Learn to surf on Waikiki Beach with a 90‑minute beginner lesson that blends safety, technique and Hawaiian surf culture. Small groups, all equipment provided, and gentle long-rolling waves make Waikiki ideal for first-time surfers.
Learn to surf on Waikiki Beach with a 90‑minute beginner lesson that blends safety, technique and Hawaiian surf culture. Small groups, all equipment provided, and gentle long-rolling waves make Waikiki ideal for first-time surfers.
Sunlight slants across a wide band of sand and the Pacific pushes gentle shoulders of water toward shore—Waikiki’s waves roll in long and forgiving, daring newcomers to try standing. Check-in happens at Big Wave Dave Surf & Coffee on Lewers Street, a short walk from the water; instructors gather the group, fit boards and talk through safety before heading beachside.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Big Wave Dave Surf & Coffee · Honolulu, Hawaii
Sunlight slants across a wide band of sand and the Pacific pushes gentle shoulders of water toward shore—Waikiki’s waves roll in long and forgiving, daring newcomers to try standing. Check-in happens at Big Wave Dave Surf & Coffee on Lewers Street, a short walk from the water; instructors gather the group, fit boards and talk through safety before heading beachside.
Waikiki’s coastline is shaped by Honolulu’s volcanic past and the reefs that smooth incoming swells into the long-rolling breakers the area is known for. This is surf culture with roots: Duke Kahanamoku popularized wave riding here in the early 20th century, turning what was once chiefly a local practice into an international draw. Today, lessons blend Hawaiian respect for the ocean with basic surf technique and etiquette.
Expect a 20-minute on-beach briefing covering paddling, positioning and water safety, followed by roughly an hour in the water practicing pop-ups and riding small waves. Groups are small — often capped at five — and all equipment (soft-top surfboard and leash) plus locker use is included. Waikiki’s reef and sandbars create predictable conditions, ideal for first-time surfers, but participants must be able to swim and have moderate fitness.
Practical tips: arrive 20 minutes early to check in, wear a rash guard and reef-safe sunscreen, and hydrate before the lesson. The operator allows cancellations up to 24 hours in advance. Lessons are beginner-focused; instructors coach repeatedly until you get your first ride, and the surf here almost always rewards persistence.
A professional instructor, surfboard and leash, a safety briefing, and use of a locker to store belongings are included.
No—lessons are designed for beginners, but you must be able to swim and have moderate fitness.
Check in at Big Wave Dave Surf & Coffee at 226 Lewers St at least 20 minutes before the scheduled start time.
Full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the lesson; no refund within 24 hours of the start time.
Big Wave Dave Surf & Coffee operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




Sunlight slants across a wide band of sand and the Pacific pushes gentle shoulders of water toward shore—Waikiki’s waves roll in long and forgiving, daring newcomers to try standing. Check-in happens at Big Wave Dave Surf & Coffee on Lewers Street, a short walk from the water; instructors gather the group, fit boards and talk through safety before heading beachside.
Sunlight slants across a wide band of sand and the Pacific pushes gentle shoulders of water toward shore—Waikiki’s waves roll in long and forgiving, daring newcomers to try standing. Check-in happens at Big Wave Dave Surf & Coffee on Lewers Street, a short walk from the water; instructors gather the group, fit boards and talk through safety before heading beachside.
Waikiki’s coastline is shaped by Honolulu’s volcanic past and the reefs that smooth incoming swells into the long-rolling breakers the area is known for. This is surf culture with roots: Duke Kahanamoku popularized wave riding here in the early 20th century, turning what was once chiefly a local practice into an international draw. Today, lessons blend Hawaiian respect for the ocean with basic surf technique and etiquette.
Expect a 20-minute on-beach briefing covering paddling, positioning and water safety, followed by roughly an hour in the water practicing pop-ups and riding small waves. Groups are small — often capped at five — and all equipment (soft-top surfboard and leash) plus locker use is included. Waikiki’s reef and sandbars create predictable conditions, ideal for first-time surfers, but participants must be able to swim and have moderate fitness.
Practical tips: arrive 20 minutes early to check in, wear a rash guard and reef-safe sunscreen, and hydrate before the lesson. The operator allows cancellations up to 24 hours in advance. Lessons are beginner-focused; instructors coach repeatedly until you get your first ride, and the surf here almost always rewards persistence.