Our family took 3 amazing surf lessons at Moniz Family Surf. The staff was so helpful. The instruction was perfect! My daughter, wife and I had not been on surf board in over 4 years. Our instructors, Micah, Josh & Sam, had us up on the board riding in waves in the first 20 mins. We had such a great time we came back the next day to Moniz Family Surf to rent boards and head back out. Amazing experience on Waikīkī Beach! 5 Stars. read more

Moniz Family Surf - Surf Schools Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

My son & nephew had an amazing lesson with Micah. He was very patient & encouraging. After a few practice rounds, they were off & actually catching waves! The pictures & videos were also great - clear & professional grade. The boys had such a great experience, we came back the next day to rent boards & surf again. Thanks Micah and the Moniz staff for taking care of my boys! read more

Everyone we spoke to here was kind and gettin our boards was quick and painless. I thought they had a good selection and so did my boyfriend who's the surfer. The prices are fair and easily accessible from Waikiki beach. read more

Absolutely wonderful family! My 18yr old grandchildren took a lesson from them on Waikiki Beach during our trip and they loved it!! They both were able to do it and learned so much from the patient instructor Josh that helped them. Would highly recommend this place !!! Thanks so much Moniz Family! read more

A spontaneous visit resulted in me and my girlfriend hitting the waves in no time at all. We had such an amazing experience and we were taught by Mr. Tony Moniz himself. He was friendly, professional, kind and very very patient. He did such an incredible job getting us to catch some waves. Highly recommend to take lessons here!! read more

Would rent boards from this wonderful family owned shop again and again. Tony provided great advice for getting my young kiddo who is just getting started with surfing. Importantly, the boards are not waterlogged and super heavy like the beach stands on the beach. read more

My husband (64) and his friend (62) had an incredible time during their surf lesson. These are old dudes from Chicago (boaters and water skiers, not surfers) who have always wanted to surf. Kevin, the instructor, could not have been more perfect for these two. They both hit many waves and were sufficiently exhausted afterwards. The photographer was great too. Thank you Moniz Surf, you guys rock. read more

Moniz Family Surf - Old dudes heading for their first surf in Waikiki - Surf Schools Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

The shop is located just north of the Duke Statue and connected to the Billabong. I took a lesson with Isaiah and it was great. Isaiah was patient, asked about my previous surf/swim background, and looked at my pop up before we paddled out. I got 5-6 fun waves during my lesson and Isaiah gave me critiques after each one to improve. The $200 private surf lesson was priced well and on par with what other instructors are charging... Group lessons are cheaper too if you want friends to tag along. I would highly recommed supporting a small family business by taking a lesson and/or renting a board (large selection) here instead of the other competitors. read more

Wish I could give more than five stars! I took lessons with Rocco and Loa, who were amaze, but everyone here is fab! They make sure you're safe in the water, you catch good waves, and have fun read more

Best place to rent boards! Friendly staff and competitive rates. Boards are in better shape than almost anywhere else. Maka was super helpful. read more

Amazing experience! After a fantastic experience last year (2024), we booked surf lessons for our 9-year-old and 8-year-old as soon as we booked our 2025 vacation in Waikiki. This family-owned and operated business provides great service, with instructors who are patient and kind, who provide tailored instruction to meet each surf student's unique needs, and who know how to safely navigate what can be very busy waters. For young kids, they only offer 1:1 private lessons. While that option is more expensive than a group lesson, our kids came away understanding the principles of surfing and confident with their skills. We whole-heartedly recommend Moniz Family for anyone who wants a great experience at Waikiki Beach! read more

Isaiah was phenomenal. This is hands down one of the best surfing lessons to choose from. It's a little more pricy than you would pay with other ppl but you're paying for the patience and quality here. This past Saturday I selected another group lesson from a different company for a 2hr lesson but was not happy with the instructor. We didn't even get the full 2hrs we had paid for. Now today, Tuesday we decided to go with Isaiah based on the fact that the family are pro surfers and felt like they would know what they were doing, and boy was I glad we did. He took our 11yr old out and was super patient with him. I felt completely at ease not being in the water with them and knowing my son would be ok. Isaiah was so accommodating to even get us in at an 8am lesson time when they don't start until 9am. We will definitely be coming back and paying for a 2hr lesson next time we are here. read more

Moniz Family Surf - Surf Schools Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

Our two teenage daughters took a surf lesson with Josh. They raved about their experience and as parents, we couldn't have been happier with how this lesson went. Josh immediately made them feel comfortable out in the water as first time surfers. He gave them constructive advice each time they either caught a wave or fell off, talking them through how they could improve. The company was easy to book with and extremely friendly from start to finish. The photographer, Taylor, captured so many great images of the girls. All around incredible experience! read more

