Family, Private & Group Bodyboard Lessons in Waikiki

Getting your family out on the water in Oahu doesn’t have to be a hassle. This comprehensive review covers the Family, Private & Group Bodyboard Lessons in Waikiki provided by Ohana Surf Project — a top-rated experience with a 5.0-star rating from over 100 reviews. Whether you’re traveling with kids, looking for a beginner-friendly session, or hoping for a personalized private lesson, this tour ticks many boxes.

We love the fact that these lessons are all-inclusive, offering high-quality equipment, safety briefings, and hotel pickup—all essential for a stress-free adventure. The friendly and knowledgeable staff seem to go above and beyond to ensure everyone has fun and learns something new. The only consideration might be the cost, which at $111 for around two hours, is a pretty good value given the expertise and convenience. This experience suits families, first-timers, and anyone wanting a relaxed, supportive intro to surfing in a stunning setting.

This experience made our article of Our 16 Favorite Oahu Workshops & Classes.

Key Points

All equipment included — surfboard, rash guard, reef shoes, and storage.
Hotel pickup and drop-off — makes the experience hassle-free, especially with kids.
Small group or private lessons — ensuring personalized attention and safer instruction.
Expert instructors — friendly, patient, and great at working with all ages and skill levels.
Stunning Waikiki backdrop — offers picture-perfect views while you learn.
Great reviews — consistently high ratings and many happy families and first-timers.

What to Expect from Your Waikiki Bodyboard Lesson

When booking this experience, you’re choosing a well-organized, professional setup designed to cater to families and beginners. The initial pickup from various Waikiki hotels means you won’t have to worry about navigating busy streets or renting transportation. Instead, you’ll hop onto the brightly colored, logo-branded shuttle, which is comfortable, air-conditioned, and easy to spot. The staff’s friendliness and organization immediately set a positive tone.

The shuttle takes you to the Ohana Surf Center, located conveniently at the Waikiki Beach Marriott. There, you’ll check in, watch a safety briefing, and get geared up. The safety presentation is a crucial component—especially for families with kids, as it helps everyone understand how to stay safe while having fun in the water.

Once prepared, you’ll be shuttled to the beach. The instructors work with small groups, which means plenty of personalized guidance. They’ll start with an on-land warm-up, explaining how to properly paddle, position yourself, and handle the board. Several reviews mention the instructors’ patience and clarity, making it easier for first-timers and kids to feel confident.

The Water Experience: Learning to Ride Waves

Once in the water, you’ll leash yourself to your high-quality surfboard—a step that many reviewers note as essential for safety and confidence. The instructors tailor the session based on your comfort level, previous experience, and swimming ability. If someone cannot swim, you’ll be advised if a private lesson might be better, but many reviews highlight how well the instructors support beginners.

The water lesson typically involves practicing paddling out, catching waves, and standing up on the board. Reviewers mention that even complete beginners are often surprised at how quickly they manage to ride a wave, thanks to supportive coaching. For example, one reviewer shared that their 9- and 11-year-old daughters were so proud of their accomplishments they couldn’t wait to buy the photos and videos afterward.

The instructors pay close attention to safety, especially with kids, and take care to ensure everyone feels comfortable before heading into the surf. They help with positioning, timing, and technique, providing tip-based feedback that can turn a hesitant paddler into someone riding their first wave.

Post-Lesson Activities

After your time in the water, you’ll return to the Ohana Surf Center. Here, many reviewers rave about the opportunity to check out photos and videos of their surfing moments—often a highlight for families wanting to remember their trip. If you wish, you can purchase these keepsakes, which many find worthwhile given the high quality and candid shots captured during your ride.

You’ll then be shuttled back to your hotel or a nearby convenient drop-off point, making the entire experience smooth and hassle-free. The entire package, from pickup to drop-off, is designed to maximize your relaxed enjoyment of surfing without logistical stress.

The Value of This Surf Lesson Package

At $111 for approximately two hours, the cost includes everything—gear, instruction, transportation, and safety briefings. Many reviews underscore the value, noting how supportive and attentive the instructors are, which enhances the overall experience. With small groups or private lessons, you’re getting dedicated coaching, which is especially important for beginners or those with children.

The inclusion of high-quality equipment means you don’t have to worry about ill-fitting gear or surprises in the surf, which makes all the difference for confidence on the water. Plus, the hotel pickup is a major perk—especially in Waikiki, where parking and navigating can be tricky.

Some reviews highlight the stunning views from the beach, with glimpses of Waikiki’s iconic skyline and beautiful turquoise waters serving as a perfect backdrop. It’s a setting that adds to the joy of learning to surf, making the experience more memorable.

Authentic Family Experiences

Many families comment on how well the instructors work with children. For instance, one reviewer shared that their 7-year-old had a private lesson, and the instructor’s patience helped her stand up on her first try. Others noted that the instructors did a fantastic job supporting kids, making sure they felt safe and proud of their progress.

This focus on safety and encouragement creates a positive environment that appeals to first-time surfers of all ages. Several families also mention that their kids’ confidence soared after just one session, and they left eager to try surfing again during their stay.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This tour is perfect for families with kids under 12 who can swim and paddle. It also suits absolute beginners looking to try surfing in a safe, supportive setting. Couples and solo travelers can opt for private lessons to receive tailored coaching, while groups wanting a shared adventure will appreciate the small-group format.

In addition, those who value convenience will find the hotel pickup and all-inclusive equipment a huge plus. Whether you’re on your first trip to Waikiki or returning for a family vacation, this activity offers a genuine, fun introduction to surfing with stunning views as your backdrop.

The Sum Up

If you’re after a stress-free, professionally guided surf lesson in Waikiki that caters to families and beginners, this experience is a solid choice. The all-inclusive setup means you can focus on having fun without worrying about gear or logistics, while the friendly instructors ensure everyone stays safe and confident in the water. The hotel pickup adds extra convenience, especially when traveling with kids or in a group.

The consistently glowing reviews point to a high level of satisfaction—many families return, and first-timers are often surprised at how quickly they catch waves. The inclusion of photos and videos also helps preserve those special moments on the surfboard with minimal effort.

For those who want a memorable, supportive introduction to surfing in one of the world’s most iconic beaches, this tour offers excellent value and authentic fun. It’s perfect for families with kids, complete beginners, or anyone wanting a relaxed, safe, and scenic way to experience Waikiki waters.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the price?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off from select Waikiki locations are included, making it very convenient.

Can I book a private lesson?
Yes, private lessons are available and are ideal if you want a more personalized coaching experience.

What equipment is provided?
All necessary gear, including surfboards, rash guards, reef shoes, and storage bins, is included at no extra cost.

How long is the lesson?
The typical session lasts about 2 hours, which is enough time for instruction, practice, and photos.

Is this suitable for non-swimmers?
Participants who cannot swim are advised to notify the staff beforehand, as private lessons might be recommended for safety.

Are there options for groups larger than the family package?
The tour is designed for small groups or private lessons, but you can add additional family members or book a private session for larger groups.

This Waikiki bodyboard lesson offers an ideal way to introduce your family to surfing, supported by a professional team in a stunning setting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a fun, active break, expect waves, smiles, and plenty of aloha.