Learning to surf in Waikiki is OK, but to learn to surf on the North Shore of Oahu is about as authentic as it gets.  Below is a list of the pros and cons of each location.

Surfing Lessons in Waikiki

Surfing Lessons on the North Shore of Oahu

Over Crowded
Water quality is poor
Waves – flat in Winter
Waves – in Summer super crowded
Beaches imported sand dirty crowded

Very uncrowded – super friendly
Water quality is pristine
Waves fun and safe in winter – due to teaching in a safe protective cove
Waves in Summer fun, uncrowded 1-2 feet
Beaches pristine almost empty

I could go on and on about why it’s better to learn to surf on the North Shore over learning to surf in Waikiki, but the bottom line is that if you do choose to stay in Waikiki a day trip to the North Shore is a must do – so why not learn to surf in the Surfing Capitol of the World – the North Shore?