We had a wonderful experience with our lessons. Jackson was fantastic with our two kids, ages 5 and 9, and helped them catch their first waves. they loved it! The entire family had a blast catching waves and the age differences didn't impact Jackson's ability to teach or connect. a wonderful day! read more

Had the most amazing time at my first surf lesson ever with Tahaki! Can't wait to try it again

Our instructor Rider was wonderfully patient and got all of up on the first lesson. My son (11) says "I like it a lot. It taught me how to surf. It was amazing. Thank you surf school" read more

Ryder did a great job for our first ever surf lesson - patient, positive and gave us the verbal cues necessary to get up and ride waves at the Pier - thanks Ryder! read more

I love this place! My son age 8, and myself age 51, both went surfing for our first time! Lance was our instructor. He was very easy-going and calm and gave clear and easily understandable directions to both of us. He was able to cue us at all of the appropriate times in order to get us to both stand up on the board and catch some pretty awesome waves. The setting of Hanalei Bay is completely magical and it was a wonderful day! read more

Hanalei Surf School - Surfing - Surf Schools Near Me - Hanalei, Hawaii

Grabbed a rental board for a couple of days for my friends daughter to surf on during our visit. Such kind and friendly service and great rates with generous multi day discounts. A good selection of boards for all abilities, that are well taken care of and maintained. Love the fact they have an after hours drop off area so you can really make the most of your time. Thanks again read more

Lance was very knowledgeable, patient, and friendly throughout the lessons. The booking beginning to end process was simple and straightforward. Highly recommend!!! read more

Just finished surf school with Evan. He had my 4 year old surfing on first try!! Highly recommend spend the day with him. Great instruction and just an awesome guy to hang out with. My daughter asked when we can go again! read more

Hanalei Surf School - Surf Schools Near Me - Hanalei, Hawaii

Hanalei was a great surf spot for beginners! We did the 8am lesson, which was a great call. Got out on the water before it got too crowded/windy/hot, etc. We had a lot of fun and were able to stand easily! Our instructor, Keanu, was a very nice young man. We did feel he didn't offer very much instruction and found ourselves listening to the instructors of nearby groups to pick up tips. Also, he was the only instructor out there who brought a board for himself. I'd say he caught as many waves as we did! I would really pester him for tips/clear instruction if you're a beginner. Edit: The owner just called to apologize for our experience and refunded our lessons. I really appreciated him taking this extra step and thought it reflected well on the business! read more

My friend and I surfed all week with this school! They were very accommodating and made surfing fun! We especially enjoyed Lance and Ryder. The two of them along with Bridget made sure we had the right boards and we both progressed in our surfing. We definitely recommend this school and know we will be back! read more

Best experience in Hanalei so far! Lance, our instructor was so good with both my kids (ages 9 & 12) and got them up and riding waves in no time. Got me to catch about a dozen as well - not bad for a SoCal kid who always sucked at surfing growing up! Highly recommended, worth the price, and to be able you learned how to surf in one of the world's most beautiful beaches is a great memory to have! The conditions are ideal for learning. Ideal. read more

DO NOT book your surf experience with these guys!! I have had friends in the past love the experience but it has gone down the drain in recent times. I visited the island last weekend and stayed in the South Side of the island (Poipu area) but got a sudden flat tire leaving the resort for my lesson. Amanda with their team had texted me the day prior to confirm the reservation but was unresponsive for hours (despite multiple calls) to cancel or reschedule my lesson. They haven't responded to my emails either even a week later. Their site says "refunds provided for unforeseen circumstances" which is a lie. They don't offer refunds period despite accidents and actual unforeseen circumstances like this one! I'm really disappointed because everyone else on the island is so kind and accommodating. They want to make sure you enjoy your experience - but this surf school does not. Book with literally ANYONE else. read more

Evan was our instructor and he was awesome! It was my girlfriend and I's first time surfing and I was doubtful we'd actually be able to get up and surf. With Evan's help we both got up on our first wave! After getting us started on the small waves we paddled out to catch ones a bit bigger. To our surprise we were actually able to ride these bigger waves! This was definitely an experience we won't forget and my girlfriend (who was hesitant about surfing) and I both had a blast. If you want to surf in Hanalei the lesson is worth it. Surfing can be tricky at first but with the right instructor you'll be up in no time. Mahalo! read more

