Kauai Surf School
Kauai Surf School
5
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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About
The Kauai Surf School offers Group, Private surf lessons, and Surf Clinics daily at the Kiahuna Beach in Poipu.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
461 reviews
Excellent
430
Very good
17
Average
8
Poor
3
Terrible
3
Moose
3 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
Excellent! Professional and patient instructors. You start with a 30min detailed land lesson on the grass by the beach near Poipu. Here they teach proper technique and safety. Their attitude is to have fun and be safe.
You then spend an hour in the water putting it all to good use. I was able to ride in over a dozen times and got the hang of it pretty quickly with helpful hints and tips from our instructor along the way. It was challenging while still being a whole lot of fun.
I recommend you wear lots of reef friendly sunscreen and come hydrated (surfing is an Olympic sport for a reason). They provide shirts/rash guards for use during the class.
My group was me (35M) and another 30-something male, as well as two younger teenage boys. Even with four people, we all got plenty of attention from the instructor. All ages and experiences are welcomed.
Mahalo to the Kauai Surf School. I would definitely recommend!
You then spend an hour in the water putting it all to good use. I was able to ride in over a dozen times and got the hang of it pretty quickly with helpful hints and tips from our instructor along the way. It was challenging while still being a whole lot of fun.
I recommend you wear lots of reef friendly sunscreen and come hydrated (surfing is an Olympic sport for a reason). They provide shirts/rash guards for use during the class.
My group was me (35M) and another 30-something male, as well as two younger teenage boys. Even with four people, we all got plenty of attention from the instructor. All ages and experiences are welcomed.
Mahalo to the Kauai Surf School. I would definitely recommend!
Written April 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sal Z
8 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
My husband and I had two surf lessons at Kauai Surf school and can only recommend them. We got a great introduction and first lesson on land before heading out onto the water. Sparky was really a great teacher, patient and fun. He’s been surfing for many many many years and has probably taught endless numbers of surf classes to beginners, but he was enthusiastic, motivated and full of good energy.
Written September 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LindsayLessard
3 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Had a really great experience for my 1st ever surf lesson! I was impressed with how organized, friendly, and supportive the instructors were. After some instruction on the ground we quickly moved to the water and got going. It was great to get feedback from my instructor each time I went out and I got upright on the board after my 2nd try! I lost count of how many runs I got in, but was so happy to surf all the way to the beach several times. It was exhausting and so much fun. I definitely recommend Kauai Surf School to beginner surfers of all ages!
Written July 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gates Yager
Elgin, TX12 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Great lessons and instruction! Did not think I would get remotely close to being able to surf but now I feel pretty confident that I could get good at it with a little more practice. My Fiancée was picking it up really fast and was having a blast with the instructor. They do a great job of giving you basics and foundations so you can further practice and get even better. If you have ever wanted to surf, this is a great way to start. Kauai Surf School is a great choice for your first time and I cannot recommend them enough.
Written September 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philip L
Marblehead, MA3 contributions
Jan 2025 • Solo
First time taking a surfing lesson. The instructor had excellent communication with the land portion with practice for pop-up Gave a lot of good positive feedback! The water portion was very good as well, instructor patient. Giving very good positive feedback for a successful surfing. Pay attention, relax and enjoy. I was able to get a few good surfing to shore and had my share of falls too. Highly recommend.
Written January 29, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shannon
6 contributions
Jun 2022
My fiancee and I had never surfed before, and we both had a blast! Our instructor was super kind, helpful, clear, and encouraging. Our group lesson only had 2 other people in it, so the 4 of us were riding waves non-stop. All of us got up and rode our first waves in a matter of a few tries, and no matter how many wipe-outs we had, the instructor was there with positive feedback, encouragement, help, and patience. The area where they hold the lesson is filled with other learners as well, so the whole atmosphere on this section of the beach is welcoming and encouraging - we even had total strangers clapping for us when we caught a wave all the way to the shore! Would highly recommend!
Written December 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elkerton
CA3 contributions
Jun 2022
Group lesson was perfect for teenage boys who were comfortable in the ocean but had not surfed. Our instructor Curren packed a lot of info and practice into the 90 minutes, and we swapped stories about some of my childhood heroes (i.e. his namesake). Boys all rode waves by the end and we took plenty of pictures and videos. Try to book this early in your trip so there is time deploy those new skills. :-)
Written July 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert L
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Family
Had a great time with Kauai Surf School. Our two boys had a group lesson with two other ladies. The ladies only made 2 runs so the boys were able to make multiple runs. They were great with our 10 year old.
