HONOLULU GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Waikiki from the Board: The Ohana Stand Up Paddle Experience with Jamie O’Brien School of Surf
A private, 1.5-hour stand up paddle (SUP) tour along Waikiki’s coastline with a personalized land lesson, guided commentary on marine life and local history, and attention tailored to your group.
Waikiki from the Board: The Ohana Stand Up Paddle Experience with Jamie O’Brien School of Surf.
The Ohana Waikiki SUP Adventure is a private paddleboard tour run by the Jamie O’Brien School of Surf that puts families and friends on the water to explore Waikiki’s iconic coastline. Beginning with a personalized land lesson on basic SUP technique, safety, and local landmarks, guides then lead small groups out on the ocean to paddle, spot marine life, and hear the history of the area—tailoring pace and commentary to your group’s interests.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Waikiki’s coastline from a new vantage
Paddling just off Waikiki reveals the city’s shoreline and the ocean realm beyond; guides point out the coastline’s landmarks as you glide on calm water tailored to your group’s pace.
A personalized land lesson and hands-on coaching
Every Ohana experience begins with a land-based introduction covering SUP basics, safety, and equipment so groups feel confident before heading out; on-water instruction is scaled to the group for steady progression.
Private, family-focused exploration
Designed as a private group experience for families and friends, the Ohana SUP Adventure prioritizes small-group attention, making it ideal for multi-age groups seeking a shared ocean experience and guided interpretation of marine life and history.
What the day feels like
What the outing feels like
You meet with your guide for a short, tailored land lesson that covers basic SUP technique, safety, equipment, and the landmarks you’ll see. Once everyone is comfortable, the group launches and paddles along Waikiki’s shoreline at a relaxed pace, while guides share knowledge about local marine life and the area’s history. The small, private format keeps instruction focused and allows the guide to adapt the outing to your group’s interests and abilities.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this SUP outing suits—and when you might opt for a different format.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Lessons and SUP experiences are 1.5 hours long; lesson time slots are offered throughout the day (early morning slots are popular).
All experiences start and end at the Jamie O’Brien School of Surf shop on the ground floor of the Twin Fin Waikiki hotel at 2570 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815; parking options include hotel valet or self-park at the Honolulu Zoo with a short walk.
Wear a swimsuit and bring sunscreen; the shop provides rash guards and reef shoes and supplies all required equipment for the experience (boards, wetsuits, leashes, and wax where applicable).
The Ohana (private group) lesson is designed for families/friends with a typical surfer-to-instructor ratio of 4:1; for very young children or guests needing extra attention, additional instructors or private/tandem lessons may be required and could incur extra fees.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Will Jamie O’Brien be teaching my lesson?
Jamie O’Brien owns and operates the surf school but does not personally teach; every instructor has been hand-selected by Jamie to deliver a safe, high-quality experience.
What is included in the experience?
All equipment needed is provided, including boards and wetsuits (and related gear such as leashes and wax when applicable).
When are lessons offered and when is the best time?
Lessons run daily in multiple time slots (for example 9:00 AM, 10:15 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:45 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:15 PM) and each is 1.5 hours; many guests prefer the earliest slot to enjoy calm morning conditions.
Are there age restrictions?
The operator can teach ages 2 to 99; children under 12 must be on a private lesson one-on-one or with their parents in an Ohana package; children around 6 and under often require a tandem private lesson, and guests under 10 may need an extra instructor for safety.
Can I take a lesson if I can’t swim or if I have a disability?
Yes—non-swimmers and guests with disabilities are welcome but non-swimmers must take a private one-on-one lesson; guests requiring extra attention should book a private lesson so instructors can provide appropriate support.
What is the payment and refund policy?
Full payment is required upon booking; you may cancel up to 48 hours prior to the lesson for a full refund. Changes within 48 hours are not guaranteed but the operator will attempt to accommodate.