Question 1

When should I book a class?

Accepted Answer

Reservations are required. Only 1 booking is allowed per class time.

Our website always displays our live availability calendar for the year, updated daily. Reservations are required and we sell out quickly, especially during holidays and school breaks. Booking early ensures you secure your preferred date and time.

🔶 Lifeguard Tip: Schedule your lesson at the beginning of your trip. This way, you have the flexibility to join us for additional lessons or reschedule in case of unfavorable surf or weather conditions before you leave the island.

Question 2

Does HLSI provide surfer transportation?

Accepted Answer

No, students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the classroom and beach park. Uber/Lyft is available in our area if needed. Public parking is free both at HLSI HQ for check-in and street side at Kahalu'u Bay. HLSI transports all surfing equipment for our students, but to keep costs low, we do not shuttle surfers back and forth.

Question 3

Can students keep the surfboard after class?

Accepted Answer

HLSI does not offer surfboard rentals. For safety reasons, lifeguards strongly advise against beginners surfing alone. Kona's coastline lacks sandy surf shorelines and has strong rip tides, ocean currents, and challenging reef breaks. These conditions can pose serious risks, especially with constantly changing ocean conditions.

Why Inexperienced Surfers Should Not Surf Alone:
Strong Currents: Consistent waves and strong rip currents can be extremely challenging. 
Sudden Weather Changes: Weather can shift rapidly.
Navigating Reefs: Reef breaks can be sharp and difficult.
Lack of Knowledge: Novice surfers may not recognize warning signs.
Extended Paddle Offshore: Longer paddles can exhaust beginners quickly.
No Standing on the Reef: You cannot stand and rest in shallow water. Hawaii's fragile coral reefs below require constant paddling which can exhaust beginners quickly.

To ensure your safety, we highly recommend surfing with a Hawaiian lifeguard.

Question 4

What type of surfboards does HLSI provide?

Accepted Answer

HLSI provides foam-core longboards for surfing lessons. The length of board depends on height and weight or the surfers skill level. Foam-core boards are great for beginners to balance, easier and faster to paddle and provide the best experience for overall safety.

**Private Solo Students wanting to surf on an alternate board type can provide their own board.

Question 5

When is the best time for surfing?

Accepted Answer

Typically, mornings are ideal for any ocean activity on the islands.

Light winds often pick up in the afternoons, leading to choppy water conditions. For the best experience, we recommend scheduling your lesson earlier in the day.

🔶 Lifeguard Tip: If HLSI identifies a weather pattern that makes a particular date or time more favorable than your current booking, we will proactively contact you with our suggestion.

Question 6

What if the weather is bad on my class day?

Accepted Answer

HLSI closely monitors daily weather and water conditions. If your lesson is scheduled on a day with flat water, hazardous conditions, or stormy weather, a lifeguard will notify you as soon as we are informed.

In case of flat water, we can offer Stand Up Paddle surfboards to still enjoy the bay ensure you catch as many waves as possible and still enjoy your time in the water.

*If HLSI must cancel classes due and you are unable to rebook, you will receive a full refund.

We value your time and treat our students like a part of our 'ohana (family). HLSI is dedicated to sharing aloha and perpetuating our Hawaiian culture and the aloha spirit.

Question 7

What do I need to bring?

Accepted Answer

What to Bring to Class:
Towels
Reef-safe sunscreen
Please come dressed for surfing. If you need time to change into your surfing attire, please arrive early to use the restrooms for changing.

We provide everything necessary for your lesson, including:
Surfboard
Leash
Water shirt and shoe rentals (free)
Lifeguard surf coach

Question 8

What should I wear for my surf lesson?

Accepted Answer

It's important to wear the right gear for comfort and safety surfing. Start with a snug-fitting swimsuit or board shorts, which allow for ease of movement in the water. A rash guard or wetsuit top is highly recommended to protect your skin from the sun's UV rays and prevent chafing from the surfboard.

Water shoes or reef-safe surf booties provide protection for your feet, especially on Big Island's beaches.

Don't forget reef-safe sunscreen on any exposed skin to protect both yourself and the ocean environment.

With the right attire, you'll be well-prepared to enjoy your time in the waves.

HLSI provides rashguard surf shirts and water shoe rentals at no charge. Students are welcome to wear their own personal gear, but we do offer free rentals for all students.

🔶 Lifeguard Tip: We have a list of all our highly recommended products to gear up for surf and travel to Kona- all available on Amazon. View Now.

