I picked DCX at random from a huge number of surf schools and was hugely impressed. Erik Lillmars (plus dog) is a patient, thorough teacher, a grizzled surfing (and music industry) veteran who spends a lot of time ashore before taking you out. I was standing up within an hour though, and had a blast. If you're not a confident swimmer that's fine, just let him know. I can't recommend Erik highly enough.

2450 Koa Avenue (parallel to Waikiki beach, behind the faceless hotels)
+1 808 589 7560.
surfingoahu.com/
Google map: tinyurl.com/32kh9mf

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Haena Beach on the Big Island was one of my favourite beaches along with the north shore of Kauai. The north shores of all the islands are spectacular, especially during the winter with all the big waves (but this means it can be very windy for camping.)

There is one beach (also a campsite) on the north shore of Kauai, also called Haena (if I remember correctly) which is at one end of the Napali coast. It means that you can make it your base before hiking along the coast, as there are small and big treks along this coast to beautiful waterfalls and beaches that you can only get to by foot. There is a lot of reef off the north shore, which makes for good waves, and also some good snorkeling. We were able to see a whole family of turtles while we were there.

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Getting around The Big Island on public transport is infrequent. If you don't drive and are on a low budget (which makes tours uneconomical)
then you aren't going to see the best of the Big Island.

Having said that the buses are free!

www.co.hawaii.hi.us/mass_transit/transit_main.htm

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There are a few hostels on the islands and the very best on Maui is a hostel called Banana Bungalow Wailuku, which everyone seems to have heard about (so book in advance). They offer more stuff than any hostel I've ever stayed in anywhere in the world: free trips to great destinations all over the island every day (I did a 12-mile hike around the big volcano, a trip to some beautiful beaches to snorkel with giant turtles, a whale-watching boat trip and a couple of days worth of other stuff) and all they ask is that you tip your tour guides who work at the hostel.

www.mauihostel.com

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If you go to the Big Island and you find yourself in Hilo - Ken's House of Pancakes is a must. Open 24-hours since 1971 - no lie. It's amazing.

1730 Kamehameha Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 935-8711

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