This 90-minute SUP lesson starts on the calm stretch of the Hanalei River before easing you into the open expanse of Hanalei Bay—one of Hawai‘i’s most iconic backdrops. Designed for beginners and up, the experience blends balance, movement, and a little bit of history. Local instructors guide you through the fundamentals with easy, step-by-step instruction, and all gear is provided. Whether you’re here for the core workout, the scenery, or the sheer novelty of standing on water, this is a low-key, high-reward way to experience Kaua‘i.
"We did a 2 person SUP lesson in the river which was amazing. Highly recommend this business and we will definitely be back for more."
Verified Review
GUEST REQUIREMENTS
For all ages.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate
WHAT TO BRING
Swimwear, towel, sun protection
CANCELLATION POLICY
Changes or cancellations must be made 36 hours prior.
WHAT GUESTS ARE SAYING
4.9★ from 400+ reviews on TripAdvisor
Guests frequently praise the friendly, knowledgeable instructors and supportive environment. Many beginners report standing on their first lesson with step‑by‑step guidance. Families and solo paddlers appreciate the calm water setting, quality equipment, and relaxed pace—describing it as a fun, confidence-building experience that captures the aloha spirit.
"We booked this as a private lesson for our girls and it was really great! Luca was their instructor and was really positive and good at giving instructions."
Verified Review
This is your chance to go standup paddling, the fastest growing water sport, while enjoying the beauty of Hanalei Bay on Kauai!
Duration
1.5 hours
About
Rebirth of An Ancient Sport
Some do it because it’s the best workout on the water. Others use it to access surf that’s difficult to tap with prone paddling. But the reason this ancient style is going off is simply that it’s a fun new way to experience being on the water.
We have a nice selection of paddles and boards. So don’t wait, get down here quick! It’s first come first serve on board selection.
-Our lessons start in the river.
-Instructor, board, paddle and rash guard provided.Hawaiian Surfing Adventures is a family-run surf and SUP school founded in 2000 on Kauaʻi’s North Shore. Their experienced local instructors deliver private, semi-private, and small group lessons, blending hands-on technique with island culture and ocean safety. They provide high-quality boards and personalized instruction designed to help beginners and intermediate paddlers develop confidence on calm river waters and scenic bay waves.
Must check in a ½ hour prior to lesson start time.
Check in at 5‑5134 Kuhio Highway, Hanalei, HI 96714 (the Hawaiian Surfing Adventures shop).Client must call 36 hrs in advance to cancel or reschedule. If you do not call 36 hours in advance there is no refund. There can be a reschedule opportunity, if we are able due to availability, There will be the charge for the additional booking less 30%. There is no guarantee we can reschedule that day or at a specific time. Mahalo and we look forward to seeing you!
Please note for groups + 4 students please give 48 hours notice.
Attention!! For party’s requesting more then 2 instructors for family or group we require 48 hours cancellation/time change to allow rebooking opportunity for our instructors.
FOLIO TRAVELOGUE
Paddling Where the River Meets the Bay
There’s a stretch of the Hanalei River that feels almost still—glass surface, birdsong somewhere out of sight, paddle dipping into water so clear it might as well be air. That’s where we begin. Our boards are wide and forgiving, the kind made for first-timers and wobbly legs. The instructor keeps it chill—no hype, just quiet confidence and a couple of tips that make it all click.
Soon enough, the river opens and the bay takes over. Hanalei stretches wide like a bowl rimmed with misty cliffs. The sun glints off the ocean. You forget to worry about your feet, your balance, your to-do list. It’s just you and the water, and it feels kind of ancient and new at the same time.
“You’re not conquering anything—you’re just part of it for a little while.”
Stand-up paddleboarding has roots here—long before it was a fitness craze, it was a way to read the ocean, to travel, to surf. Being out here, you get a glimpse of that. You’re not conquering anything. You’re just part of it for a little while.
Back on shore, legs a little shaky, grin full-on, it hits you: this wasn’t just a lesson. It was a different way of seeing a place—and yourself in it.