Written October 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah H
Tampa, FL21 contributions
Aug 2022
Highly highly recommend!!! I was really nervous about surfing, it seemed like something only really talented people could do. That was not the case. Our instructor made sure we learned what we needed on land. We spent about 20 minutes practicing how to stand up. Then we got in the water and on my first wave I was able to stand up and stay up for more than half the wave! Falling isn't as scary as it looks. I ended up standing up and riding the waves into shore over 50% of the time. Our class had 4 people total so there was plenty of individual time. There are lots of kids and adults surfing. Don't worry the waves aren't too big. I walked away feeling successful and excited about surfing.
The only thing I will say is be ready for a workout. By the end of the session my arms were tired. But I can't wait to surf again.
The only thing I will say is be ready for a workout. By the end of the session my arms were tired. But I can't wait to surf again.
Written August 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
millie s
Huntington Beach, CA3 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Curran was an expert instructor. I’ve taken a few surf lessons in California and have never been able to stay up on the board. After 30 minute instruction from Curran, I was able to get up and stay up on my second wave and every wave after that. There were 3 people in my class and all 2 of us were able to catch and stay up on the waves. He’s so knowledgeable, give great tips and I felt very safe out in the ocean.
This surf school is right at the sand so it was super convenient to grab our gear and hit the waves.
This surf school is right at the sand so it was super convenient to grab our gear and hit the waves.
Written September 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is this good for teens? Or just young children? I have a 16, 15 and 11 year old.
Written July 30, 2022
Hi, I think they would be good. Mine were a little older (18 and 23), but the instructor was patient both with them and me. They should really enjoy it!
Written July 31, 2022
Hi! Is the surf office located right on the beach? We do not have a vehicle so were hoping to not have to find transportation from the surf office to the beach.
Written June 16, 2019
It is possible to book through Nukumoi but Kauai Surf School has an office on the beach at Kiahuna Plantation which is steps from where the classes are held.
Written June 21, 2019
Hi guys,
We are heading your way soon. My son and I are ok (intermediate) surfers, do you cater for other than beginner level?
Thanks
Gerry
Written May 25, 2017
KauaiSurfSchool
Poipu, Hawaii
Aloha Gerry
If you guys can catch your own waves, turn with the wave, and get off the wave when you want then I would say there is not a need for lessons. If any of those actions are an issue a lesson can help build the proper foundation to fix those issues. If you have any further questions please call me or send me your number so I can call you. It is much easier to get through surfing questions with a quick conversation.
Mahalo
Jamie Dillberg
808-651-6033 cell
808-651-6032 office
Written May 25, 2017
I can swim, but would not consider myself a strong swimmer, is this an activity I should avoid?
Written March 20, 2017
KauaiSurfSchool
Poipu, Hawaii
Aloha! Swimming is the number one prerequisite. With that said we surf in waist deep water about 40 yards of the sand and your leash will keep your board close to you if you fall off. If you can swim you are fine. But if you are not comfortable in the ocean it will be more difficult to relax, enjoy, and learn during the lesson.
Please call 808-651-6032 if we can help with any other question.
Mahalo and we hope to surf with you.
Kauai Surf School
Written March 20, 2017
Hi! We will be coming to Kauai in early March and have 3 teenagers who want to surf a lot on our trip. They have each surfed maybe 6x in the last 5 years but I would not consider them intermediate surfers. What part of the island will be most ideal for their skill level at that time of year?
Thanks in advance!
Written September 12, 2016
The North shore, Hanalei Bay. I wouldn't worry to much about finding the right waves for their ability level. We surfed on the bunny waves, yet, a few hundred feet down the shore were bigger waves. I am sure the North shore will have plenty of areas you will enjoy.
Written September 22, 2016
Hello there. The web site states "We do have a cancellation policy", but it doesn't say what the cancellation policy is, even when booking a lesson. So... what is the cancellation policy for group surf lessons? Thank you.
Written January 17, 2016
I think it's 24 hours but call them and they will tell you.
Written January 19, 2016
I am arriving on Aug 7....staying at sheraton...Can i book surf lessons when I arrive or do I need to do it ahead?
Written July 21, 2015
KauaiSurfSchool
Poipu, Hawaii
Aloha Allison
We generally book up a day or two in advance so if you are flexible you should have no problem finding availability in one of our lessons when you are on island. If you are booking for multiple people or have limited flexibility with your vacation schedule it is best to think ahead, 3 days out or more.
Please let us know if you have any other question.
To make your reservations go our website or call 808-651-6032
Mahalo and we look forward to surfing with you.
Written July 22, 2015
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