Pearl City in 1 Day for Friends - Private 1 hr 15 min surf lesson taught by local firefighter watermen
In Collaboration with Surfing with Firefighters Surf & Rescue. Updated on February 1, 2026.
Private beginner-friendly surf lesson in Waikiki led by off-duty Honolulu firefighters. Includes surfboard use and private transportation (pickup available). Perfect for groups of friends who want an active, photo-ready half-day in Waikiki.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Surfing with Firefighters Surf & Rescue, inspired by the tour Surfing Waikiki with local Firefighters . Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Private 1 hr 15 min surf lesson taught by local firefighter watermen
- Meet at Duke's Waikiki and surf off Waikiki Beach near the Duke Kahanamoku Statue
- Post-lesson snack and rally on Kalākaua Avenue — perfect for group photos and celebration
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet at Duke's Waikiki, complete gear & safety briefing, enjoy a private 1h15 surf lesson with a firefighter instructor at Waikiki Beach, then relax with coffee and a stroll along Kalākaua Avenue.
Optional hotel pickup (private transport) — be ready 60 minutes before meeting
Your private driver may collect you from your Waikiki hotel and deliver you to the meeting point. Pickup is optional; if you prefer to meet directly, head to Duke's Waikiki.
Tips from local experts:
- Tell the driver the hotel name and your room number if you're ready early—drivers can wait a short time.
- Have swimwear on under your clothes to save time changing at the beach.
- Carry a small waterproof pouch for phone/cash — the guides can hold valuables briefly if needed.
Meet at Duke's Waikiki — instructor introduction & paperwork
Arrive at Duke's Waikiki for check-in. Your firefighter instructor will introduce themselves, confirm passenger weights and waivers, and answer questions.
Tips from local experts:
- Look for the group near the restaurant entrance or the lawn area facing the beach — guides often arrive in a grey Tacoma with surfboards.
- Bring a printed or digital booking confirmation and the phone number you provided for a quick check-in.
- If someone in your group is nervous, ask for the instructor's experience with first-time surfers — they're great at calming beginners.
Gear fitting & safety briefing (boards, leashes, ocean rules)
Get fitted with the right surfboard and leash. Instructor covers paddling, popping up, wave etiquette, and basic safety tailored to Waikiki conditions.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a slightly larger, more stable board if you're new to surfing — it's easier for groups to get consistent rides.
- Mention any shoulder/neck issues so the instructor can suggest safer positions and techniques.
- Apply reef-safe sunscreen now and reapply after the lesson; the instructor will recommend shaded spots to gear up.
Short walk to the water — meet at the Duke Kahanamoku Statue
Walk (1–5 minutes) from Duke's lawn to the public sand at Waikiki Beach near the Duke Kahanamoku Statue — the usual lesson start spot.
Tips from local experts:
- This is a very short, flat walk — perfect for groups to keep pace and snap pre-lesson photos.
- Use the public restrooms near the statue beforehand if needed; they’re usually the last facilities before entering the sand.
- Leave valuables at the designated spot your guide recommends; waterproof pouches work best for phones.
Private surf lesson with a local firefighter (1 hr 15 min) — Waikiki Beach
Guided, hands-on session in the ocean covering paddling, wave selection, and standing up. Instructors spot and coach from the water and on the sand.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask your instructor to film or take photos of your best rides — firefighters often have local photo tips and will capture candid shots.
- Rotate turns quickly in small groups so everyone gets multiple waves during the 75-minute session.
- If waves feel choppy, switch to kneeling pop-ups first — it's a fast confidence-builder and great for group morale.
Rinse, sand-off & group photos on the beach
Return to shore, rinse with fresh water, dry off a little and take post-lesson group photos with your instructor.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a quick-dry towel; they pack down small and dry faster between activities.
- Ask the instructor for a short debrief — they’ll point out your top improvement and give next-steps for practice.
- If someone wants to change, there are public changing rooms near the beach; quick-dry shorts speed things up.
Post-lesson coffee / smoothie break — Island Vintage Coffee (Waikiki)
Refuel with acai bowls, smoothies or coffee nearby — great spot to compare wipeout stories and plan your next stop.
Tips from local experts:
- Try the acai bowl or a tropical smoothie for a light, refreshing pick-me-up after saltwater exercise.
- Ask staff about local lunch spots and early happy hours — they often know quieter alternatives for groups.
- If you want more privacy for a group chat, grab a bench on Lewers Street side; it's a little quieter than the main walkway.
Stroll & browse Kalākaua Avenue — Waikiki shopping stretch
Leisurely walk along Kalākaua Ave for surf shops, boutiques, and photo ops — ideal for buying souvenirs or extra sun gear.
Tips from local experts:
- Hit small local surf shops early to compare wax/board shorts and support independent retailers.
- Watch for quick roadside shave ice stands if your group wants a sweet cool-down treat.
- Keep purchases light — many shops can hold items while you continue exploring; ask for a temporary hold.
Drop-off / final debrief — return to Duke's Waikiki or your hotel
Your private transport will drop you back at Duke's or directly to your Waikiki hotel. Final tips from the instructor and farewells.
Tips from local experts:
- Tip the instructor if you enjoyed the lesson — 15–20% is common; firefighters appreciate direct feedback and photos.
- If you want a follow-up lesson, ask the instructor for their recommended practice spots and follow-up contact.
- Confirm drop-off location and timing with the driver early to avoid delays for the next booking.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 3 |
| Restaurants | 2 |
| Total Activities | 6 |
| Total Places | 6 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Restaurant, Experience, Break, Neighborhood |