: your dates, group size, and whether anyone has surfed before. Add the information that helps you feel prepared. That might include comfort in the ocean, previous board-sport experience, or a question about the conditions you expect.
Hella will confirm your session time when you book. Meet her at Moku Surf on Koa Avenue, where you will choose a board suited to your height and weight before walking about one block together to Waikiki Beach.
Board rental and what to bring
Board rental is included with a private lesson. For semi-private and small-group lessons, board rental costs an additional $15 per person. Bring your own swimwear, towel, drinking water, and sun protection. Keep valuables to a minimum and ask before the day if you are unsure what can be stored safely.
What beginners should focus on
Comfort before speed
Your lesson begins with pop-up practice on the sand before you enter the water. Progress is easier when you can ask for a reset instead of rushing to keep up.
Listening to the conditions
Waikiki is still the ocean, not a controlled pool. Conditions can vary by day and location. Hella covers surf etiquette and water safety before offering coaching and simple assists in the water.
A realistic next step
Your first lesson can show you what to practice next. Some people want another guided session; others simply want a memorable first experience. Both are valid outcomes.
Planning around ocean conditions: The National Weather Service Honolulu publishes an official Hawaii surf forecast. Your instructor's day-of guidance should still determine the session plan.
Beginner lesson questions
Do I need surfing experience?
No. Hella offers lessons for complete first-timers as well as people returning to surfing.
What about age and swimming ability?
Lessons are for ages 5 and up, and ages 5 to 11 take private (one-on-one) lessons. Every surfer must be able to swim at least 25 yards without help and be comfortable in water over their head; a beginner surf lesson is not a swimming lesson. For children under 13, a parent or guardian stays on the beach. Not sure? Ask Hella before booking. Full requirements.
What if the weather or my plans change?
Cancel or reschedule for free with at least 24 hours' notice. Later cancellations and no-shows are not refunded, but Hella will move a late-cancelled lesson once if she has an open time in the next 30 days. If Hella cancels for unsafe surf or weather, you choose a free reschedule or a full refund; light rain does not stop a lesson. Full cancellation policy.
Ask Hella about these termsIs private better for a beginner?
Private is useful if you want the most individual attention. A shared lesson can be a better fit when learning with friends matters more.
Is a board included?
Board rental is included with a private lesson. It costs an additional $15 per person for semi-private and small-group lessons.
Where do we meet?
Meet Hella at Moku Surf on Koa Avenue. After choosing a board, you will walk about one block together to Waikiki Beach.
How do I book?
Contact Hella directly by text, Instagram, or email. Share any details you already know, and she will help from there. Before the lesson, each surfer signs the waiver: sign it online or print it.
Keep exploring
Ready to ask about your first lesson?
Tell Hella your dates, group size, and whether anyone has surfed before.
Contact HellaBefore your lesson, each surfer signs a waiver: sign online in about three minutes, or print it. A parent or guardian signs for anyone under 18.