Im sure there are other good surf instructors in Waikiki but I'm always gonna go with the Moniz's. Liam was my son's instructor and he was great. Upon introductions he engaged in good conversation with my son and assessed his abilities. They went over the basics at the shop and headed for the beach. Before getting in the water Liam went over solid ocean safety rules. My son was up and surfing in no time. He caught a bunch of long rides. Liam worked with my son on going down the line and reading the waves. I paddled over to another surf spot of a better quality and they soon followed. My son caught his biggest wave to date and rode it all the way in. The lesson was perfect amount of time. Not too short and not too long. He had a blast. The Moniz's directed us to their surf canoe for the afternoon and that was equally as epic. Yew! read more

My sister and I had Kevin as our instructor on a Thursday morning and he was AMAZING. He was funny and kind and clearly knew surfing. This guy paddled out effortlessly and really communicated in the water clearly. He told us at the beginning of class that it was really flat and he would try his hardest to get us a wave and boy did he try his hardest and we got up on a couple! He was amazing at directing and towing you onto a wave. My sister and I felt completely safe under his care. If you're even a little nervous - trust Kevin. I was nervous I was going to suck at surfing and hate it but he really knows everything about Waikiki and how to maneuver through all the other people. read more

It was AMAZING! Kevin was the best ‍ I would definitely recommend to friends and family!

Cannot say enough good things about the Moniz family and their perfectly located surf shop and the wonderful staff. We rent boards from here every time we are in honolulu; they have a great selection of solid single fin long boards that are perfect for queens. We were lucky to get a solid swell our first couple of days in town and they even had a shorter thruster fish for me to use for those days which worked great! If i was a beginner i would love to take lessons them, the moniz family is legendary hawaiian surf royalty, if you have the opportunity to take a lesson from any of them or the trusted people they hire, you should. Tony moniz is a hawaiian surf legend and i was so lucky to have met him as he stopped by the shop one day and i was honored to rent a mid length from him. mahalo from southern california! read more

I had 1:1 lessons with Isaiah, Loa, Liam, and Kevin. They taught me so much, highly recommend them for lessons

Rocco was great to work with. He got our 10 year old up in no time. We have used Faith and the Moniz family to teach our kids to surf for almost 10 years. Consistently top notch! Purchase the photos too. They are always excellent. read more

Moniz Family Surf - Surf Schools Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Our surf lesson with Isaiah was awesome! There were 3 of us and he made sure we all were comfortable before heading out into the water. He also directed us on where to go in the water so we would be safe. All of us were able to stand up on the surf board our first try, which goes to show how well he prepared us beforehand! He was super nice and I would highly recommend going here!! read more

Hawaii has so many blessings on the island, but one place that has become very special to me is Moniz Family Surf. For the past year, I have had a love/hate relationship with the ocean. My first time surfing since the pandemic, I left San Onofre bloody, bruised, frustrated, distressed and discouraged with my everything hurting. I was able to squeeze in a 9:00 am surf lesson last November before my friend's wedding with Isaiah Moniz with the intention of understanding the ocean, so I didn't fear it. Isaiah taught me about edict, showed me how to navigate the channels, and position myself properly within the line up, and slowly the negative emotions that I had associated with surfing began to fade and my mind began to quiet down when he reminded me to breathe. He showed me how to tuck into the ocean during a fall, and showed me how to stand slowly moving from left knee to right knee, eventually planting my dominant foot between my hands, curving my hips, and bringing my stance low with feet planted shoulder width apart. When he gave me a push into the ocean and said, "You got this," I was finally able to stand for the first time in over a year after getting tossed, held under water and getting pummeled wave after wave and thrown into rocks at Trails in California. He taught me how to read the waves and feel the ocean, and I accomplished more in that hour and a half than I had in an entire year. When learning a new craft as a beginner, your teacher matters. I think the best part of the lesson was observing his connection to the ocean- it was his playground. There was no stress, no chaos. The ocean merely reflected his goodness, tranquility, fun, and love for it all- that is what I needed to see. "You got this" was what I needed to hear. "Ha" breathing in the life of it all was what I needed to feel. I just needed to open my heart to the ocean, and in that moment the surf lesson became a life lesson- to position yourself to find a sense of peace among the chaos, and breathe in the mana. I left Moniz Family Surf captured by the ocean. Thank you Isaiah for sharing your love of the ocean with me. When choosing surf schools in Waikiki, Moniz Family Surf is the place to go for education and aloha spirit! read more

Moniz Family Surf - Surf Schools Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

These guys are it! Incredible staff, location, instruction and gear. Liam and Uncle Kev were amazing. So fun I signed up for another lesson in a couple days. Can't wait! read more

