About Hanalei Surf School
Hanalei Surf School is a family-run surf and paddleboard instruction business located on Kuhio Highway in the heart of Hanalei, steps from one of the most iconic bays in Hawaii. Founded by pro surfer Evan Valiere, the school draws on deep local roots and professional surfing experience to deliver lessons that are as authentic as they are effective. Operating year-round in the warm, gentle waters of Hanalei Bay, the school caters to absolute beginners, intermediate surfers looking to progress, and stand-up paddleboard enthusiasts exploring Kauai's North Shore for the first time.
Lessons are offered in private, semi-private, and small group formats, each lasting 90 minutes and covering everything from ocean safety and wave reading to proper paddling technique and pop-up form. All equipment — soft-top surfboards, rash guards, and SUP boards — is included, and the instructors hand-select the best break for each session based on current swell and tide conditions. After your lesson, board and SUP rentals are available by the hour or day, with complimentary delivery anywhere on the North Shore from Kilauea to Haena so guests can continue practicing on their own schedule.
What sets Hanalei Surf School apart is the genuinely local experience — Evan and his team live, surf, and raise their families in Hanalei, and that connection to the community shines through in every interaction. The school has amassed hundreds of five-star reviews praising the patience of the instructors, the relaxed atmosphere, and the thrill of catching a first wave in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable. For anyone visiting Kauai's North Shore who wants to learn to surf or paddle in a supportive, low-pressure environment, Hanalei Surf School is the clear choice.
