Jamie O’Brien School of Surf
About
When Jamie O'Brien decided to start his own surf school here in Honolulu, he brought something special to Oahu's already incredible surf scene. As a professional surfer with deep Hawaiian roots, Jamie knows these waters like the back of his hand—and more importantly, he gets what it means to share the true spirit of surfing with people from all walks of life.
What I love about this school is how they've structured their lessons. Their group sessions have this infectious energy that gets everyone stoked, whether you're catching your first wave or looking to dial in your technique. If you want more focused attention, their private lessons are where the magic really happens—instructors can zero in on exactly what you need to progress. And it's not just about surfing either. They've got solid bodyboarding instruction and SUP lessons through their Ohana program, which really captures that Hawaiian family vibe we're all about here.
The instructors here aren't just technically skilled (though they definitely are). They understand surfing's place in Hawaiian culture and make sure you walk away with more than just improved skills. You'll actually get why surfing matters so much to us locals. Their safety record speaks for itself, and the way they teach—patient, encouraging, never rushed—has earned them respect throughout the local surf community.
If you're serious about experiencing Hawaii's waves the right way, these are the folks to call. They've got options for everyone, and there's a reason why so many people swear by them for their surf education.
Activities (7)
Ohana Surf Lesson
There's something truly special about watching your family catch their first waves together, and the Ohana Surf Lesson Honolulu at Jamie O'Brien School of Surf captures that magic perfectly. This 1.5-hour private group experience brings up to 16 people together on Oahu's stunning coastline, creating memories that'll last long after the saltwater dries. Before you even touch the water, you'll spend quality time on the beach learning the fundamentals. Your professional instructors break down everything from paddling technique to proper stance, plus those crucial ocean safety protocols that every surfer needs to know. They'll teach your group proper wave selection and nail down that pop-up technique—all tailored to your crew's skill level. The experience starts at the ground floor surf shop in the Twin Fin Hotel at 2570 Kalakaua Avenue, where valet parking makes everything hassle-free. Once you're suited up in the provided gear—beginner-friendly boards, fins, leash, rash guard, and reef shoes—it's time to hit the waves. What sets this ohana surf lesson Honolulu apart is the personal attention. With a 4:1 guest-to-instructor ratio, everyone gets the coaching they need to succeed. These aren't just any instructors either—Jamie O'Brien hand-picked each one, and their passion for surfing shows in every lesson. The program welcomes participants ages 11 and older, though younger kids can join with private one-on-one instruction. It's wheelchair and stroller accessible with advance notice, and you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. Don't forget your swimwear, towel, and sunscreen, and if you're prone to motion sickness, take something 30 minutes beforehand. Secure lockers keep your belongings safe, and you can purchase professional photography to capture those triumphant first rides. This ohana surf lesson Honolulu transforms nervous beginners into stoked surfers, one wave at a time.
Private Surf Lesson
Looking for the most personalized way to learn surfing? Jamie O'Brien School of Surf offers an exceptional private surf lesson Honolulu experience that puts you front and center with hand-picked professional instructors. These aren't just any surf coaches—they've been personally selected by legendary surfer Jamie O'Brien himself to deliver the safest, most effective instruction possible. Your 1.5-hour session starts on land with comprehensive training tailored to your specific skill level. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your technique, your dedicated instructor covers everything from paddling mechanics and proper stance to ocean safety protocols and wave selection strategies. The crucial pop-up technique? They'll break it down until you've got it dialed in. Once you hit the water, your instructor stays right beside you, offering immediate feedback and adjustments that help you progress faster than you thought possible. This one-on-one attention builds confidence quickly and maximizes your wave-catching potential—perfect for anyone wanting accelerated improvement or kids 10 and under who need that extra focus for safety. A personal photographer captures your breakthrough moments throughout the session, with images available for purchase to commemorate your progress. This private surf lesson Honolulu welcomes ages 3 and up, accommodating groups of up to 5 people. The experience is both stroller and wheelchair accessible with advance notice. You'll meet at the surf shop on the ground floor of the Twin Fin Hotel at 2570 Kalakaua Avenue, where valet parking is available or you can park at the nearby Honolulu Zoo. All beginner-friendly surfboards and equipment come included, plus secure lockers for your belongings. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, with pricing starting from $249.
