We are stopping over in Oahu before we continue on to New York City for Christmas.

We will have our son, DIL and two grand-children with us. The 9 year old wants to learn to surf. I have no idea how realistic this is, but maybe if he has a lesson that will satisfy him. Just wondering are there lessons available for children at Waikiki?

I have read that Hawaii can be crowded at this time of year, but hopefully we may be there just before the crowds. We are also planning on doing a day trip around the island, maybe Pearl Harbor, and not sure what else yet. All ideas appreciated.

Make a reservation for Pearl Harbor as you are going at a popular vacation time. If you are staying in a hotel, perhaps the concierge there can advise about surf lessons for your grandson, I would think it would not be too hard to arrange.

Yes, you can get a children's surf lesson easily. There are a couple of places right on the beach that do intro classes - some for children, some for adults.

http://tygurneysurfschool.com/kids/

http://www.bigwavedavesurfco.com/priv_lessons.html

http://www.prosurfschoolhawaii.com/beginner.html

My son had a surfing lesson right on Waikiki when he was about that same age. (That was decades ago, but I assume it is still something that is offered) He really enjoyed it. He didn't become a "real" surfer after the experience, but it was something he could talk about when he went back to school in the fall in Illinois!

Just returned from Oahu with teenage children. We took surfing lessons right on Waikiki, our instructor was great, I think is name was Keeny, look for the yellow colored canopies on the beach. My 16 year old son took right to it, but he skateboards and snowboards. With this company, on the day you take the lesson, you can rent a surfboard for $5. So if you think your grandson may like it, get him the lessons early in the day and he can ride the waves by himself in the afternoon.

Thanks Julie that is great information. Sounds wonderful. How much was the lesson?

Hi Nelsonian, can't help with the surfing lessons but nearby Waikiki is one of the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii - Hanauma Bay. We saw lots of kids there and the fish are a few feet off the beach! Have a great time.