Surfing lessons in hawaii has been on my bucket list for years and I finally got to check it off thanks to the Surf Shack! If you are an absolute newbie like me, this is the place to take lessons. The staff are absolutely amazing and the location of the lessons makes learning super easy! My 14 year old was up on the board on his first try and I made it up on my second. The dry-land lessons prior to going in the water were about 15 minutes - which seems quick but they teach you everything you need to know, including safety precautions and etiquette with other surfers. You are never over your head in the water and the waves are low - there were very young kids taking lessons and their heads always remained above water. It's rocky where they do the lessons but if you follow their directions on how to safely dismount the board, you'll be fine. The instructors are patient and helpful and are constantly giving you tips during your rides. They have a photographer in the water with you taking pics as you ride the waves; they upload them onto their computers once you are back to the Surf Shack and you have the opportunity to purchase. Pricey for the packages but worth it - especially if it's a once in a lifetime thing (like probably in my case). The lessons are offered periodically throughout the day Monday to Saturday; i highly recommend the 8:00 am lesson - the water and winds are at their calmest; i did the 10:00 am lesson and it had to be cut short slightly because the winds came up and it got dangerous.
Recommended you make reservations - I made them a day in advance and got a spot for my son and I no problem. Once you arrive to check in, they provide you with a bin to store your clothes, towel, water bottles or whatever you have along with you. They provide you with a surf shirt and water shoes (which you definitely want to wear both to avoid chaffing from the board and chewed feet from the rocks.)
Highly highly recommend the Surf Shack for beginner surf lessons! Our instructor, Mike, was awesome!
And if you are hungry afterwards, head next door for the most gigantic and delicous hot dog!