Group Surf Lesson
Experience the thrill of surfing Waikiki's gentle waves away from the crowds with this group surf lesson from Jamie O'Brien School of Surf. This economical group experience delivers maximum stoke with minimal spend – perfect for meeting new friends while learning to ride Hawaii's famous waves together. Your 1.5-hour lesson accommodates up to 16 participants with a 4:1 guest-to-instructor ratio. Despite the social group setting, you'll get personalized attention from experienced instructors hand-selected by professional surfer Jamie O'Brien himself. All skill levels are welcome in this fun, interactive environment where you'll learn alongside fellow surf enthusiasts in Waikiki's perfect beginner-friendly conditions. The adventure kicks off at the surf shop on the ground floor of the Twin Fin Hotel at 2570 Kalakaua Avenue. Check in 15 minutes before your lesson starts, then stash your belongings in secure lockers while you hit the water. All surfing gear is included – surfboard, fins, leash, rash guard, and reef shoes – so you can focus entirely on learning and having fun. The school specializes in teaching beginners and first-time surfers at their ideal learning surf break. This group surf lesson Honolulu experience welcomes ages 14 and older (younger participants need private lessons for safety). The activity is stroller and wheelchair accessible with advance notice. Flexible cancellation policies allow full refunds up to 24 hours before your lesson. Starting from $129 per person, this social surfing adventure includes instant confirmation and the chance to experience the magic of surfing with your crew in one of the world's most iconic surf destinations. Whether you're catching your first wave or improving your technique, you'll do it surrounded by new friends in Hawaii's legendary waters.
Ohana Bodyboard Lesson
Looking to get your whole family stoked on wave riding? This ohana bodyboard lesson in Honolulu from Jamie O'Brien School of Surf is hands-down the best way to experience your first taste of surfing together. With just four guests per instructor, everyone from your 2-year-old keiki to grandparents gets the personal attention they deserve while learning to catch waves in Waikiki's gentle waters. You'll find us right in the heart of the action at 2570 Kalakaua Avenue, tucked inside the Twin Fin Hotel's ground floor. The hour-long session covers everything from water safety basics to proper bodyboarding technique, and trust me – there's nothing like watching your family light up when they catch their first wave together. We run seven sessions daily starting at 7:30am and wrapping up at 3:00pm, so you can easily fit this ohana bodyboard lesson Honolulu experience into your vacation schedule. Just show up 15 minutes early for check-in, and we'll hook you up with premium bodyboards, fins, rash guards, and leashes – everything you need is covered. A few local tips: grab valet parking at the Twin Fin Hotel or save some cash with self-parking at the Honolulu Zoo (just a quick five-minute stroll away). We've got secure lockers for your stuff, and since ocean conditions can shift, we might occasionally move locations or adjust times to give you the best possible session. One heads-up – skip the mai tais before your lesson and consider motion sickness meds if you're prone to getting queasy. The good news? We offer free cancellation with 24 hours notice, so you're covered if plans change. This ohana bodyboard lesson Honolulu adventure starts and ends at the same Kalakaua Avenue spot, making your day totally hassle-free.
