6 Best Surfing Camps in Hawaii (2024 Guide) – GWC Mag

Hunting for the ultimate surfing camps in Hawaii? Then you’ve hit the jackpot because I’m about to unveil my top picks for Hawaii’s finest surf retreats.

Hawaii boasts picturesque beaches, incredible waves, and that ever-inviting Aloha spirit. Let’s not forget the mouthwatering local cuisine!

I’ve been an avid surfer for years and surfed at top spots across the world. There’s something about Hawaii’s waves that just gets the heart pumping.

That’s why the surf camps around here are pure gold. You can embrace the local vibe, explore this paradise, and really soak up Hawaiian culture.

So, toss your gear in the bag and get ready for the ride of your life at one of Hawaii’s top surf camps.

Best Surfing Camps in Hawaii

Location: North Shore, Oahu
Length: 5 Days
Skill Level: Beginner

Why We Recommend this Surf Camp:

This camp is like the ultimate Hawaiian surf trip. It’s super chill and personal, capping at just 5 people at a time, so you really get that one-on-one vibe.

They’ve got everything sorted for beginners to catch waves, plus daily yoga to get you all zen. You also get to check out Oahu’s insane beauty.

Oh, and the food? Seriously good. Healthy breakfasts and dinners are just the cherry on top of this whole experience. If you’re all about that laid-back, healthy lifestyle and want a slice of the real Hawaii, this is your spot.

What to Expect:

Upon checking in on day 1, you’ll unwind with yoga and catch your first waves in the afternoon, topped off with a delightful dinner.

The next few days blend morning yoga and breakfast with surf sessions and an adventure on day 3, each ending with a hearty dinner. The retreat wraps up on day 5 with yoga, breakfast, and a final surf before checkout at 14:30.

You’ll stay in a cozy retreat with various room options, all with Wi-Fi, promoting a communal vibe with shared spaces. Meals are a treat, featuring vegetarian breakfasts and dinners that cater to your post-surf appetite. You’re guaranteed a blend of relaxation and activity throughout your stay.

Surf Camp Inclusions:

• 4 nights’ accommodation in a charming retreat.
• 1 private surf lesson and 4 surf sessions with coaching.
• 4 yoga sessions to complement your surf experience.
• An adventure day to explore the natural beauty of Oahu.
• Use of yoga mats, bikes, surfboards, and rash guards.
• Daily breakfast and dinner, focusing on vegetarian cuisine.
• Airport pickup and drop-off service for hassle-free transitions.

Location: Go Nuts Hawaii, Honolulu
Length: 7 Days
Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Why We Recommend this Surf Camp:

Go Nuts Hawaii stands out for its prime location close to Sunset Beach and easy access to legendary surf spots like Valzyland, Pipeline, and Waimea. Access to equipment means you can also go snorkeling or scuba diving during your retreat.

The camp provides daily surf lessons or stand-up paddleboard sessions, ensuring a fantastic experience regardless of your skill level. The inclusion of all meals and the proximity to amazing surf breaks make this camp ideal for those seeking a comprehensive surf adventure.

What to Expect:

The camp schedule is designed to maximize your surfing potential, starting with a lesson each morning followed by a light breakfast. You’ll then dive into a 1.5 to 2-hour surf or stand-up paddleboard lesson.

The camp is tailored to cater to all surf levels, ensuring personalized attention and progression.

Surf Camp Inclusions:

• 6 nights’ accommodation in the heart of the North Shore.
• Daily breakfast, lunch, and snacks to keep you energized.
• 2 hours of private surf lessons every day, suitable for all levels.
• A unique circle island sightseeing tour.
• Access to bicycles, surfboards, and snorkeling gear for exploring beyond the waves.
• Airport transfers for a hassle-free experience.

Location: Haleiwa, North Shore
Length: 7 Days
Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Why We Recommend this Surf Retreat:

Lani Surf is famous for its effective teaching methods and the personal connection it creates with the ocean and surfing culture. I love the retreat’s beachfront location which offers direct access to ideal surfing conditions.