Thanks Lance for the surfing lesson! My instructor was very encouraging, professional, and super easygoing. I am looking forward to coming back for another lesson and renting the board for a few days. read more

We had an amazing time being taught to surf by Lance! He was so sweet and patient and always had a huge smile on his face. Plus I have taken lessons before but I honestly learned so many great tips from Lance I hadn't heard before and they really helped! Our entire family was able to stand up in the first hour of surfing! Thanks Lance for an amazing lesson! Maybe we will see you again! read more

Hanalei Surf School - Surfing with Lance - Surf Schools Near Me - Hanalei, Hawaii

Had a great time with Kai learning to surf. It was my first time ever and Kai really helped me prep before getting in the water. He explained a couple techniques and let me choose what I thought was most comfortable. He especially helped me choose the right waves to surf and gave me great commands to help me get a feel. I got up multiple times and felt fairly comfortable by the end. Thanks so much. Highly recommend. read more

Hanalei Surf School - Surfing a wave. Absolutely gorgeous views as well. So thankful I got to take part in this aspect of Hawaiian culture. - Surf Schools Near Me - Hanalei, Hawaii

Ryder was an awesome instructor. He was so patient with us and encouraging. For a sponsored pro surfer, he was so happy to help my son and I learn the basics. Every wave he had really positive and helpful instructions that really helped us improve and catch waves right away. Hanalei Bay is the perfect place to learn and these guys are the best!!! read more

The waves were small, but Clay got us both up in no time! So exhilarating. One of the highlights of our trip, for sure. Highly recommend. https://youtu.be/qiSNQNodNAg read more

We had the most Amazzzzing time! there were three of us and it was our very first time going surfing -- Rider was such a fantastic instructor, we all were able to stand up & ride the waves thanks to his skilled guidance & moral support. We will definitely be back for more, highly recommended! read more

Had a great private lesson with Ryder in early April 2023. I was a first timer so had tempered my expectations, and hoped to maybe get up once by the end of the afternoon. But a combination of really clear, positive instruction; gentle waves & sun; and ok - maybe a little more athleticism than I give myself credit for - led to a really fun, confidence building experience. Hanalei Surf School was easy to communicate with and super professional. Highly recommend! read more

If you blink you will drive past the stack of surfboards that is the "office" for HSS. But just hang out behind Wishing Well shave ice and your local surf guide will arrive - Hawaiian time - to get you going. Rider was super cool and we had a mellow time on the water enjoying the view and small waves. This is not a slick operation and we liked it that way. Best way to try your hand at a local sport. read more

Absolutely the best, thanks Hendrix! Briggs and Lucy had a blast and learned so much!!

Lance was a great instructor, we did the 3 person class and it was incredible. Would definitely recommend to anyone. I had never surfed before and got up on my first try. read more

Great lesson! My husband and I had a lesson with Clay while on our honeymoon last week. We were so excited to learn to surf in THE famous Hanalei Bay! We had a 2-hr private lesson that actually had to be rescheduled because of bad weather- they were super great about letting us know and keeping us posted on that. Other than a little difficulty finding the place (it's not an actual building, it's a van/truck that sets up next to Wishing Well Shave Ice) we really enjoyed our lesson and were both able to get up and ride the waves in just a few tries with the excellent instruction of our teacher! read more

Outstanding service - Highly recommend them when surfing on the north shore of Kauai. Mahalo.

Ryder, Clay and Evan are great people. Long lessons, professional surfing skills. After my lessons, I gifted lessons to my sister, brother-in-law and nephew. They also had an awesome time too. Couldn't recommend HSF more. read more

I'm not the youngest guy and had some trepidation as a result. No need! I teach for a living, and I have serious respect for Jimmy's teaching skill and patience. It took me a few serious flops before I got to stand up on the board, but he was both helpful and encouraging. Just a great experience! Tara in the shop is super-friendly as well! read more

Great experience for first time surfing, Jaden was super-helpful. Highly recommend

Upon mistakenly booking the wrong date I immediately called, left a vm, emailed, sent a text and went online to change or reverse my error and had no luck reaching a live person. Five hours later Hanalei Surf School sent a text saying "You'll have to eat the full cost - I'm going to bed." Crass and distressing customer service to say the least. There are very friendly and accommodating surf schools On North Shore Kauai. This is not one of them. read more

