The Sunrise Paddle on the North Shore costs $50 per person. Of the stand up paddle boarding options we list, per-person prices range from $31.41 to $450 per person. Your budget, experience, group size and side of the island decide the right fit.
What should you know about stand up paddle boarding on Oahu?
Price, length and starting point are the first things to compare. Start with price and time, since the lessons on our list range from 1.5 hours to 5 hours. Pick the side of the island that is easy for you to reach.
How much does it cost, and what is included?
The Go Nuts Hawaii lesson is priced per group at $115 and includes the board and paddles.
| Tour | Price from | Minimum age |
|---|---|---|
| Kailua Bay & Popoia Island Paddle Board Lesson | $31.41 per person | - |
| Sunrise Paddle | $50 per person | 10 and older |
| Light up the Night | $65 per person | - |
| Self Guided Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Tour | $99 per person | 13 and older |
| Haleiwa River Paddle Tour | $109 per person | 12 and older |
| Private Paddle Boarding Lessons | $120 per person | 3 and older |
| Private Group Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Lesson | $125 per person | - |
| Bodyboarding Lessons! | $145 per person | - |
The Jamie O'Brien School of Surf experience includes a dedicated guide, a land lesson and a guided paddle with city views.
A higher price can buy a longer outing or a meal.
What should you expect: how long it lasts and where it starts?
The Jamie O'Brien experience lasts 1.5 hours and has departure times from 9:00 AM to 3:15 PM. The Go Nuts Hawaii lesson has 2 hours in the water. The Mahina Hawaii outing leaves at 9 AM and lasts 2 hours.
Starting points vary. Waikiki Beach Services meets guests at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Sunset Suzy's lessons are based in Haleiwa on the North Shore.
Arrive before your departure time, and plan your parking and travel to the meeting point ahead of time. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard if your tour does not supply one.
Who does it suit, and who should skip it?
Some lessons accept young children. The Jamie O'Brien experience starts at age 2. Other operators set higher minimums. The Waikiki Beach Services one-on-one lesson needs guests to be 13 or older.
Choose a private or one-on-one lesson if you are new to the board. The Waikiki Beach Services lesson includes a 15-minute safety briefing before you go out. If you want more time on the water, look at the longer outings. The Massimo Sport Hawaii tour runs 5 hours from Lanikai to the Mokulua Islands.
What are the tours to book?
Book the tour that matches your age, budget and time on the water. These tours are on our list.
- Sunrise Paddle from North Shore Oahu: $50 per person, minimum age 10.
- Self Guided Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Tour, run by Kailua Beach Adventures: $99 per person, minimum age 13.
- Ohana Stand Up Paddle Experience, run by Jamie O'Brien School of Surf: $159 per person, 1.5 hours.
How do booking, cancellation and weather work?
Go Nuts Hawaii refunds the full amount with 48 hours' notice. The Jamie O'Brien experience allows a full refund or a change up to 24 hours before the lesson starts. Mahina Hawaii requires cancellation 72 hours before the Stand Up Paddle / Kayak starts for a full refund.
Check the National Weather Service marine forecast the morning of your outing.
Frequently asked questions
How to stand up while paddle boarding?
The Jamie O'Brien experience teaches the basics in a personalized land lesson before you paddle.
How much is a decent stand up paddle board?
The Sunset Suzy private lesson costs from $120 per person and includes SUP equipment.
How long does stand up paddle boarding on Oahu take?
The Jamie O'Brien experience and the Hawaii Surf Guru group lesson both last 1.5 hours. The Massimo Sport Hawaii tour lasts 5 hours.
