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Surf Instructor Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Surf Instructor

Koloa, HI · On-site

$1.2K - $3.0K/mo

We're looking for energetic, patient, and safety-minded Surf Instructors who enjoy working with people, love being in the ocean, and are passionate about helping others succeed. This is much more ...

Na Opio Kai (NOK) Instructor

Ewa Beach, HI · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Opio Kai Instructor Recreation & Leisure Activities | Full-Time or Part-Time, Hourly The LineUp at ... Supervise the Wai Kai Lagoon and surf wave to ensure safe operations and rule compliance * Respond ...

Na Opio Kai (NOK) Instructor

Ewa Beach, HI · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Opio Kai Instructor Recreation & Leisure Activities | Full-Time or Part-Time, Hourly The LineUp at ... Supervise the Wai Kai Lagoon and surf wave to ensure safe operations and rule compliance * Respond ...

Be Seen First

Support the Board in fundraising activities, including the annual Surf to the Turf Golf Tournament ... Previous experience as an SSS mentor, instructor, or volunteer is a plus. * Proficiency with ...

Snorkel Guide / Crew

Koloa, HI · On-site

$16 - $26/hr

Previous snorkel guide, lifeguard, swim instructor, dive, surf, kayak, or ocean safety experience. * Knowledge of Kauai's marine life, ocean conditions, and local environment. * Experience working in ...

Surf Instructor information

See Hawaii salary details

$13

$24

$46

How much do surf instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for surf instructor in Hawaii is $24.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.96 and $24.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surf instructor?

A Surf Instructor teaches individuals or groups how to surf, focusing on water safety, paddling techniques, wave selection, and proper stance. They ensure students understand ocean conditions, surf etiquette, and essential skills for a fun and safe experience. Instructors typically work at surf schools, resorts, or camps and may provide lessons to beginners or advanced surfers. Strong communication, swimming ability, and CPR/first aid knowledge are essential for this role.

How much does a surf instructor earn?

The average salary for a surf instructor ranges from $15 to $30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and whether they work seasonally or year-round. Many surf instructors also earn tips from students, which can significantly increase overall earnings, especially in popular surf destinations. Certifications in lifeguarding and first aid can enhance earning potential and job opportunities.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a surf instructor?

To thrive as a Surf Instructor, you need expert swimming and surfing abilities, strong knowledge of ocean conditions, and usually a lifesaving or surf instructor certification. Familiarity with safety equipment, surfboards, rescue boards, and sometimes student management platforms is important. Outstanding communication, patience, and motivational skills help instructors effectively teach and encourage students of all levels. These attributes ensure a safe, enjoyable, and successful learning experience for individuals and groups in often dynamic environments.

What does a surf instructor do?

A typical day for a Surf Instructor involves preparing equipment, evaluating ocean and weather conditions, and conducting group or private surf lessons for beginners to advanced students. Instructors spend significant time in the water demonstrating techniques, observing students, and providing personalized feedback while closely monitoring safety. Outside of lessons, they may handle equipment maintenance, liaise with surf school staff, and communicate upcoming schedules to students. This role often involves flexible hours, including early mornings and weekends, and consistent teamwork with other instructors to ensure smooth operations and client satisfaction.

What are popular job titles related to Surf Instructor jobs in Hawaii? For Surf Instructor jobs in Hawaii, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Surf Instructor jobs in Hawaii look for? The top searched job categories for Surf Instructor jobs in Hawaii are:
Infographic showing various Surf Instructor job openings in Hawaii as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,059 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

$1.2K - $3.0K/mo

Full-time

Medical

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Hawaiian Style Surfing | Poipu, Kauai

Do you love surfing and want to share that passion with others?

At Hawaiian Style Surfing, we believe learning to surf should be one of the highlights of every Hawaiian vacation. Every day, we introduce guests from around the world to the thrill of catching their very first wave while providing a safe, fun, and unforgettable experience.

We're looking for energetic, patient, and safety-minded Surf Instructors who enjoy working with people, love being in the ocean, and are passionate about helping others succeed. This is much more than teaching surfing—it's about creating confidence, building memories, and representing the aloha spirit both in and out of the water.

If you're dependable, positive, and thrive in an outdoor environment, we'd love to have you join our team.

What You'll Do
  • Teach private, semiprivate, and group surf lessons for guests of all ages and experience levels.
  • Create a fun, safe, and encouraging learning environment for every student.
  • Conduct beach instruction covering surfing fundamentals, ocean awareness, surf etiquette, paddling, popup techniques, and water safety.
  • Supervise students in the water while providing individualized coaching and encouragement.
  • Organize, transport, clean, and properly store surfboards and lesson equipment.
  • Conduct daily surf demonstrations for resort guests and actively promote surf lessons and rentals.
  • Assist guests with surfboard rentals and equipment selection.
  • Monitor beach and ocean conditions while helping maintain a safe environment for students, swimmers, and beach visitors.
  • Assist neighboring resort operations when business needs require.
  • Work closely with fellow instructors and resort staff to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
  • Represent Hawaiian Style Surfing with professionalism, positivity, and aloha every day.
  • Minimum Qualifications

    Applicants must:
  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Be legally authorized to work in the United States.
  • Be able to provide documentation verifying work authorization on the first day of employment.
  • Be a strong swimmer with excellent ocean awareness and confidence in surf conditions.
  • Possess strong surfing skills and the ability to safely teach beginner surfers.
  • Hold current CPR and First Aid certification or be able to obtain certification before the first day of work.
  • Hold a valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
  • Be physically capable of lifting and carrying surfboards and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Be dependable, punctual, and committed to providing exceptional customer service.
  • Be available to work weekends, holidays, and peak tourism seasons.
  • Preferred Qualifications
  • Previous surf instruction experience.
  • ISA Surf Instructor Certification.
  • Lifeguard certification or professional ocean safety experience.
  • Experience teaching children and families.
  • Knowledge of Hawaiian surf etiquette, local surf breaks, tides, and ocean conditions.
  • Experience working in hospitality, tourism, recreation, or customer service.
  • Basic surfboard repair and equipment maintenance experience.
  • Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive pay based on experience and lesson volume.
  • Opportunities to earn generous gratuities.
  • Health insurance (eligible employees).
  • Employee activity benefits.
  • Consistent scheduling.
  • Yearround employment opportunities.
  • Professional, supportive team environment.
  • Opportunities for advancement and professional growth.
  • Availability Requirements

    We operate year-round and are busiest during holidays and peak tourism seasons.

    Applicants must be available to work:
  • Weekends and holidays.
  • June through September.
  • December 15 through January 15.
  • These are our busiest periods, and time-off requests during these blackout dates generally cannot be accommodated.

    Why Join Hawaiian Style Surfing?

    Every lesson is an opportunity to change someone's vacation—and sometimes their life. Whether you're helping a child stand on a surfboard for the first time or giving someone the confidence to conquer their fear of the ocean, you'll create memories that last a lifetime.

    At Hawaiian Style Surfing, we're looking for team members who are passionate about surfing, committed to safety, and genuinely enjoy helping others. If you're ready to spend your days doing what you love while sharing the aloha spirit with guests from around the world, we'd love to meet you.