Private Surf Lesson at Kalama Park in Kihei

Learning to surf one-on-one is the real draw here. At Kalama Park in Kihei, your instructor can focus on your timing, balance, and comfort instead of splitting attention among a large class. The lesson includes about 10 to 15 minutes on land, followed by most of the session in the water.

I like the private instruction and the fact that surf shoes, shirts, and wetsuits are supplied when available. I also like the family-friendly setup: instructors such as Kekoa, Konan, and Zoom have helped children as young as 10 get standing on a board and build enough confidence to practice again.

The main drawback is cost. At $157.07 per person, this is much more than a group lesson, and hotel pickup is not included. You’ll also need moderate physical fitness, and the lesson can be changed or canceled if weather makes conditions poor.

Key points to know before you book

• Most of the two hours are spent in the water: The land briefing lasts about 10 to 15 minutes, leaving roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes for practice.
• Private coaching keeps the lesson personal: Only your group takes part, so the instructor can adjust the pace to your comfort and ability.
• Kalama Park is a gentle starting point: The easy wave area has worked well for children and first-time surfers.
• Equipment is supplied: Surf shoes and surf shirts are included, with wetsuits provided when available.
• Children need an adult at check-in: This is a practical rule to plan around, especially for families.
• Book ahead if your dates are fixed: The experience is booked about 22 days in advance on average.

Why a private lesson makes sense at Kalama Park

Surfing looks simple from shore. Paddle, stand, and ride. In practice, the order matters, and a small mistake in body position can leave you scrambling before the wave has even arrived. A private lesson gives you someone watching those small details every time you try.

At Kalama Park, the lesson is designed for beginners and adjusted to your skill level. You are not expected to arrive knowing how to read a wave or handle a board. The instructor starts with the basics, then helps you apply them in the water.

I especially like this format for a first attempt. You can ask the same question twice without holding up a class. If you are nervous, the pace can slow down. If you catch on quickly, the instructor can spend more time helping you catch waves and less time repeating basic instructions.

The published rating is 5 out of 5 from 42 ratings, with 100 percent recommending the experience. That strong response fits the most useful feature here: close coaching, not a long lecture about surfing.

Arriving at Maui Waveriders in Kihei

You meet at Maui Waveriders, 2021 South Kihei Road, Kihei, Hawaii. The activity ends at the same place, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup point after the lesson.

The meeting location is described as easy to find, but you still want to allow enough time for check-in. Children must be accompanied by an adult for check-in, so families should not assume an older child can handle the arrival alone.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. That keeps the booking simple, but it puts the transport planning on you. If you are staying outside Kihei, add that drive to your schedule and do not treat the two-hour lesson as a door-to-door activity.

The experience is booked about 22 days ahead on average. You may find availability closer to your trip, but I would reserve early if you have a narrow schedule or are traveling with children who are set on surfing.

The first 10 to 15 minutes on land

The session begins with a short land lesson covering surfing theory and ocean safety. This is not wasted time. It gives you the basic sequence before you have to think about balance, paddling, and waves all at once.

You can expect instruction on how to paddle, how to position yourself, and how to stand on the board. The exact pace depends on your group. A child who has never surfed will need a different explanation from an adult who has tried board sports before.

The ocean safety portion is especially useful for first-timers. You want to understand what to do before entering the water, where to direct your attention, and how to respond when the board and waves feel less manageable than they looked from the beach.

Because the briefing lasts only 10 to 15 minutes, this is not a classroom-heavy outing. The goal is to give you enough information to practice safely, then learn through repeated attempts with the instructor nearby.

The water session: paddling, standing, and catching waves

The rest of the lesson takes place in the water. Your instructor works with you on the basic movements, including paddling, standing up, and catching a wave.

For most beginners, standing is not the first challenge. Paddling at the right time and getting your body in the right place matter just as much. One-on-one coaching helps because the instructor can see exactly where the attempt goes wrong and make a small correction before the next wave.

The easy wave area at Kalama Park has been a good fit for children. That does not mean every attempt will be effortless. You still need to paddle, balance, listen, and try again. It does mean the setting can feel more manageable for a young beginner than a lesson built around stronger conditions.

A useful goal is not to expect a perfect ride every time. Aim to learn the sequence and get a few successful attempts. One 11-year-old beginner reportedly learned enough to continue independently on a later board rental, which is a sensible measure of success: leave with skills you can keep practicing, not just one lucky ride.

Coaching for children and first-time surfers

This lesson appears particularly well suited to families. A 10-year-old grandson was standing on the board on his first try, then received extended guidance and encouragement from Kekoa during the rest of the session. Another child-focused lesson involved an 11-year-old learning enough to try again on her own.

