trsmom

We age going to Hawaii first week of April My 13 year old wants to learn to surf. Any suggestions? We haven't even picked an island yet. Been to all but Lani, was thinking the new 4 seasons there. Any suggestions would be helpful.
Thanks

dawnstef

best island for beginning surfer would be oahu (waikiki area) - stay at the the kahala resort - great hotel near waikiki but with outer island feel and seclusion.
there are tons of surf schools - ask hotel...or go to waikiki beach near the statue of duke - see the "beach boys" they have a stand there and they give reasonably priced and solid lessons...my husband learned to surf there. as far as the lanai four seasons - we visited last January (we were staying at the ritz carlton on maui) - we were not that impressed by the hotel on the bay, but the four seasons lodge on lanai is an amazing and unique property, but not near the water at all, and very unHawaiian in feel...anyway, oahu is the best island for a beginning surfer. maui is probably second best...big island would not be good (too much lava rock)...kauai is okay if you stay in poipu side of island....

sunnybrook31

Hawaiian Fire.

http://www.hawaiianfire.com

acaigirl

Waikiki is a great place to learn how to surf... however in april there could be some swell coming in and the waves a little more powerful. the beach boys will take good care of your son, but if he keeps the board for the day after his lesson keep an eye on him and remind him to stay cautious. It gets crazy out there with more and more people learning to surf, and most out there that don't know what they are doing (so many people think it's easy and don't take a lesson) Anyway, not to scare you, just be aware.

The link above looks interesting and may be a better option.

Have fun!

sistahlou

Titus Kinimakas, one of the bigwave riders operates a wonderful surf school out of Hanalei, on the island of Kauai/ Great people!!!

Miramar

I've used Hawaiian Fire myself and was very satisfied with them. They cost quite a bit more than using one of the beach boys on Waikiki, but the beach that they bring you to is very quiet, so you don't have to worry about hitting other people or having others hit you. The instructors were really nice as well. For me, I thought it was well worth the extra time/money-- especially for a first surfing experience.

sunnybrook31

Plus, Hawaiian Fire gives you the option of buying a CD with pictures from his surf lesson! I got one of my husband's lesson, and they're great!

trsmom

I've heard of Hawaiin Fire and definetly look into that. everyone recommends Waikiki, but I've seen that beach, it seems absolutly packed, which seems a bit dangerous for a first timer. Thanks for the suggestions. Will also look into the one on Kauai.

acaigirl

Hanalei Bay on Kauai, of course! That is where I caught my first wave several years ago. Sigh... : ) The north shore of Kauai is *magical*. Enjoy wherever you end up!

sistahlou

Don't have any info on Waikiki, but I do know that on Kauai Titis and his school search for the waves, so there may be first thing in the morning phonecall to get in your car and meet them elsewhere. But hey, thats what catching a wave is all about! Don't think there is a big commercial surf culture on Lanai.