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    Kelley's Surf School

    4.9 (42 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 5:00 pm

    Kelley's Surf School Photos

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    My 3 teens spent a morning surfing in Poipu with Kelley and his son. It was an awesome experience for them! Kelley had all three catching waves almost immediately! He is a local and was recommended by locals. Loved supporting small bud

    Kelley gave surf lessons to our 2 kids, ages 9 and 11, on our recent visit and it was awesome. They started out on the beach practicing to stand and once they got the basics it was out to the break near the tombolo on Poipu beach. Kids were surfing in no time and spent the rest of the morning building a love for surfing. Kelley is terrific with kids and had a great reputation around the island. As a bonus, he gave us a referral to an epic boat ride to the Nā Pali coast, but that's for another review. Highly recommended.

    Kelley's Surf School

    Had two separate morning lessons with Kelley and it was awesome. He put me on some great waves and coached me up. I definitely improved and more importantly had a great time. I wish I had more time for another session. I would highly recommend. Thanks Kelley!

    Isaiah and Nelson at your service!
    Reesie B.

    I just had my first paddle board lesson with Nelson @ Kelly's, and I couldn't be happier! I rented a board for $20, and Nelson gave me a quick "land lesson" and then helped me launch and paddled around with me, giving me tips and great encouragement....all this for 20bucks!!! Not to brag, but I was awesome...OK, maybe it had something to do with his detailed instruction. My "princess" treatment is the norm for these guys. My husband had his virgin paddle board outing yesterday, and after his "land lesson", Isaiah went out with him for an hour...yep, it was $20! We're already planning our outing for tomorrow.

    Maximum stokedness
    Carol-Anne P.

    This was by far the highlight of my trip. I appreciate the quick instructions on the beach but then not wasting time and getting right into the water. Kelley knows his stuff, gives helpful pointers, and just overall a great teacher. I went back the next day for another lesson because I couldn't stop thinking about how much fun I had. Thanks Kelley!

    12 yo, first attempt
    Ron C.

    Kelley was great! This was our first time surfing and my 10 yo, 12 yo, and myself were all up on our first attempts. Kelley was especially great with the kids and patient with their dad (me). Thanks Kelley for providing an excellent ending to our stay.

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    Page 2 of 2

    Ask the Community - Kelley's Surf School

    Review Highlights - Kelley's Surf School

    Kelly was very detailed as he explained the break, the hazards, and what to do if caught in a wipe out.

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    Kauai Surf School - I'm pretty sure he's carrying it backwards but at this point, that's just details.

    Kauai Surf School

    4.8(172 reviews)
    0.3 km

    My wife and I went with our two oldest and told them beforehand that Mom was the most likely to…read moreactually catch a wave, and the rest of us should just have fun. Enter Esiah, our awesome instructor. He went through all the basics for us very green beginners, and emphasized the importance of looking straight ahead (and hula hands, which are now a family staple as we describe to people how to surf). The four of us went out in the water with Esiah, and we ALL FOUR caught waves, even me (who was definitely least likely). Esiah was awesome: complimentary, enthusiastic, and giving us feedback as my wife and I kept coming back to fall off again. Thanks to his awesome teaching, timing, and patience we had a blast, and my wife and I ended the day taking waves all the way to shore where we promptly had our boards run into our shins. Awesome memory, and we look forward to going out again.

    Renters beware! We rented a beach umbrella for $10 a day. Seemed like a great deal! Well .. the…read morenext day our umbrella blew out and was unusable. When we took it back we were told that we " should have known " the correct way to face the umbrella to avoid the blow out! No one briefed us on this but we were charged $35 because we broke the umbrella and should have known how to face it. Multiple people on the beach had the same issue! Seems like a shady business practice. I opted to take the "broken" umbrella since I already paid for it... on top of the $10 rental fee. Nowhere on the contract did it say I was responsible for incorrect placement of the umbrella. Honestly I'd rather leave it for the owner of our condo because the base is better than the one supplied by the condo. Seemed like a money grab from tourists. So be wary.

    Photos
    Kauai Surf School - Surfs up!

    Surfs up!

    Kauai Surf School
    Kauai Surf School - Carving

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    Carving

    Aloha Surf Lessons - Catching a Wave at Poipu Beach in Kauai, HI.

    Aloha Surf Lessons

    4.5(24 reviews)
    0.2 km

    This surf school is run by professional surfer Chava Greenlee and his big personality comes through…read moreall aspects of the school. Chava goes out of his way to make his surf lessons better than the rest. First, the technique that he uses is clearly well-thought out and effective for beginners. Second, he and his instructors are there for the students (not to surf between students's waves). He provides water shoes for each student. Finally, his lessons on Poipu Beach are at a great break that is very good for beginners to learn. While on Kauai I noticed other surf schools doing all of these wrong, but not Aloha Surf Lessons. If you take your lesson early in your stay, be sure to come back and rent a board from Aloha and practice. Chava and the other instructors will continue to give you advice and feedback when they're in the water.

    Had a great experience with Aloha Surf! I signed up by myself and the instructors were all so…read moreawesome! One of the highlights of my trip. My instructor was great. He really make me feel comfortable especially it being my first time and by myself. I asked him to take a picture and video for me and he was super cool about it. After my lesson Chava was gracious enough to take me around to a couple stops before dropping me off back at the hotel. He is so proud of this Island and rightfully so. The whole experience in itself was amazing. All amazing people! Excellent company!! Thanks for such a great experience!!!

    Photos
    Aloha Surf Lessons - After the lesson was over

    After the lesson was over

    Aloha Surf Lessons
    Aloha Surf Lessons - Bucket List: Surf in Hawaii =

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    Bucket List: Surf in Hawaii =

    Lola's Driving School - Congratulations to one of our students  
It's always a pleasure having you in our class.

    Lola's Driving School

    2.3(6 reviews)
    28.1 km

    Lola Driving School may have worked well for some families, but that was not our experience…read more As a family with a neurodivergent teen, we found the main instructor verbally abrasive, dismissive, and inconsistent in her professionalism. Sessions were frequently canceled or started late on her end, yet we were charged fees for any lateness or rescheduling. The communication style felt disrespectful toward both students and parents, including during the parent night. After we withdrew, multiple teens we know shared similar experiences. If your child needs patience, clear communication, or respectful instruction--especially if they are neurodivergent or not local-presenting--I recommend proceeding with caution or choosing another program.

    Not only does this aunty breach attendance contracts with her students, she also discriminates…read moreagainst those experiencing medical conditions. She has shown no desire to help these students succeed in getting their license while they also balance the other demands of succeeding in school, sports, etc. and dealing with uncontrollable health circumstance. I know driving schools on Kauai are far and few between but this one is easy to get into for a reason. The only "life lesson" this aunty teaches is how not to conduct a business in Hawaii. No Aloha to be found. Worth waiting for a spot with the Aunties and Uncles who have Aloha for their students and want them to succeed in all aspects of life.

    Photos
    Lola's Driving School
    Lola's Driving School
    Lola's Driving School

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    Kelley's Surf School - surfschools - Updated July 2026

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