Moniz Family Surf - Surf Schools Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

The BEST experience of our trip! My wife and I did a semi-private lesson with Micah Moniz; as a first time surfer I wasn't sure I was going to get the hang of it, but the gentle waves in Waikiki and Micah's great instruction made sure I got to stand up not once but many times! Micah is extremely experienced and knew exactly when to push us with the waves to get us as many chances to stand as possible. They also have a photographer and videographer to capture the moments that you get up on the board, which were amazing against the backdrop of Diamond Head and the blue waters of Waikiki. Even as it got crowded in the afternoon, Micah made sure we were safe and helped me learn how to steer to avoid others. The location is super close, right across from the Hyatt and across the street from Waikiki beach. Afterwards we looked up Micah's Instagram and saw how amazing he surfs and knew we just got a lesson from a real pro. Would do this again 10 times out of 10. read more

Moniz Family Surf - semi-private lesson - Micah sent my wife and I on the same wave! - Surf Schools Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Just across street on the side of the Billabong store from the Waikiki beach where the Duke statue is located. Why I like this better than beachfront surfboard rentals. * Good aloha service and good local family business * accept credit cards (some beach front is cash only) * 10' 6", 11' & 12' soft tops that give you plenty of floatation for gentle Waikiki waves and won't ding. * the smaller the wave rent the biggest board. Seems counterintuitive but bigger floats better and easier to catch small waves. This is only place I found 12' wave catcher. * they include a Billabong rash shirt * they let you stash your flip flops and dry stuff while you surf * good value $25 for two hours and they aren't watching every minute * we didn't do lesson but listening to the guy set it up with someone else I suspect they would be very good One thing to be aware of. The soft tops can rash you more so than traditional board as they have slightly rough surface. They don't require wax. Rash shirt recommended. Also, if you get big boards like 11' as we did, two people to carry across street makes it much easier. read more

Moniz Family Surf - The beach - perfect spot to learn - very surfer should do Waikiki at least a couple times - Surf Schools Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Best place to rent a longboard, very friendly and laid back. To be honest, I didn't even check with other shops or outfitters. Don't rent from the guys on the beach. Moniz Family Surf is right next to the Billabong store and across the street from Waikiki Beach. They have good quality boards and for a good price. I'm pretty sure they give good lessons too. They have a lineage of good surfers. Support a local shop. read more

My daughter and I had a semi-private lesson with Micah last week. He got both of us standing up and riding the waves in to the shore, and we had a lot of fun in the process. We saw another place offering lessons at a higher price, so I don't know why anyone would go somewhere else. I definitely recommend Moniz Family Surf lessons. read more

If you're looking for a fun, safe, and successful surf session definitely check them out, and ask for Kevin! Kevin was a very patient instructor and so cool, he made my first surfing experience a great one that I'll never forget! Overall, 10/10 Also, if you're looking for footage of your surfing session ask for Tyg (hope I spelled this right), he did a great job capturing the moment! read more

God bless this family for doing what they love best !! Mahalo for keeping our island traditions alive through teaching and perpetuating our Hawaiian culture.. So proud to see our Hawaiian people succeed .. It is apparent that Ke Akua has blessed you as you have blessed others . ) Through sharing your expert knowledge on how to respect and learn the ocean first, then, how to surf .. oh, and not to mention, you are a beautiful family too !!.. ) mahalo Moniz family for all you do ) read more

We signed our 9 year old daughter up for a private lesson with Micah and it was a once in a life time experience!!!! (until we signed her up again for another lesson a few days later again with him because it was so awesome). We are from NJ, my daughter has some surfing experience but mainly from me pushing her into waves on a sand bar. In Waikiki it's much different since it's a combo reef / sand bottom - so you really need to know the best take off spots. Micah was great! He was cool with our daughter and knew exactly where to take her to catch the best waves. The people at the board rental / signing up for the lesson were super cool as well! We strongly recommend Moniz Family surf! read more

See all

This was my first time surfing ever! I was extremely nervous and scared, but our instructor Micah made it simple and easy. He gave us great tips to get us to stand and to also keep ourselves safe! He was super patient and I was able to stand up after a few tries! Micah is a great instructor and gave us tips to help us succeed each time. They offer lessons in 1.5 hour sessions and are cheaper if you go as a group! I definitely recommend Moniz Family Surf if it's your first time and you want someone who is going to make you feel safe - especially if it's your first time! read more

Moniz Family Surf - Surf Schools Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

