Exploring Kauai’s Ultimate Private Surf Lesson: A Friendly and Honest Review

If you’re heading to Kauai and dreaming of catching your first wave—or improving your surf skills—you might have come across the Kauai’s Ultimate Private Surf Lesson. While we haven’t personally paddled out with this particular tour, we’ve looked into what makes it a popular choice among travelers, especially those eager for a personalized, hands-on surf experience.
What immediately stands out are two things we really appreciate: first, the one-on-one instruction that can truly boost your confidence in the water, and second, the flexible scheduling that allows you to fit your lesson into your Kauai itinerary easily. On the flip side, the price might seem a bit steep for some—around $318 per person—but considering the inclusion of all gear and personalized attention, it’s often seen as a worthwhile investment for a memorable surf experience.
However, a key consideration is the physical fitness level required. You should be reasonably active to comfortably participate and make the most of your lesson. This experience naturally suits those who are either absolute beginners or intermediates looking to refine their skills in a safe, supportive environment. If you’re looking for a group session or a more relaxed, less personalized vibe, this private lesson might not be the best fit. But if you’re after expert guidance and a tailored surf outing, it’s worth considering.
Key Points
- Personalized Experience: One-on-one instruction ensures you get tailored tips and close attention.
- Suitable for All Levels: Perfect for beginners or those with some surfing experience wanting to improve.
- Flexible Scheduling: You can choose a time that works best for you.
- All Gear Included: Surfboard, rash guard, and water shoes are provided, so you don’t need to bring anything.
- Convenient Location: Starts at a straightforward meeting point in Koloa.
- Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead offers peace of mind.
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What You Can Expect from the Tour
Starting your adventure at 2440 Hoonani Rd, Koloa, the experience begins on land with a safety briefing and an introduction to surfing basics. The focus here is on teaching you the fundamentals—how to paddle, pop up on your board, and most importantly, how to stay safe in the water. This initial land session sets the stage, especially for beginners who may be nervous about their first time.
Once you’ve got the basics down, you’ll head into the water, where your instructor will give you personalized guidance. We love the emphasis on individual attention, which really helps beginners gain confidence and feel supported. You might be surprised how quickly a little instruction can translate into actual waves caught—some reviews even highlight how students appreciated the praise and tips they received.
The water session typically lasts around 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving plenty of time to practice, get comfortable, and maybe even stand up on your board for the first time. The inclusion of water shoes, rash guards, and surfboards means you’re well-equipped, and you’re likely to find this gear is comfortable and suitable for Kauai’s surf environment.
Why This Surf Lesson Stands Out

Personalized instruction truly makes this experience different from larger group lessons. Many users mention how their instructor, Matt, was excellent with kids and beginners alike, offering ample praise and practical tips, which really enhances learning and enjoyment. As one review states, “Matt was excellent with my daughter and very knowledgeable and excited to teach.”
Another aspect that gets high praise is the responsiveness to weather conditions. For example, if the swell is big, the team offers options to rebook or even refund, ensuring you’re not pressured into a lesson that might be too challenging on a rough day. This flexibility is refreshing and speaks to the professionalism of Hawaiian Style Surfing.
The reviews highlight the attentive and accommodating nature of the instructors and the overall positive vibe. One reviewer noted that despite the challenging swell, they still went ahead with the lesson and were glad they did, calling it an “excellent instructor and good experience.”
The Price: Is It Worth It?
At $318.27 per person, this private lesson certainly isn’t cheap. But when you break down what you’re getting—personalized coaching, all gear included, and a flexible schedule—it becomes more understandable. For anyone serious about learning to surf or improving their skills, this tailored approach can make a significant difference in your progression and confidence in the water.
For travelers with a limited time in Kauai, a private lesson might seem like a splurge, but many find the one-on-one attention and the chance to learn safely worth the extra cost. Plus, with a booking window averaging about 40 days in advance, those interested should plan ahead.
The Practical Details
The lesson is straightforward to book, with confirmation received within 48 hours, and the activity is near public transportation, making it accessible. The tour is a private session, so only your group participates—perfect if you value exclusivity and personalized attention.
The meeting point is conveniently located in Koloa, and after your lesson, you simply return to the starting spot, which keeps logistics simple. The experience is designed for moderate physical fitness levels, so if you’re generally active, you’ll likely find it manageable.
The cancellation policy offers full peace of mind—cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, a great feature if weather or other plans change unexpectedly.
While in Kauai, here are other experiences we've covered
Who Will Love This Experience?
This surf lesson is ideal for beginners and intermediates who want to learn in a safe, supportive environment with a professional instructor. It’s especially suited for travelers who value personalized attention and are happy to pay a premium for a customized experience.
If you’re traveling with a partner, family, or friends who want to learn together, this private setup ensures everyone gets the instruction they need without the distraction of a large group. It’s also a good option if you’re nervous about surfing and prefer a more controlled, one-on-one approach.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a personalized, flexible, and well-supported surf lesson in Kauai, this experience really ticks all the boxes. The emphasis on individual coaching and the positive reviews suggest you’ll be in good hands, even if you’re a total beginner. While the cost might seem high, the value you get—personal attention, all gear, and a hassle-free setup—can make it a worthwhile splurge during your trip.
This isn’t the best choice if you’re on a tight budget or prefer a group lesson to meet other travelers. However, if your goal is to build confidence and enjoy your time on the water with expert guidance, this private surf lesson is a solid option worth considering.
Kauai’s Ultimate Private Surf Lesson
“Matt was excellent with my daughter and very knowledgeable and excited to teach.”
FAQs
Is this tour suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, this private surf lesson is suitable for beginners, as the instructor starts with land safety and basic techniques before hitting the water. Many reviews mention positive experiences with first-timers.
Can I choose a specific time slot?
Yes, the lesson offers flexible time slots, so you can pick a time that fits your schedule.
What gear is included?
All necessary gear—including a surfboard, rash guard, and water shoes—is provided, so you don’t need to bring your own equipment.
How long does the lesson last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
What happens if the weather is poor?
If the weather cancels the lesson, you will be offered a different date or a full refund, since the experience requires good weather conditions.
Is the instruction suitable for intermediate surfers?
Yes, the lesson caters to both beginners and those at an intermediate level looking to hone their skills.
Where does the lesson start and end?
It begins at 2440 Hoonani Rd, Koloa, and concludes back at the same meeting point.
If you’re ready for a memorable, personalized surfing experience in Kauai, this private lesson could be just what you need to dip your toes into the waves or take your skills to the next level.
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