Ohana Surf Project
About
When you're looking to connect with Hawaii's surf culture the right way, Ohana Surf Project gets it. These guys aren't just running another surf school – they're carrying on the tradition of sharing the ocean with visitors like family, which is exactly what 'ohana' means.
What sets them apart is how they approach teaching. Sure, you'll learn to surf, but you'll also understand why Hawaiians have such a deep relationship with the ocean. Their instructors have grown up in these waters, and they bring that lifetime of knowledge to every lesson. You're not just getting technique tips – you're getting stories, local insights, and a genuine feel for Hawaiian surf culture.
They've got options for everyone. First time on a board? Their surf lessons start from the ground up and build your confidence naturally. Want to try something different? Stand-up paddleboarding gives you a new perspective on the water, or you can dive into bodyboarding for pure fun. The best part is their flexible packages – you can come back and build on what you've learned without feeling rushed.
These instructors know Oahu's waters like the back of their hand. They'll pick the perfect spot based on conditions and your ability level, whether that's a mellow break for beginners or something with a bit more juice as you progress. The safety aspect is solid, but it never feels heavy-handed – just locals looking out for their extended family.
Most visitors tell us their session with Ohana Surf Project ended up being one of their favorite Hawaiian memories. That's what happens when you learn from people who truly love what they do.
Activities (4)
Surf Lessons!
You know that moment when you finally catch your first real wave? That's exactly what you'll experience with Ohana Surf Project's surf lessons in Honolulu. Based out of the Waikiki Beach Marriott Hotel, this isn't your typical cookie-cutter surf school – they've been perfecting their approach for years, welcoming everyone from 2-year-old groms to 90-year-old wave riders. What sets these lessons apart is how they're tailored to you. Complete beginner? You'll master water safety, surfing etiquette, body positioning, and paddling techniques before you even think about catching a wave. Already comfortable on a board? Their advanced coaching dials in your riding style, fixes technique flaws, and prepares you for bigger swells with competitive strategies. But here's what makes Ohana special – they don't just teach you to stand up on a board. These instructors understand surfing's mental, emotional, and spiritual sides. They'll help you connect with the ocean and find your own style in the water. Your adventure starts with pickup from four convenient Waikiki locations, then it's off to the Ohana Surf Center for your safety briefing and equipment fitting. The actual lesson happens right on the beach for up to 2 hours, and afterward, you'll head back to review footage of your session – pretty cool to see your progress! Everything's included: surfboard, long sleeve rashguard, reef shoes, and secure storage for your stuff, plus round-trip transportation. Groups can be up to 21 students, and they accommodate strollers and wheelchairs with advance notice. Just bring your swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. These surf lessons in Honolulu work with any skill level, and the instructors treat you like ohana while pushing you to reach that next level in Hawaii's most legendary surf spot.
SUP Lessons!
At Ohana Surf Project, SUP lessons in Honolulu offer something truly special that goes beyond typical paddleboard instruction. Based at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Hotel, these comprehensive sessions welcome everyone from nervous first-timers to seasoned paddlers looking to sharpen their competitive edge. Your up to 2-hour adventure starts with personalized coaching matched to your abilities. New to the water? You'll master the essentials—water safety, body positioning, board handling, and basic strokes that get you standing steady. Already experienced? Expect detailed technique refinement, strength and weakness analysis, plus competitive strategy development. What sets these lessons apart is the holistic approach that weaves together physical skills with the mental, emotional, and spiritual connection to the ocean, helping you find your unique style on the water. The full experience includes pickup from four convenient Waikiki spots, transportation to Ohana Surf Center, and complete gear setup. After your session, head back to the shop to watch footage of your time on the water—photos and videos are available for purchase if you want those memories to last. The Ohana team brings years of industry experience and treats every student like family while maintaining their genuine passion for ocean sports. These SUP lessons Honolulu accommodate ages 2 to 90 with groups capped at 21 students, perfect for families and small parties. Everything's included: paddle board, paddle, long-sleeve rashguard, reef shoes, and secure storage for your belongings. You'll meet at The Ohana Surf Center inside the Waikiki Beach Marriott Hotel at 2552 Kalākaua Ave. The facility welcomes strollers and wheelchairs with advance notice, and full refunds are available with 48-hour cancellation.
Bodyboarding Lessons!
Want to feel the raw power of Waikiki's waves? Ohana Surf Project's bodyboarding lessons in Honolulu deliver that rush while teaching you to read the ocean like a local. Based at the Ohana Surf Center in the Waikiki Beach Marriott Hotel, their instructors don't just teach technique—they help you connect with Hawaii's surf culture on a deeper level. Your up to 2-hour adventure starts with pickup from convenient Waikiki spots, then it's off to the shop for gear fitting before hitting the beach. Complete beginners master the fundamentals: bodyboarding etiquette, water safety, proper body positioning, and those crucial first wave catches. Already comfortable on a board? Advanced lessons focus on fixing technique flaws, competitive strategies, and taking on bigger swells. What sets this program apart is how they weave in the mental and spiritual sides of bodyboarding—you'll learn to understand lineup dynamics and connect with fellow wave riders. Everything's provided: bodyboard, fins, long-sleeve rashguard, reef shoes, and secure storage for your belongings, plus transportation between designated Waikiki meeting points. After your session, head back to the shop to review footage of your rides. Want to take home the memories? Photo and video packages are available for purchase. The instructors bring years of experience and treat everyone like ohana (family) while delivering professional guidance in a relaxed setting. These bodyboarding lessons in Honolulu welcome ages 2 to 90 with maximum group sizes of 21 students. The facility accommodates strollers and wheelchairs with advance notice. Just bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. Need flexibility? Full refunds are available with 48-hour cancellation notice, making it easy to plan your Oahu adventure around the perfect surf conditions.
Session Packages
Looking to take your water sports game to the next level? Ohana Surf Center's session packages from $85 are perfect for anyone serious about mastering surfing, bodyboarding, or stand up paddleboarding. These multi-session deals offer discounted rates when you prepay for two or more lessons compared to booking individual sessions. What makes these packages special is the structured multi-session approach. Each 1-2 hour session accommodates up to 20 people and welcomes everyone from ages 2 to 99 – making them ideal for families with mixed abilities. You'll meet at the Ohana Surf Center on Kalakaua Avenue, where all your gear is waiting: surfboards, paddleboards with paddles, bodyboards with fins, plus protective long sleeve rashguard shirts and reef shoes. The professional instructors focus on advancing your surfing, bodyboard, or stand up paddleboarding skills across multiple sessions. Instead of cramming everything into one lesson, you get time to actually absorb and practice what you've learned. Convenience is built right in. The courtesy shuttle picks you up from designated Waikiki locations, and there's secure storage for your belongings so you can focus on your lessons without worrying about your stuff. Want to document your progress? Add professional photos and videos. Need extra warmth? Wetsuit rentals are available. Gratuity is never expected but always appreciated. A few practical notes: kids 12 and under need a parent or guardian for check-in (though adults don't have to participate). Come wearing sunscreen and swimwear, bring a towel, and consider motion sickness remedies if you're prone to seasickness. The cancellation policy requires phone contact: 48 hours notice for regular bookings, 72 hours for groups of 9 or more. Rescheduling between 48 and 4 hours incurs a 20% fee, and no-shows are charged full price. Photos, rashguard purchases, and wetsuit rentals are eligible for full refund upon request. These session packages deliver exactly what serious water sports enthusiasts need: structured progression, quality equipment, professional guidance, and hassle-free logistics that let you focus on what matters most – improving your skills on the water.