Private Bodyboard Lesson
When you want to master bodyboarding fast, nothing beats the focused attention you'll get with a private bodyboard lesson Honolulu at Jamie O'Brien School of Surf. Located at 2570 Kalakaua Ave right in the heart of Waikiki, this is where world-class instructors give you their undivided attention for a full hour of personalized coaching. What makes this experience special? You get a strict 1:1 ratio with an expert instructor who's completely focused on your progress. They'll watch every wave you catch, offering immediate feedback on your body positioning, wave selection, and riding technique. Whether you're brand new to bodyboarding or looking to refine your skills, this tailored approach gets you improving quickly in Oahu's legendary surf conditions. Everything you need comes included – bodyboard, fins, rash guard, and leash. Just show up in your swimsuit 15 minutes early to check in at the surf shop on the ground floor of the Twin Fin Hotel. You'll find secure lockers for your belongings, and parking is easy with valet service at the hotel or self-parking at the Honolulu Zoo (just a five-minute walk away). The beauty of this private bodyboard lesson Honolulu is its accessibility – they welcome everyone from 2-year-olds to adults, making it perfect for families or anyone wanting individual attention. You'll need to arrive sober since ocean safety requires full concentration, but beyond that, just come ready to have fun and learn. Starting from $159 per person, this comprehensive package delivers expert instruction, quality equipment, and personalized coaching that maximizes your wave count while building real confidence in the water. With free cancellation up to 24 hours before your lesson and instant booking confirmation, it's an efficient way to take your bodyboarding to the next level.
Ohana Stand Up Paddle Experience
As a longtime Waikiki resident, I can tell you there's no better way to experience our coastline than with the Ohana Stand Up Paddle Experience from Jamie O'Brien's School of Surf. This private group adventure brings together up to 12 family members and friends for an unforgettable 1.5-hour journey along our iconic shores. Your ohana stand up paddle experience Honolulu kicks off at the surf shop on the ground floor of the Twin Fin Hotel, right on Kalakaua Avenue. Here, your dedicated guide tailors the land lesson to your group's skill level and interests. You'll master basic SUP techniques, learn essential safety protocols, and get the inside scoop on Waikiki's landmarks and history. The guide also shares insights about local marine life, preparing you to spot wildlife during your paddle. Once you hit the water, the intimate group size means personalized attention as you glide past Diamond Head and explore hidden corners of our reef. Your guide's local knowledge shines as they point out the best city views and share stories you won't find in guidebooks. This isn't just paddling – it's discovering Waikiki's history and marine environment from a perspective most visitors never experience. What makes this ohana stand up paddle experience Honolulu special is its inclusivity. Kids as young as 2 can join, making it perfect for multi-generational families. The tour accommodates strollers and wheelchairs with advance notice. Just bring swimwear, towels, and sunscreen – secure lockers handle the rest. Check in 15 minutes early. Park via valet at the Twin Fin Hotel or use self-parking at the Honolulu Zoo nearby. Need to cancel? No worries – full refunds are available up to 24 hours prior. Starting from $159 per person, this private group experience creates lasting memories while keeping your ohana together on Waikiki's stunning waters.
Private Stand Up Paddle Experience
Here's what makes this private stand up paddle experience Honolulu adventure so special – you get the undivided attention of a hand-picked instructor from Jamie O'Brien School of Surf for 1.5 hours along Waikiki's legendary coastline. No crowds, no rushing, just you and an expert guide who knows these waters like the back of their hand. Your session starts with a personalized land lesson right on the beach. Your instructor tailors the fundamentals to your comfort level while sharing stories about the landmarks you'll soon see from the water. Once you're paddling, the real magic happens. Glide along the coast at your own pace, taking in those postcard views of Diamond Head and the city skyline that make this stretch of Hawaiian coastline world-famous. Everything kicks off from the Twin Fin Hotel's ground floor at 2570 Kalakaua Ave – just show up 15 minutes early for check-in. They've got secure lockers for your stuff, so you can focus entirely on the experience. Your instructor, personally selected by Jamie O'Brien himself, brings that local passion and ocean knowledge that transforms a simple paddle into something memorable. This private stand up paddle experience Honolulu welcomes everyone from age 2 up, with groups capped at 5 people maximum. Premium SUP gear comes included, along with all that personalized instruction and local insights about what you're seeing from the water. The setup works for strollers and wheelchairs with advance notice. Changed your mind? Cancel or reschedule up to 24 hours out for a full refund. If you're sensitive to motion, grab some medication 30 minutes beforehand. From $249 per person, this exclusive SUP adventure gives you an unmatched way to connect with Hawaii's most iconic coastline on your own terms.