The inclusion of a tour around the North Shore’s famous surf beaches, coupled with comprehensive surf equipment, makes this retreat a top choice for those looking to immerse themselves fully in the lifestyle.

What to Expect:

Your retreat begins with an optional airport pickup and a chance to settle in before diving into your surf adventure. Daily two-hour surf lessons are tailored to your skill level, with instructors selecting the best spots for each day’s conditions.

You’ll explore North Shore’s renowned surf spots, enjoy a meal with your instructor, and have ample free time to soak in the island’s beauty. The retreat concludes on day 7, offering a flexible schedule to accommodate your departure plans.

Surf Retreat Inclusions:

• 6 nights’ accommodation in a stunning beachfront setting.
• Daily surf lessons up to two hours, tailored to your experience level.
• A guided tour of the North Shore’s iconic surf spots, including Waimea, Pipeline, and Sunset Beach.
• All necessary surf equipment is provided for the duration of your stay.
• One special meal to enjoy local flavors.
• Convenient airport transfers to ease your travel worries.
• Wi-Fi access to keep you connected.

Location: Pata Sudaka Surf Camp, Haleiwa
Length: 7 Days
Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Why We Recommend this Surf Camp:

Pata Sudaka’s comprehensive approach to surf coaching, offering both in-water lessons and theoretical training is amazing to enhance your skills, regardless of your current level.

The blend of yoga classes, adventure excursions, and cultural activities such as Hawaiian cooking classes ensures a holistic experience. 

The camp’s focus on small groups guarantees personalized attention and an intimate atmosphere. You will love this private surf camp, located right on the beach which offers stunning views and easy access to the surf spots.

What to Expect:

Your adventure begins with a warm welcome and a barbecue dinner. Each day is thoughtfully planned, starting with morning surf lessons followed by video analysis to refine your technique.

The afternoons are reserved for yoga sessions to rejuvenate your body, and adventure activities that showcase the beauty of Oahu.

Highlights include sunset SUP or kayaking on the Haleiwa River, hikes to breathtaking waterfalls, and immersive local experiences like a poke cooking class.

Surf Camp Inclusions:

• 6 nights’ accommodation in a prime North Shore location.
• 4 professional surf lessons complemented by video analysis for targeted improvements.
• Surf theory sessions and additional surf training activities.
• A variety of yoga classes tailored to support your surfing progress.
• Adventure activities and private tours around Oahu, including hikes and snorkeling.
• Welcome barbecue and a Hawaiian cooking class for a cultural immersion.
• Free use of surf equipment during lessons and access to other fun gear like skateboards and slacklines.
• A small group setting for a personalized experience.
• Convenient airport shuttle service for stress-free arrivals and departures.

Location: Keiki Beach House, Haleiwa
Length: 6 Days
Skill Level: Advanced

Why We Recommend this Surf Camp:

If you’re a pro, then Sunset Suzy is for you. This camp stands out for its personalized surf safaris that cater to advanced surfers, ensuring you catch the best waves each day. 

The camp’s small group size guarantees individual attention, while the mix of surfing, nature excursions, and cultural experiences offers a comprehensive Hawaiian getaway. The added perks of massages and vibrant nightlife options round out this immersive surf camp experience.

What to Expect:

Your days begin with a delicious breakfast, setting the stage for surf adventures tailored to your skill level. Each day offers new experiences, from swimming with sea turtles to exploring the island’s stunning landscapes. 

Enjoy fresh, locally sourced meals, relax under the stars, and dive into the vibrant local culture and nightlife. Suzy’s team ensures a perfect balance of surfing, relaxation, and exploration, making every moment memorable.

You’ll stay in a charming beach house near Keiki Beach, featuring private and shared rooms equipped with all vacation necessities. The house’s proximity to the beach offers easy access to daily surf sessions and serene ocean views.