My 2 daughters and husband enjoyed a morning of surfing with Jimmy. Everyone was able to get not just one wave but LOTS of waves, even though it was the kids' first time. Jimmy was very patient and helpful. Definitely would recommend this school for beginners. Probably great for others too. Tara in the shop was super sweet. read more

Had Clay as our instructor who was great. He taught us the basics and got us in the water as quickly as possible. We both caught waves and walked away with smiles on our faces. Learning to surf in Hawaii is a dream come true, thanks Clay! read more

Evan and Brittany were amazing hosts of the North Shore. We showed up at their school; first stop; explained what we needed and they were able to give us the gear, the instruction with great teachers, and clear communication of best locations for current surf reports. This first stop made our experience in Hanalei very special. read more

Hanalei Surf School - Back to school, next degree....PhD. in "octopus" - Surf Schools Near Me - Hanalei, Hawaii

Excellent surf lesson! My husband, cousin, and I all went out for a lesson and enjoyed every minute. I'll be going back next time I'm in Kauai! read more

We did the private lesson for 2 and Lance was our instructor. He was very sweet and funny. While we weren't very good at it, we really enjoyed our lesson and would do this again. read more

Everything about Hanalei Surf School was perfect! The communications before our lesson, the office staff and our surf teacher, Ryder. We had so much fun! My 12-year old daughter was able to stand up and surf on her first lesson! I HIGHLY recommend Hanalei Surf School! read more

Truly the best surf school on Kauai. Most professional and friendly instructors, they will have you on waves almost immediately and having the best time of your vacation. Evan and his team are punctual, respectful and all amazing surfers. We've surfed with Evan and HSS for 12 years now, but the last three trips have been with our most favorite instructor Ryder. This guy is first class all the way, he was a teacher, mentor and best buddy to our 8 yr/old and surfing with him is one of our most favorite parts of coming back to Hanalei twice a year. We highly recommend Hanalei Surf School, is without question the best in the biz. ‍ read more

One of the best surfing experiences I've had, in one of the best spots to surf on the island. The waves are pretty small and are perfect for beginners. Our surf instructor Evan got everyone in our group up and surfing waves within the first 10 minutes. Definitely recommend this surf school and this spot to try out surfing! read more

Our private lesson with Tyler was awesome. He is a pro (like, a real one!) and we both enjoyed his instruction and company in the most beautiful setting on Earth. Hanalei bay with its soft sand floor was a very safe comfortable place to learn. Note: no lockers at Hanalei, lock your purse/valuables in your car during your lesson. read more

What a fun day! We took a paddle board lesson and felt like we got all the information we needed to have a safe fun day!

We hired them to give surfing lessons for our party of four adults. When I called I got Brit on the phone. I think she and her husband own the operation, and he's made a name for himself in the surfing world. She said they charge more because "we feel like our instructors are better than the other schools," however when I asked why they were better she couldn't give me any solid reasons. We ended up choosing this company because they were the first to call us back. Our instructor was named Clay. He's a local, said he's been surfing for over 20 years. He didn't really introduce himself or find out anything about us, so I ended up asking him questions to get some context. He never asked our names. He was friendly and definitely knew how to surf well. He gave about 15 minutes of instruction on the beach, then we headed into the water. He would help us one by one to try to catch a wave. Eventually we just started trying to catch waves on our own and he bounced between us giving coaching and feedback. We all got up at least once and ride a wave to the shore. Some of us rode several. The lesson was supposed to be two hours , but the instructor ended it 10 min early, I think because he was cold. Some of us were a bit cold too. Wish we had wetsuits for ideal warmth. My wife went in early even though she was having fun because she was shivering. I asked it they had wetsuits we could borrow but they don't. They did provide rash guards and they helped us avoid chafing. The surfboards were fine, except on the one I used the soft cover was peeling off. It had obviously been well used. After the lesson they let us keep the boards for the day, which was really fun. However, Clay didn't know the address where we needed to drop them off. He was supposed to have Brit text us the address, but that didn't happen. We could not get a response via phone, so we dropped the boards near their sign on the hwy. They texted right after we dropped them asking us to bring them to a house on Weke Rd, which we did. I guess the owner was on a plane and couldn't respond sooner. Overall I'd say nice folks, but not a smooth operation. We paid $75 per person. read more