Question 9

How do I edit or cancel my booking?

Accepted Answer

Modifying your class date or adding/ removing a surfer can be done by emailing or calling in to our office: 
email- surflessons@yahoo.com 
phone: +1(808)324-0442

Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel or reschedule your lesson, it's recommended to do so at least 2 days in advance to avoid a full charge cancellation penalty.

Changes and cancellations within 2 days of the class date will incur a 100% charge, including late arrivals or no-shows.

🔶 Lifeguard Tip: Classes canceled due to inclement weather or water conditions by HLSI staff or government officials will be offered the option to rebook or receive a refund.

*Rebooking is subject to availability and preference.

Question 10

Where do I keep my things while surfing?

Accepted Answer

HLSI Lifeguard truck will serve as your locker at the beach park while surfing. Your Lifeguard & Surf Coach can safely store your essential items in our company vehicle:
Car Keys
Shoes/ Sandals
Towels
Small personal bag

We ask that you keep any large items in your personal vehicle.

Question 11

Can my family and friends watch me surf?

Accepted Answer

Yes, spectators can enjoy the view at Kahalu'u Bay. Students surf on the northern end of the bay, about 50 yards offshore, near St. Peter's Church by the Sea. The church grounds offer an ideal viewing area for watching the surfers.
The southern end of Kahalu'u Beach Park provides an excellent area for snorkeling and swimming. Amenities at Kahalu'u Bay include picnicking grounds, pavilions, restrooms, and beach showers.

Question 12

Can I rent a surfboard? or keep using it after my lesson?

Accepted Answer

HLSI does not offer surfboard rentals. For safety reasons, lifeguards strongly advise against beginners surfing alone. Kona's coastline lacks sandy surf shorelines and has strong rip tides, ocean currents, and challenging reef breaks. These conditions can pose serious risks, especially with constantly changing ocean conditions.

Why Inexperienced Surfers Should Not Surf Alone:
Unexpected Currents: Strong rip currents can pull you out to sea.
Sudden Weather Changes: Weather can shift rapidly.
Navigating Reefs: Reef breaks can be sharp and difficult.
Lack of Knowledge: Novice surfers may not recognize warning signs.
Extended Paddle Offshore: Longer paddles can exhaust beginners quickly.
No Standing on the Reef: You cannot stand and rest in shallow water due to fragile coral reefs and the risk of reef cuts from contact, requiring constant paddling while in the surf zone.
Rescue Challenges: Having a lifeguard nearby ensures faster rescues.

To ensure your safety, we highly recommend surfing with a Hawaiian lifeguard.

Question 13

What type of surfboards does HLSI provide?

Accepted Answer

HLSI provides foam-core longboards for surfing lessons. The length of board depends on height and weight or the surfers skill level. Foam-core boards are great for beginners to balance, easier and faster to paddle and provide the best experience for overall safety.

**Private Solo Students wanting to surf on an alternate board type can provide their own board.

Question 14

What if there is bad weather on my class date?

Accepted Answer

HLSI closely monitors daily weather and water conditions. If your lesson is scheduled on a day with flat water, hazardous conditions, or stormy weather, a lifeguard will notify you as soon as we are informed.

In case of flat water days, we can offer Stand Up Paddle surfboards to ensure you catch as many waves as possible and still enjoy your time in the water.

If HLSI must cancel classes and you are unable to rebook, you will receive a full refund.

We value your time and treat you like a part of our 'ohana. HLSI is dedicated to sharing aloha and perpetuating our culture and aloha spirit.

🔶 Lifeguard Tip: If HLSI identifies a weather pattern that makes a particular date or time more favorable than your current booking, we will proactively contact you with our suggestion.

New Arrivals

Hawai'i Island's Exclusive Surf School
Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i Island

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I book a class?

Does HLSI provide surfer transportation?

Can students keep the surfboard after class?

What type of surfboards does HLSI provide?

When is the best time for surfing?

What if the weather is bad on my class day?

What do I need to bring?

What should I wear for my surf lesson?

How do I edit or cancel my booking?

Where do I keep my things while surfing?

Can my family and friends watch me surf?

Can I rent a surfboard? or keep using it after my lesson?

What type of surfboards does HLSI provide?

What if there is bad weather on my class date?

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Hawaii Lifeguard Surf Instructors | Surf Lessons Hawaii LLC