Kaua‘i’s Kalapaki Bay has been a go-to surf spot for beginners since the 1980s, thanks to its consistent, forgiving waves and warm, protected waters. These small-group surf lessons strike the right balance of technique and fun—starting with a land-based safety and positioning rundown, then getting you into the water with experienced instructors who keep things safe, encouraging, and actually fun. Whether it’s your first wave or your tenth, Kalapaki’s laid-back charm and easy peelers make it feel like surfing was made for you.
“Our instructor Marlo was the best!! He was very professional and knowledgeable which helped understand the logistics of surfing.”
Verified Review
GUEST REQUIREMENTS
For ages 10 and up, group size up to 6 guests.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate
WHAT TO BRING
Swimwear, towel, sun protection
CANCELLATION POLICY
Changes or cancellations must be made 24 hours prior.
WHAT GUESTS ARE SAYING
4.7★ from 150+ reviews on TripAdvisor
Reviewers highlight the calm bay conditions, knowledgeable instructors, and strong emphasis on beginner success. They commend the small-group size—typically four students per instructor—which provides personalized coaching. Guests consistently mention feeling safe, encouraged, and able to catch their first wave by the end of the lesson.
“Wonderful instructors … When we wanted to give up, they encouraged us and made sure I got up! I couldn’t believe how well we did!”
Verified Review
QUICK DETAILS
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: 10 a.m., 12 p.m., & 2 p.m.
- Ages: 10+
Additional Information:
- You must know how to swim.
Kauai Surfing Lessons at Kalapaki Beach
We’ve been teaching surfing since 1983 on Kauai’s best learning beach, Kalapaki Beach. Learn how to paddle and balance on your board and master the basics. We offer small classes, expert surf instructors, and the best gear including a board, leash and rash guard. With gentle trade winds and the protection of Kalapaki Bay, the surf is always up!Kauai Beach Boys has been Lihue’s go-to beach outfitter since 1983. This family-run surf school offers group surf lessons in the calm waters of Kalapaki Bay, combining professional instructors with aloha spirit. Their soft-top boards and patient teaching make learning easy and fun, whether you're a first-timer or looking to sharpen your skills in a laid-back, supportive setting.
Check in at 3610 Rice St, Lihue, Kauai, HI 96766, the Kauai Beach Boys surf shop on Kalapaki Beachwalk. Lessons begin at 10 AM, 12 PM, and 2 PM—please arrive 30 minutes early.
** Same Day Cancellation is 100% charge.
** No-Shows are charged 100%
** Customers who are late and unable to attend scheduled activity for any reason including medical, will be charged 100% and are welcome to reschedule ONLY on stand-by basis. Rescheduling the activity is only allowed ONCE.
** 24-hour cancellation policy. No charge if cancelled prior to 24 hours cut off.
**Parties of 6+ is a 72-hour cancellation policy.
**Cancellations within (24/72) hours of activity time are subject to a 50% charge.
** To cancel please call our reservation line 246-6333 during business hours. No voicemails or emails after hours.
** True Blue Inc. reserves the right to cancel the activity due to unsafe weather/ ocean conditions or for not reaching the minimum number of participants. In the event of a cancellation by True Blue Inc. no charge will be incurred by participants, and any deposits will be refunded in full.
Weather Concerns
Tours/Lessons are rarely cancelled due to rain. If our team determines that there are no existing safety issues of concern, such as flash flood, extreme winds, or strong currents, the tour will run as scheduled. Rain around the island is often an unpredictable temporary event.
FOLIO TRAVELOGUE
First Waves at Kalapaki
Kalapaki Bay doesn’t scream “surf me.” There are no towering sets rolling through, no crowds elbowing for priority, no brooding locals with 20 years on the break. What you get instead is a crescent of soft sand tucked below a resort, framed by green hills and fronted by mellow, rolling waves that break just right—enough energy to lift you up, but not enough to punish your mistakes. It’s the kind of place where learning to surf feels a little less like performance, and a little more like play.
The lesson starts on the beach. You and a few others stand barefoot, clutching soft-top boards while your instructor, maybe born and raised on this island, sketches out ocean safety and board balance in the sand. You practice popping up—one fluid motion, or in theory anyway—and laugh with your group when you flail on dry land. No pressure. That’s the vibe.
“It’s the kind of surf lesson that makes you wonder why you waited so long to try.”
Then into the water, waist-deep, where the instructor steadies your board and tells you when to paddle. The first wave passes under you. Then the next. And then, finally, they give you a push and shout “Up!” and suddenly you’re standing—knees wobbly, arms wide, riding two feet of pure joy toward the shore. You fall, of course. But you’re laughing before you even hit the water.
You learn things you’ll keep with you: where to look (not at your feet), how to feel the wave before it lifts you, why you always hold onto your board. The instructors don’t crowd you or let you flail. They’ve done this a thousand times and know exactly when to encourage and when to step back.
Kalapaki doesn’t try to be dramatic. It doesn’t need to. The water’s warm, the wind’s forgiving, and the waves are steady and kind. It’s beginner heaven—an entry point into a world that, once it grabs you, never really lets go.