After being stranded at LAX airport for two days, I found myself at Moniz Family Surf on New Year's Eve in a delirious state of mind yearning to get into the water to cleanse away the chaos. All private and group lessons were booked out for the holiday weekend, but Isaiah was able to accommodate me on New Year's Day. If you haven't celebrated New Year's Eve in Hawaii, you are missing out! The entire island was lit from 8:00 pm - 2:00 am. It was my first time experiencing being pelted by embers from being so close to the fireworks, and lose partial hearing from the loud continuous booms- buy boy it was a sight to see! I kicked off 2023 catching the first wave of the year at Queens. I had a check list of items I wanted to learn, but I couldn't remember anything due to my state of exhaustion. What makes Isaiah such a great teacher is that he really watches how you interact with the water, and makes slight adjustments to finetune your skill set. He teaches you about the technique, the reasoning behind the technique, how to read the ocean, and how to have fun and love the experience of surfing. Isaiah's gift is his eye of observation. He noticed that I was able to navigate a wave that had more power behind it, and saw that I really struggled with soft, mushy waves, and he was absolutely correct. I am used to an unforgiving ocean, so when it was gentle, I didn't really understand what was happening or how to react to it. He showed me the different types of energy behind different types of waves and shared tips on paddling techniques such as when to paddle with speed and when to paddle with power to match the energy of the wave. Isaiah was able to verbalize concepts I didn't understand or was aware of. Matching the energy of the wave was a super helpful concept because at my home break I always feel like I am working against the ocean rather than with the ocean. He told me about his experiences in pipeline and the training involved to take a hit in order to stand your ground to position yourself in the wave. The hour and a half lesson flew by, and my heart was so full with the knowledge he shared with me. Moniz Family Surf has a such a homey feeling, and after two days of strenuous travel- the kindness and aloha spirit felt so comforting. It definitely keeps you wanting to come back for more. Look no further for surf schools- Moniz Family Surf is the real deal. read more

Our instructors were amazing and so nice. We had never been on surf boards before and felt very comfortable in the ocean with them guiding us! We booked a group lesson for the family and one private lesson for my youngest. We all successfully surfed, it was one of our most memorable experiences in Waikiki! Highly recommended and family friendly. read more

My son and I have surfed in Fiji, Costa Rica, and California and we can definitely say that Moniz Family surf is world class in their surf instruction. They make surfing in Waikiki safe and fun while providing the right amount of instruction and guidance based upon skill level. All the instructors at Moniz Family Surf are true professionals, but more importantly they treat you like family. Thank you Isaiah, Kevin, Liam, Loa, and Micah for an amazing two weeks of surfing. We will be back soon! read more

Slightly embarrassed to say we are local and have never taken the kids out to surf BUT I am so so happy and grateful that we were able to set up lessons at Moniz Family Surf with Micah! Micah was prompt and amazing with our group of kids ages 9-15. Each and every kid is still talking about all of the fun they had and the waves they caught with Micah by their side. (It is now 5 1/2 hours later and my 9 year old son is trying to convince me to buy him a surfboard after one lesson and all of the other kids are asking when we can go again ‍) I 100% recommend Moniz Family Surf for all of your surfing needs if you are visiting the islands or just locals like us who just want to try something new and not sure where to start. They even do really affordable board rentals! TY Micah, Tammy and the rest of the team for being so great! We cant wait to bring the kids in for their next lesson! read more

Moniz Family Surf - Micah and the kiddos - Surf Schools Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

My surf instructor Lao rips and is a great teacher. I would come again and have a lesson every day. 10/10 experience

Tammy is such a great teacher! It was my first time surfing and I had so much fun riding out the wave. Tammy was patient and explained the steps really well. I highly recommend Moniz Family Surf! read more

Micah is the best surf instructor! I found Micah's profile on Yelp and checked out his Instagram page. My husband and I are here in Oahu for a month and decided to take surf lessons twice a week and see where we can get. We only took 1 group lesson 2 years ago and really had no expectations going into it. But now we're at week 3 and can catch a wave or two ourselves and can even walk a little on the long board. Super stoked abt the experience! Micah is super responsive and his instructions are so on point. He's super friendly to talk to and very patient with us :) If you're looking for an instructor who can help you improve progressively, definitely hit him up! His shop is really conveniently located at Billabong on Waikiki and they have small storage bins where you can put personal items in. There's also a drinking fountain to refill your water bottle and also a bathroom for students. He also has rash guards you can borrow as well. It's a perfect one-stop shop y'all! read more

They charge $209 for a private a lesson which is way over the market price. Don't go !!! Not trust and honest business store.

Better service & surf boards than other board rentals in the area. Worth the few extra dollars if you value quality experiences.

Best place in town to rent surfboards with a convenient location right across from the beach. Really awesome friendly staff with above average surfboard options for rentals. I always support the local friendly businesses that spread the aloha spirit. Best family business on island! read more