Adventure, Curated
Explore 5,000+ human-powered experiences — handpicked outdoor adventures for all skill levels with max stoke, zero hassle.
Local Legends, Real Reviews
We partner with the best in the business — trusted local outfitters and guides who know the trails, tides, and terrain. Backed by 185,000+ reviews, averaging 4.8⭐
Book Direct, Best Price Guarantee
Get the best price, availability, and flexibility you need by booking directly with the outfitter or guide.
Protect What You Love
Your adventure gives back. Every booking supports conservation and keeps wild places wild.
Private SUP Lessons at Ala Moana Beach Park – All Levels
Pricing
Only one participant • Private Lesson
More than one person • Group Lesson • Starting at $360 for 2 ppl
Description
Find Your Balance, Grab a Paddle & Explore Honolulu's Waters!
Your lesson starts on shore with the basics of body form, positioning, standing up, and paddling technique. On the water, you'll build your balance by starting on your knees before rising to your feet, then practice turns as you glide through calm water along a canal or in gentle seas. If you're ready for more, intermediate sessions focus on picking up speed and catching your first waves on a paddleboard. It's a great core workout, and you can make it as relaxed or as challenging as you like.
Lessons take place at Ala Moana Beach Park, centrally located between Waikiki and downtown Honolulu. It's a fun activity for families and friends of all fitness levels, whether you book a private lesson or bring your whole crew for a group session.
Duration
- 2 Hours
- Approximately 2 hours, including on-land practice and time in the water.
Location / Where to Meet
- Check In Address: Ala Moana Beach Park, 1201 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814
- Meet your instructor right at the beginning of the beach park, by the shoreline, when you use the park entrance across from Kamake'e Street. Look for the bright blue van. Exact meeting details are also provided in your booking confirmation.
- Parking & facilities: Ala Moana Beach Park has free parking throughout the park, though lots can fill up on weekends and holidays, so plan to arrive with time to spare. Restrooms and outdoor showers are located throughout the park.
Ages & Requirements
- All students must know how to swim and be in good health for physical activity.
- No prior paddleboarding experience is required. Lessons are available for beginner and intermediate paddlers.
- Group size: from private (1 person) up to 10 students.
- Each participant must complete a liability waiver before the lesson. Participants under 18 must have a waiver completed by a parent or legal guardian.
What's Included
- 2-hour private 1-on-1 or private group (2 - 10 guests) SUP lesson
- On-shore instruction covering body form, positioning, standing up, and paddling technique
- All paddleboarding equipment needed for your session
- Reef or water shoes, if needed for conditions
Not Included
- Gratuity – Never expected, but if you have a great experience, please consider gifting 10–25% to your instructor!
- Paddleboard rental after your lesson – available at checkout for an extra fee.
- Transportation to the meeting spot.
What to Bring / Wear
- Swimsuit & Towel – Board shorts and a rash guard are recommended.
- Reusable Water Bottle Filled w/ Water
- Reef or Water Shoes
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen
- Extra Layers/Change of Clothing - Sweatshirts and Warm Hats
- Snacks
- Required Paperwork - Signed medical form if required, waivers, etc.
- Completed Liability Waiver
- Please remove any jewelry, watches, or anything that can get lost or damaged by the water.
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Sammy's Aloha Watersports
FAQs
I've never been on a paddleboard. Is this lesson for me?
Yes. Level 1 (Beginner) lessons start with the basics on shore: body form, positioning, standing up, and paddling technique. Once you're on the water, you'll work on balance by starting on your knees before standing, then practice turns in calm water.
What kind of water will we paddle in?
Beginners start in flat-water conditions, paddling along a canal or in calm seas. Intermediate paddlers can try their hand at catching waves.
What does an intermediate lesson look like?
Once you can comfortably paddle on your own, a Level 2 (Intermediate) lesson focuses on picking up speed and catching your first wave. Intermediate riders are ready for more challenging conditions and more excitement on the water.
Where will my lesson be held?
SUP lessons are taught at Ala Moana Beach Park in Honolulu. Our meetup spot is at the beginning of the beach park, by the shore, when you use the entrance across from Kamake'e Street. Look for our bright blue van, and when in doubt, give us a call.
Is paddleboarding a good activity for groups?
It's a fun group activity for families and friends of all fitness levels. Group lessons can include up to 10 people.
Can I keep paddling after my lesson?
Yes. Paddleboard rentals are available by the day or week. Check out our equipment rental listing for details or select SUP rental for a daily rental after your lesson at checkout.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. All lessons and rentals require an advance reservation and must be paid for ahead of time. We aren't able to accept payment on the beach.
Why don't you teach lessons at Kailua Beach?
There is currently a ban on commercial activity at Kailua Beach Park, which means no business can teach lessons there. Once you're riding independently, you're welcome to kiteboard, windsurf, surf, or paddleboard at Kailua on your own, and independent riders renting gear from us can have it dropped off and picked up at a Kailua residence.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Yes. For your safety, we require that every guest knows how to swim, regardless of the activity you choose. All guests must also be in good health for physical activity.
Do I need to sign a waiver?
Yes. Each participant must complete their own liability waiver, and anyone under 18 must have their waiver completed by a parent or legal guardian. We ask that you complete the waiver online before your lesson or rental. It only takes a moment and is mobile-friendly.
Are you involved in the local community?
Yes. We're a locally owned and operated family business committed to serving both our local community and visitors from around the world, and to protecting the natural environment that makes these sports possible. We're a member of the Kailua Chamber of Commerce and partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Kailua Kiteboarders Club, a local group that sets safety guidelines and organizes events like beach cleanups.
What sunscreen should I use?
Please use only reef-safe sunscreen — common sunscreens contain chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate that harm coral reefs and are absorbed by marine organisms. Reef-safe and reef-SAFE sunscreens use non-nano mineral particles that are too large for corals to ingest. Look for products labeled non-nano and free of oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens. Sun-protective rash guards are an excellent alternative.
Cancellation Policy
Customers will receive a full refund when cancelling with 24 hours' notice. Contact us by phone to process a cancellation or reschedule a booking. Customers will also receive a full refund in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Last-minute cancels, no-shows, and those arriving late or stopping a lesson prior to end time will be charged full price.
Availability
Reviews
Location
Address
P.O. Box 830
Kailua, HI, 96734
US
ASK THE LOCAL EXPERT
Best price guarantee - book direct with the outfitter
Trusted local outfitters, vetted for quality
Free cancellation on most adventures