Buttons Surf School

Noho taught my kids (ages 5, 9, 11) to surf last winter. He was awesome! The kids had a blast and they caught so many waves they lost count. Great family-run company and patient instructors. We couldn't have asked for anything better!

I booked a private surf lesson and received my confirmation. I showed up only to find out no one was coming. They offered another time but it was after I left. They were not helpful with my refund and as a result I have a bank dispute which can take up to 90 days. As this was the sole item on my bucket list I wanted to do while in Hawaii, I was extremely disappointed. By the time I found out everyone else was booked.

We had the most amazing experience with Noho our teacher - he was incredible. The way he taught made it easy for everyone and the whole group was shortly standing up on the board!! I hurt myself in a scooter accident the day before and the instructor was so sweet to me - he carried me to the beach and then paddled me out on the water so I could chill with my friends in between sets. And so glad I did! My friend who had never surfed before was up on that board looking like a total natural after Noho's unique way of teaching (I've had other surf lessons before in Costa Rica, but this was special!!) if you're on Oahu and you don't use buttons surf then IDK you

My kids had a great time surfing with Raymond at Chun's Reef. They both caught lots of waves. I took off one star because of the office's lack of communication. They were supposed to text me right after I made my appt and the day before the lesson. Neither occurred until I called the office. They were very friendly.

Hands down the best surf instructor in Hawaii for any level of surfer. Buttons is a legend and completely made surfing what it is today, however you would never know it by his down to earth approachability and attention to detail in his teaching style. When I took a lesson from him, students from other companies would come up to him and ask him for advice on their form.My lesson with him was the most memorable part of my trip, and definitely worth driving up from Waikiki. He will take you out away from the crowds of surfers and give you the attention to detail needed to improve your surfing instantly. He makes surfing simple and completely enjoyable.In addition to being the best instructor on Oahu, Buttons provides the history, philosophy, and spirituality behind surfing. He has been a professional surfer since he was 15 and popularized the 360 on the surfboard in the '70s. He has incredible stories to tell that you can't hear anywhere else. And his rates were actually lower than all the other surf schools.When you finish a lesson with Buttons, you are left feeling like a completely different person, with a strong appreciation for the sport, for the ocean, and for life. And you will have learned everything you can about surfing in a short period of time. He's amazing with small children, families, singles, pros, beginners, and everything in between. Go with Buttons, you will love your surfing experience, guaranteed!

Buttons surf school is simply the BEST!!! He has a great attitude and an excellent teaching style. By the end of my lesson today, I was catching the waves by myself and working on a little boardwalking. He even took my daughter afterwards for a tandem surf ride on 2 waves. So stoked to have met and surfed with Buttons.Don't bother with any other surf school. Buttons is who you should learn to surf from on the north shore.Looking forward to my next trip and surfing lesson.

There are not enough nice words for Uncle Buttons and his Surf School. Down right one of the most personal guys out there. Along with doing his surf school, Buttons provides lessons and surfboards for AccessSurf once a month and for Mauli Ola Foundation whenever they have their surf experience days. He takes the time to teach you properly how to surf and paddle board. Our family has had the opportunity to be there when he's taken out a 9 month old baby (the cutest thing you'll ever see). Uncle Buttons is a man I trust to take not only my 10 and 9 year olds out, but my 17 month old also (if he would let mommy out of his site LOL). Buttons and his family go out of their way to make sure your experience is a good one and if you see them out and about and say hi, they will make sure to say hello. Much Mahalo for the great surf days and inspiration in being a better person.

I found buttons on Yelp prior to our trip to HI. My husband and I were determined to learn how to surf and wanted someone who knew their stuff and had experience with the waves.Buttons is legend around Oahu. He taught himself how to surf, won competitions back in the 70's, had some trials and turbulations, however, now he gives back to the community. Every first Saturday of the month he surfs with children with special needs and also works with the wounded soldiers program. I had the opportunity to receive my surf lesson from him and he was a great teacher. My husband and I were lucky enough to have a private lesson with him and his nephew as I'm sure it can get hectic with many students.Buttons was laid back, friendly, showed me what to do, advised what I needed to do better to get on the board and not once critical or negative about what I was doing. He cheered me on each time I was to catch a wave, gave me a little push every now and then to help me and was easy to talk to. If you're interested in surf lessons or need to rent a board, he does all of the above and you'll find his tent on the north shore. Pass up the other guys and head here, you won't be disappointed.

I read about Buttons Surf School prior to going out to Hawaii right here on Yelp. My wife and I were driving along the north shore after one of our excursions. We saw Uncle Bryans Sunset Suratt Surf School in Haleiwa, but continued on our drive. Good thing we did, because as we were passing a beach between Haleiwa and Waimea Bay, I saw Buttons gazebo like tent. (Besides, I would rather give my money to a true local Hawaiian). We quickly made a U-turn and stopped down at the beach to see if we could get some surf lessons for the next morning. Sure enough, Buttons' wife signed us up.We arrived the next morning 9-11-11 and waited for a bit till Buttons and the gang showed up. (Must be on Hawaii time - Kind of like my Chicano time)Anyway, we got suited up with the rash-gaurd shirts that they provided and started on the lessons. I picked it up on the first wave (Similar to snowboarding...) now I am hooked. My wife picked it up on her second wave (Good job babe!)Kala (spelling??) - Buttons nephew was my teacher. (Thanks again Bra!)Buttons was my wife's teacher.Joey - Photographer (Thanks for the great pictures!)These folks were so about family mentality it was great. Everyone out on the waves was friendly. Buttons even managed to help a stubborn tourist get back into shore (The current was taking the tourist and his family toward the waves that were smashing into the rocks along the bad part of the beach.)

Buttons is one of the most AMAZING people I have ever encountered. If you're looking for the best value for your time and money, you can't beat learning from someone who's spent his entire life on the water. After 40 years, surfing is as natural to him as breathing and oh what you can benefit from that level of mastery!Here's a list of things that set Buttons' lesson apart from the others I had and saw:1. He treats every individual with such care and respect you feel like a glowing Christmas tree. He's goofy and fun and you can't help but feel good around him.2. He meets you at your level and helps you develop at the appropriate pace for your individuality. He keeps it simple but extremely effective.3. He is always encouraging and dispelling of the frustration of the learning process.4. He is aware of everything around him and makes a point to help anyone he can. He raises the level of humanity to something I've never encountered before and only hope I can become.5. He can read the ocean so well that all of your time is spent in productivity. I got up on 90% of the waves, starting with the first, as did my co-student. I cannot say the same for my lesson with a different company or for the students of the instructors around me.6. He does a lot of the hard work in getting you back out to the waves. I stayed out until I couldn't paddle anymore and it would've been much shorter if he hadn't done so much of the work for me.7. You will feel like a surfer after just one lesson.Peter, his assistant, is a good soul. He is happy and helpful and just wants to see you enjoy the surfing experience.Buttons is an experience to behold - one that I will never forget for the rest of my life!!! That's what a Hawaiian vacation is all about!