Hawai'i Kai · O'ahu
Surf Lessons
O'ahu, Hawai'i
Professional surf instructors born and raised in Honolulu, ready to give you an authentic surf lesson away from Waikīkī.
An Authentic Surf Lesson
Kai Motion takes their students to Hawai'i Kai, away from the crowded waters of Waikīkī. We offer the most unique surf lesson experience on O'ahu, with lessons on Hawai'i's history, the origination of surfing, and how to stay safe in the water during the surf lesson and for the rest of your stay in Hawai'i. We guarantee that you will ride a wave during your lesson with Kai Motion, and be stoked in the process!
Surfing started in these islands and should be accessible to everyone. Kai Motion's mission is to bring back the traditional Hawaiian knowledge of surfing while showing everyone a great time.
Book a Lesson
Lesson Options
We provide you all the gear with every lesson. Every lesson starts on the sand where we teach you the history of surfing, what the conditions are doing, and how to stay safe in the water during your lesson.
Semi-Private
One instructor, two students. Good for people who want to learn at the same pace.
- 2-hour session in the water
- Max 2 students per instructor
- Board, rashguard & leash included
- Beach briefing on conditions
- Ages 6 and up
Private 1-on-1
You and one instructor. We move at whatever pace makes sense, spend more time on what's not clicking, skip what you've already got.
- 2-hour dedicated session
- All ages and skill levels
- Equipment included
- Personalized coaching
Family & Small Group
3–5 students with two instructors in the water. Works well for families where not everyone is at the same level.
- 3 to 5 students
- Two coaches in the water
- Great for visiting 'ohana
- Photos on request
Ocean Adventure
A half-day that doesn't start with surfing. Reef ID, snorkeling, breath-hold basics, how to read what the ocean is doing. Best for 10 and up who are already comfortable in the water.
- Half-day immersion
- Marine life & reef ID
- Ocean safety deep-dive
- Ages 10+
Keiki Surf Lessons
Group lessons for kids 5–12. Small groups, local coaches, and we teach them about the water before they get in it.
What a lesson looks like
- 1
Meet on the sand
Gear check, then we talk through the conditions happening today: wind direction, swell size, current, anything in the water worth knowing about.
- 2
Pop-up on dry land
Paddle position, foot placement, the pop-up. This is essential to learning how to stand up on a surfboard, usually takes about 10–15 minutes.
- 3
Paddle out
How to read a set, where to position yourself, what to do when whitewater pushes you.
- 4
Your first wave
We push you into the wave, making it easy to stand up. Most people stand up on their first couple of waves.
- 5
Debrief on the beach
What you saw, what you learned, what to work on next time.
Our Gallery
What students say
"We booked this thinking it'd be a fun tourist thing. It turned into the best two hours of the whole trip — our instructor covered the reef, the current, what was in the water, all before anyone got near it. Different from any surf lesson either of us has done."
"My ten-year-old caught his first wave on the third try. The coaches treated him like a real waterman, not a tourist."
"I've done surf lessons on three different islands. This is the only place where the instructor talked about Hawaiian history before we paddled out. You can feel that these guys actually give a damn about the water they're teaching you in."
Where we paddle out
We're in Hawai'i Kai, about a 15 minute drive from Waikīkī. Smaller crowds, consistent south swell in summer, and breaks that are perfect for learning.
| Address | 5475 Kalaniana'ole Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96821 |
|---|---|
| Getting there | 25 min east of Waikīkī by car |
| Phone | (808) 291-5332 |
Questions
I've never surfed before — is that OK?
Good. Most people who book with us have never been on a board. We cover everything on the sand before you paddle out, and the breaks we use are gentle enough that you're going to catch something.
What should I bring?
Swimsuit, reef-safe sunscreen, towel, and a water bottle. We provide board, rashguard, and leash. If you wear contacts, leave them out or bring goggles.
How old does my child need to be?
Six and up, as long as they're comfortable in open water. Ocean Adventures work best for 10 and up. Strong swimmers on the younger end usually do fine in regular lessons.
What if conditions are bad?
We check every morning. If it's not right — too much surge, wrong direction, anything that doesn't make sense for beginners — we reschedule or refund. We'd rather lose the day than put you in conditions that aren't good for learning.
Can we get photos of the session?
Yes, on request. Mention it when you book and we'll send you the rate.
What's your cancellation policy?
Full refund up to 48 hours before your lesson. Inside 48 hours we can usually reschedule. Anything weather-related on our end is always fully refundable.
Book a Lesson
We'll reply within 24 hours with available times. Or call us: (808) 291-5332
Mahalo!
Your request is in. We'll be in touch within 24 hours with available time slots. See you on the sand.