That does not mean every child will progress at the same speed. Age, confidence, strength, and attention all matter. The advantage is that a private instructor can keep the session centered on one child instead of moving through a fixed group routine.

Specific instructors named in the feedback include Kekoa, Konan, and Zoom. You should not assume one of them will be assigned to your booking, but their names help show the sort of personal coaching available. Zoom was described as funny and attentive, while Konan was praised for making the experience especially worthwhile for a young beginner.

I would choose this lesson for a child who has wanted to surf but may need steady encouragement. It also suits an adult who feels awkward trying a new sport in front of a group. The private format lets you focus on the board rather than on how everyone else is doing.

Boards, surf shoes, shirts, and wetsuits

The supplied equipment takes some of the guesswork out of booking. Surf shoes and surf shirts are included, and wetsuits are provided when available.

The wetsuit note matters. Availability is not guaranteed, so do not treat it as a promise for every session. You may want to ask about current equipment arrangements if a wetsuit is important to your comfort.

Having the main surf gear arranged is valuable for a beginner. You do not need to arrive knowing which equipment to rent or how to assemble a kit for one lesson. The practical tradeoff is that hotel transportation is not part of the package, so the convenience applies to the water activity itself, not the whole outing.

Bring a moderate level of physical fitness. Paddling uses your shoulders and arms, and getting up on the board requires repeated effort. The information provided does not set a specific age, weight, or swimming requirement, so you should contact the provider if a member of your group has a concern that could affect participation.

Is $157.07 per person a fair price?

The price is $157.07 per person for about two hours. That is a serious cost for a short activity, especially if you are paying for several people.

The value comes from the private format. You are paying for the instructor’s attention to your group rather than a seat in a large class. If one person is learning, the price can make sense because nearly every minute of the water time is directed toward that student.

For a family, the calculation depends on how many people are actually taking part. A private lesson can be worthwhile if a child needs patient coaching or if the group has mixed confidence levels. It may be less appealing if you only want a casual introduction and are comfortable sharing an instructor.

The equipment included also adds practical value. You receive surf shoes and surf shirts, with wetsuits pending availability, and you do not need to arrange a separate introductory session. Still, the price does not include hotel pickup and drop-off, so include transportation when comparing the total cost with other lessons.

The strongest value is for someone who wants to leave with a foundation for future practice. If your only aim is to say you stood on a surfboard once, a cheaper group option might be enough. If you want personal feedback and a chance to build repeatable skills, private instruction is easier to justify.

Weather, cancellation, and scheduling

Surfing depends on safe ocean conditions. If poor weather causes the activity to be canceled, you are offered another date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the lesson are not refunded, and changes inside that window are not accepted. The cut-off uses local Maui time.

I would avoid placing this lesson on the last possible morning of your trip. A weather cancellation may require a new date, and you need some spare time for that option to help. Booking earlier in your stay gives you a better chance to reschedule or return to the water on your own if the lesson goes well.

Who should book this Kihei surf lesson?

This is a strong choice for:

• A first-time surfer who wants personal instruction
• Families with children who need patient coaching
• Adults who prefer not to learn in a large class
• People who want basic skills they can practice after the lesson
• Small groups willing to pay more for private attention

It is less suitable if you need hotel transportation, want the lowest possible price, or have limited physical fitness for paddling and repeated attempts to stand. It also may not fit a rigid schedule if weather affects the session.

The experience is private, but note the separate condition for semi-private lessons: a minimum of two people per booking is required for that option. If you are booking for one person, confirm the exact lesson type before paying.

Should you book it?

Book this lesson if your priority is focused instruction at a beginner-friendly Kihei surf area. The private format, included equipment, and strong child-focused coaching make it especially appealing for families and first-time surfers.

I would skip it only if the $157.07 price feels too high, you need transport from your hotel, or you are comfortable learning without much individual attention. For a child who has always wanted to surf, or an adult who wants a real starting point rather than a quick photo opportunity, the extra cost can be worthwhile.

FAQ

Where does the private surf lesson meet?

You meet at Maui Waveriders, 2021 South Kihei Road, Kihei, Hawaii 96753. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the surf lesson last?

The lesson lasts approximately two hours. About 10 to 15 minutes are spent on land, with the rest of the session in the water.

What will I learn during the lesson?

You will learn basic surfing theory and ocean safety, along with how to paddle, stand up, and catch a wave. The instructor adjusts the lesson to your comfort and skill level.

Is equipment included?

Surf shoes and surf shirts are included. Wetsuits are included when available, so they are not guaranteed for every lesson.

Is this a private activity?

Yes. Only your group participates in the private lesson. A separate semi-private lesson option requires at least two people per booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must make your own way to the meeting point in Kihei.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the experience are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather causes the provider to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.