Ocean
Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Float above lit ocean water after dark as Kona's resident manta rays somersault inches beneath you, the Big Island's single most unforgettable hour.
Ocean
Surf Lessons on the Kona Coast
Gentle rolling breaks and warm water make Hawai'i Island a forgiving place to stand up for the first time. Instructors have most beginners riding within the hour.
Hawai’i Island is a kinder place to learn than its reputation suggests. On the Kona side, gentle points break over sand and reef in warm, waist-deep water, and patient instructors have most first-timers standing and riding inside the first hour.
We match you to the right break and the right teacher, family lessons with extra hands in the water, or a private session if you want to progress fast, and help you plan the day so you are back at Hali’i Kai by lunch.
Good to know
I have never surfed. Is that a problem?
Not at all. Beginner lessons start on the sand, then move to warm, waist-deep water over a forgiving break. Most first-timers are up and riding whitewater in the first hour.
When is the best time to go?
Mornings are ideal, before the trade winds pick up and the water is smoothest. For beginners, the gentler summer swells from about May to September are the most forgiving, though lessons run year-round.
What should I bring and wear?
A swimsuit or board shorts, reef-safe sunscreen, and water to drink. The board is included, and instructors usually provide a rash guard to keep you comfortable on the board.
Can my kids learn too?
Yes, this is a great family activity. Most schools take children from about age six, and family lessons come with extra instructors in the water so everyone gets a hand catching waves.
How long is a lesson and what does it include?
A typical lesson runs about ninety minutes to two hours, including the beach briefing and time riding waves. Board, instruction, and usually a rash guard are included; we can arrange a group session or a private lesson if you want to progress faster.
More ways to spend the day
Culture
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau (Place of Refuge)
A sacred place of forgiveness on a lava point of carved ki'i, royal fishponds, and swaying palms. One of Hawaii's most powerful cultural sites, and its best preserved.
Ocean
Kealakekua Bay Kayak & Snorkel
Paddle a glassy marine sanctuary to the Captain Cook Monument, where spinner dolphins pass and the reef drops into some of Hawaii's clearest water.