Surf Camp Inclusions:

• 5 nights’ accommodation in a cozy beachside bungalow.
• Daily guided surf safaris to Oahu’s best surf spots.
• Exciting activities include hikes, waterfall swims, and turtle tours.
• Evening outings to Turtle Bay’s vibrant nightlife scene.
• Two meals a day, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
• Airport pickup and drop-off for seamless travel logistics.
• Access to massage services for post-surf relaxation.

Location: Camp Olowalu, Lahaina
Length: 7 Days
Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Why We Recommend this Retreat:

This retreat is specifically tailored for women looking to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing. The blend of shamanic practices with surfing and yoga provides a holistic approach to wellness, aimed at reconnecting participants with their inner strength and vitality.

The serene setting, coupled with expert guidance from licensed therapists and instructors, creates a nurturing environment for both physical and spiritual rejuvenation.

What to Expect:

Dive into daily shamanic sessions for soul healing, paired with body-reconnecting somatic tracking. Enjoy three surf lessons for all skill levels, yoga, art projects, and a trip to Iao Valley.

Indulge in exquisite meals crafted by top chefs. Stay in cozy, oceanfront cabins perfect for three, blending comfort with the calming sea. Each meal, a culinary masterpiece, enhances your wellness journey with freshness and quality.

Retreat Inclusions:

• 6 nights’ accommodation in beachfront cabins, offering a rustic and serene escape.
• Daily guided shamanic sessions led by licensed therapists, incorporating modern psychology and ancient healing practices for a profound healing experience.
• Three surf lessons by expert female instructors, tailored to your skill level and designed to empower and inspire.
• Yoga classes to enhance your physical and mental well-being, complemented by art therapy sessions for creative expression.
• A visit to the sacred Iao Valley, connecting you with the island’s spiritual heritage.
• Gourmet daily meals are prepared with care and intention, highlighting the retreat’s commitment to nourishment.
• Airport transfers for a seamless and worry-free travel experience.

Surfing in Hawaii

Surfing in Hawaii is an epic adventure, a place where the sport’s legends have carved their names into the waves. The islands are a mosaic of world-renowned surf spots, each with its own character and challenges, making Hawaii the perfect place for surfers of all levels.

In Oahu, the North Shore stands as the Colosseum of surfing, home to iconic breaks like Banzai Pipeline, Waimea Bay, and Sunset Beach.

Here, winter swells create towering waves that offer the ultimate test of skill and bravery, drawing surfers and spectators from across the globe. It’s a pilgrimage site for those looking to witness or ride some of the most formidable waves on the planet.

Waikiki Beach, with its long, rolling breaks, offers a stark contrast and a perfect playground for beginners and those looking to enjoy a more leisurely surf experience. The gentle waves and long rides make it an ideal spot for longboarding and those first magical moments of standing up on a board.

Maui, with spots like Honolua Bay and Pe’ahi, also known as “Jaws,” adds to Hawaii’s surf lore. Honolua Bay, with its clear, blue waters and perfect right-hand point break, provides both beauty and exhilarating rides.

Pe’ahi, on the other hand, is renowned for its monstrous waves, challenging even the most seasoned surfers and adding to Hawaii’s reputation as the heartland of big wave surfing.

The island of Kauai, with its lush landscapes and less crowded spots like Hanalei Bay, offers a more soulful surfing experience. The bay’s half-moon shape creates a variety of wave types, catering to different skill levels and making it a favorite for both locals and visiting surfers seeking a more intimate connection with the ocean.

Conclusion

Hawaii is the ultimate surf destination. From Oahu’s legendary North Shore to the gentle shores of Waikiki, and the diverse waves of Maui and Kauai, the islands welcome surfers of all levels.

Here, amidst the Aloha spirit and breathtaking landscapes, every surfer can find their perfect wave and carve their own path in the ocean. This easily makes Hawaii one of the top destinations in the United States.

So, whether you’re just starting out or chasing the thrill of the next big swell, Hawaii’s surf spots are ready to welcome you to the lineup. Grab your board, the ocean is calling.