Kona Surf Company

Kona Surf Company
Local Expert's Rating:
5.0 / 5
The Bottom Line:

Offering accessible lessons and a variety of guided expeditions, Kona Surf Company provides exciting opportunities for surfing experts and novices alike. The surf school's experts know all about all the area's hidden gems — and they're happy to share their secrets with visitors from all walks of life.

- The HawaiianIslands.com Local Expert Team

Few Hawaiian activities are as exciting or as iconic as surfing. If you’re like many visitors, however, you may be nervous to tackle this thrilling activity. Or, perhaps, you’ve done your fair share of surfing but could use high-quality instruction to get you to the next level.

Either way, Kona Surf Company provides the targeted training you desire. Based in Kailua-Kona near world-class surfing sites, this trusted surf school is one of the most popular on the Big Island. The company’s talented teachers grew up in the area and boast a thorough understanding of all that makes the local surf culture special. 

No matter your current level of surfing experience, you should have no trouble making major improvements as you work with patient and understanding instructors. For novices, the company provides a seemingly ambitious guarantee: if during your first session, you’re unable to stand and ride a wave, the lesson will be provided free of charge. In all likelihood, however, you’ll never need to make good on this offer. Targeted advice will get you riding those waves in no time.

A few of our favorite opportunities provided by the Kona Surf Company include the following:

Group Surf Lessons
If you’re new to surfing, this is the perfect opportunity to literally get your feet wet at a price you can afford. You’ll join other surfing novices as you learn the basics.

A surfboard, booties, and shirt are provided, so you don’t need to worry about getting equipped in advance. The lesson lasts for two hours — just long enough to get a feel for surfing but short enough to fit into a jam-packed day of Big Island adventures.

Private or Semi-Private Surf Lessons
If you want extra one-on-one attention, level up to a private lesson. This is a great option for non-swimmers who, although not all that confident in the water, still want to learn how to surf. Semi-private lessons are amazing for families, couples, and groups of friends, who can bond over a shared surfing experience.

Surf Tour
If you are a skilled surfer but would like to explore some lesser-known spots around the Big Island, be sure to book a guided surf tour. Local knowledge will amp up the excitement while also ensuring you stay safe as you tackle the most ambitious waves.

Get ready to explore lava slabs, point breaks, rolling peaks, and more. Depending on the scope of the tour, you may need to bring hiking boots, a wetsuit top, or, best of all beer. The standard rate encompasses a BYOB (bring your own board) approach. 

Spearfishing
A surf school might not seem like a go-to solution for fishing excitement, but the Kona Surf Company does it all. The Kailua-Kona area boasts some truly pristine spearfishing locations, which you’ll find easier to access and enjoy if guided by one of the experts from the Kona Surf Company. Gear is provided, although you’re welcome to bring your own if you desire. Either way, you’ll be amazed by the abundance of fish you discover. 

Hiking Tours
Perhaps you have no interest in hitting the waves but would still like to experience the area like a local. Not a problem — try one of the company’s hiking tourists instead. The experts at the Kona Surf Company have discovered a variety of hidden gems over the years, so they can easily plan hiking expeditions that live up to your wildest expectations.

Experience a new take on Big Island excitement with help from the Kona Surf Company. Surfing, spearfishing, hiking…it’s all amazing when you have the area’s most enthusiastic guides in your corner.

Insider Tips:
-Before your tour or lesson, check with your instructor or guide to get a better sense of what you’re expected to bring. While the surf school’s staff members are generally helpful, it never hurts to get an extra reminder.
-While availability is typically decent even a few short days in advance, it’s still worth booking ahead if you plan on taking a group lesson. Scheduling largely occurs online, although you may need to call for private or semi-private lessons.