Learn to surf at Ala Moana Beach with experienced instructors and small-group lessons designed for beginners.
Learn to surf at Ala Moana Beach with experienced instructors and small-group lessons designed for beginners.
Please bring a swimsuit, rash guard, leggings, sunscreen, a beach towel, and water shoes. For safety, a rash guard, leggings, and water shoes are required. Rental gear is available for $10 per person if needed.
Absolutely! Our lessons are beginner-friendly, and no prior surfing experience is required. Our instructors will guide you through the basics before heading into the water.
You don’t need to be a strong swimmer, but you should be comfortable in the water. Please let us know in advance if you have any concerns about swimming.
Group and private lessons are approximately 90 minutes. Intermediate and advanced lessons are approximately 120 minutes.
Lessons usually continue in light rain. However, if weather or ocean conditions are considered unsafe, we may reschedule or cancel the lesson. Safety always comes first.
Lessons are held at Ala Moana Beach Park. You can meet us directly at the beach, or complimentary pickup and drop-off is available from select hotels in Waikiki and Ala Moana.
Cancellations or changes can be made free of charge up to 48 hours before the scheduled lesson start time.
Pregnant guests and those with heart or back conditions are unable to participate. For children under 7 and guests aged 65 or older, please contact us before booking.
Sea turtles are often seen around Ala Moana, and you may be lucky enough to spot one during your lesson. However, they are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Maximum 3 students per instructor for more personalized attention.
At Surf Cloud 9, each instructor works with a maximum of 3 students so no one gets lost in a large group. This allows us to give first-time surfers more individual attention and help each guest learn at a comfortable pace.
Everyone learns differently, even within the same group. Rather than having everyone simply repeat the same movements, our instructors watch each student closely and provide ongoing feedback on technique, timing, and the areas that need the most attention.
✓ Maximum 3 students per instructor
✓ Personalized feedback based on your level and pace
✓ A comfortable environment for beginners to ask questions and learn
✓ More individual attention to safety and technique
Experience a more local side of Hawaii.
Surf Cloud 9 lessons take place at Ala Moana Beach, a local favorite where residents come to swim, surf, picnic, and enjoy the ocean as part of everyday island life. It offers a different experience from the lively, tourist-filled atmosphere of Waikiki.
With its spacious setting and more relaxed atmosphere, Ala Moana is a comfortable place to experience Hawaii’s ocean and learn the fundamentals of surfing, from basic ocean safety and paddling to takeoff.
✓ A local beach enjoyed by Hawaii residents
✓ A more relaxed atmosphere away from busy Waikiki
✓ A comfortable setting for first-time surfers
✓ Conveniently located near Waikiki
Properly permitted, insured, and teaching surfers in Hawaii for 13 years.
Surf Cloud 9 operates with the required permits from the State of Hawaii and the City and County of Honolulu. We also carry general liability insurance for our surf lesson operations.
With 13 years of experience teaching beginner-focused surf lessons, we pay close attention to each guest’s safety, comfort, and skill level throughout the lesson.
✓ State of Hawaii permit
✓ City and County of Honolulu permit
✓ General liability insurance
✓ All instructors certified in ocean lifeguarding
✓ 13 years of experience teaching beginner-focused surf lessons
Getting to your surf lesson should be easy.
Complimentary pickup and drop-off is available from select locations in Waikiki and Ala Moana, making it easy to join your lesson without worrying about transportation.
Simply select your pickup location when booking, and we’ll provide the pickup time and details with your reservation. You may also meet us directly at Ala Moana Beach Park if you prefer.
✓ Complimentary pickup & drop-off
✓ Convenient pickup locations throughout Waikiki and Ala Moana
✓ Pickup time provided with your reservation
✓ Direct arrival at Ala Moana Beach Park also available
Don’t stop after your first surf experience. Build on what you learned in your first lesson and return for a second session with more confidence and time to enjoy the waves.
$240 $200 / person
Two 90-minute group lessons
✓ Two group surf lessons
✓ Surfboard & leash
✓ Complimentary Waikiki / Ala Moana shuttle
✓ Refreshments
· Package is valid for one person only and is non-transferable.
· The second lesson must be used within one month of the first lesson.
· The second lesson is subject to group lesson availability.
A small-group lesson for first-time surfers, with a maximum of 3 students per instructor. Learn the fundamentals step by step at Ala Moana, from ocean safety and paddling to catching your first wave.
$120 / person
90 minutes
✓ Surfboard & leash
✓ Complimentary Waikiki / Ala Moana pickup & drop-off
✓ Complimentary drinks
✓ Surfwear rental available · $10
✓ GoPro video option · $60
· Group lessons require a minimum of 2 participants. If the minimum is not met, we may contact you to adjust your lesson date or time.
· Guests under 10 or age 60 and older are required to book a private lesson.
Whether you're surfing for the first time or looking for more focused instruction, each lesson is tailored to your skill level and pace. It's also a great option for younger surfers, those who may feel less confident in the water, or anyone who would benefit from more individual attention.
$220 / person
90 minutes
✓ One-on-one private instruction
✓ Surfboard & leash
✓ Complimentary Waikiki / Ala Moana shuttle
✓ Refreshments
✓ Surfwear rental included
✓ GoPro filming option $60
· For safety, participants under age 10 and age 60 or older are required to book a private lesson.
Designed for experienced surfers who can independently choose, catch, and ride waves without instructor assistance. Train one-on-one with a semi-professional longboard competitor and focus on higher-level skills such as wave selection, turning, and walking the board.
$250 / person
120 minutes
✓ One-on-one coaching with a semi-professional longboard competitor
✓ Wave reading and selection
✓ Level-specific coaching for turns, walking, and other advanced techniques
✓ Lesson tailored to your individual level and goals
✓ Lesson location may vary depending on surf conditions and skill level
✓ Sunset lessons may be available depending on schedule
· This lesson is for experienced surfers who can independently select and catch waves without instructor assistance.
· If you are new to surfing or still need assistance catching waves, please book a Group Lesson or Private Beginner Lesson instead.
· This lesson is scheduled separately from our regular lesson times and requires advance coordination with the instructor.
· Lesson time and location may vary depending on your skill level and current surf conditions.
Capture your surf session from multiple angles with a GoPro. We mount the camera directly on the surfboard for riding footage, and your instructor may also film by hand to capture more dynamic moments throughout the lesson. All original footage is provided on an SD card after your session.
$60 / camera
✓ One GoPro can be shared by up to 2 guests in a group lesson
✓ Surfboard-mounted riding footage
✓ Additional footage filmed by your instructor
✓ All original video files
✓ SD card, adapter & case included
For guests who are not participating in the surf lesson but would like to ride the shuttle with a lesson participant and accompany them to the lesson location. There is no ride-along fee if your group travels to the lesson location on your own.
$20 / person
✓ Ride the same shuttle as the lesson participant
✓ Accompany the participant to the lesson location and wait nearby
✓ Complimentary drinks
✓ No ride-along fee when traveling to the lesson location on your own
· Participants under 18 must be accompanied by at least one parent or guardian.
· Up to 2 ride-along guests are allowed per lesson participant.
A convenient rental option for guests who do not have the surfwear required for the lesson. The price is the same per person regardless of how many rental items you need.
$10 / person
✓ Rash guard
✓ Leggings
✓ Water shoes
✓ Wetsuit (winter season)
· Rash guards, leggings, and water shoes are required for safety.
· The rental fee is $10 per person, regardless of the number of items needed.
· Swimsuits are not available for rent. Please arrive wearing your own swimsuit.