Moniz Family Surf - Honolulu, Hawaii

Kaylah Miller

Just do it! Did you sign up yet? I had no experience and I stood up my first wave. Micah is so patient and thoughtful. I would recommend them for ur first time, comfort and safety is what they do best. I’m so grateful I had such a kind native family teaching me the ways to ride 🙂 I’m definitely a customer for life, can’t wait to do it again in the future.

Arleen Fung

Two years ago, I lived in Waikiki for 3 months. I learned how to surf with another instructor and caught the bug to keep going. I spent many hours on the water and renting boards each time. I felt like a fixture in Canoes. Each day I had a decent session catching good waves, enough to make me walk away with a huge grin on my face and leave me wanting more.

Fast forward to a year later, I went to surf in other countries. Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Bali, Spain… I somehow forgot how to catch a wave. I kept forgetting not to look down. I kept getting thrown around the waves because I was paddling in the wrong part of the wave. I even joined a surf camp in Morocco to get my bearings straight. Nothing worked and my confidence was shot. Renting a board each time suddenly felt like a heavy weight on my wallet especially since I wasn’t catching any waves. I was essentially “taking a bath” in the water.

I had just returned to Hawaii to visit a friend and while I was there, it was my mission to find an instructor to help me screw my head back on correctly. I found Moniz Family Surf.

When I messaged Isaiah on WhatsApp, I received an immediate response. Thankfully I was visiting for two weeks because he was booked up for the next week and a half. The day before, he sent me a text to double check if I was still planning having the lesson. I sure was.

I explained my situation and what I had been struggling with. He helped me prepare some of the things I felt less confident about before we hit the water.

I had specific goals in mind but his first suggestion was to get me back to the point where I could catch a wave and stand up. Each time I paddled back, he gave me a new piece of advice to incorporate into my next wave. He encouraged me to take my time and celebrated my wins with me. A few days later, I went to another beach in Oahu and was able to catch waves on my own. Slowly but surely, I felt myself becoming who I once was - a girl with the biggest grin on my face.

I want to send my biggest thanks to Isaiah and the Moniz Family Surf for creating such a safe, patient, and nurturing environment where judgement is not a word in their vocabulary. I wish I stayed longer so I could continue lessons with them for my journey into bigger waves.

For those considering a surf lesson whether you’re on a brief vacation or staying a little longer, I understand that it may seem like a pricey activity to invest in but if you have even the slightest interest, I highly recommend you book here. You won’t regret it

Joseph Fuller

If you visiting Waikiki or a local. You gotta check out the Moniz family Surf. The family is iconic. My daughter has been surfing with Uncle Micah going on 3 summers. She's ripping it! Looking for some surf lessons or to rent some boards. All ages must apply!

Danny Bowman

It doesn't get better than getting lessons from surf legends!!! I surf semi-regularly (once a week or two) in California but I hadn't had proper instruction in a long while and I booked two lessons with Isaiah during a trip to Waikiki and in that short time he dramatically improved my surfing. I just came back and went to my local break and had my best session ever there, thanks to stuff Isaiah taught me. And he's a real nice, chill guy too. Just book a lesson with the Moniz Family - they're the absolute best!

Sigmund Young

My son and I have surfed in Fiji, Costa Rica, and California and we can definitively say that Moniz Family Surf is world class in their surf instruction. They make surfing in Waikiki safe and fun while providing the right amount of instruction and guidance based upon skill level. All the instructors at Moniz Family Surf are true professionals, but more importantly they treat you like family. Thank you Isaiah, Kevin, Liam, Loa, and Micah for an amazing two weeks of surfing. We will be back soon!

Angie Lee

Last week we were in Oahu and had private surf lessons with Micah and Kevin. Both were exceptional but Micah gave my special needs son an experience of a lifetime. He was patient and kind but more importantly he made my son try and as a result I have now have a mostly quiet kiddo constantly talking about wanting to go surfing again. Can not recommend Micah enough as he has what it takes to work with special needs kiddos. Keith also did a fantastic job of getting my daughter up on her board. They had such a good day that day.

Karen Morgenshtern Yacoby

First lesson ever surfing and had Liam and he was amazing. I was a bit nervous but he made me feel so comfortable in the water and was so encouraging. Definitely want to do another lesson with him again!

John Walpole

Had the best time ever! Did a lesson with Brandon and also Isaiah. Within 20 mins I was able to ride a wave with their guidance. Highly recommend. I suggest bringing a UV rash guard with you and sun protection. You’ll have an awesome time! ?