The 12 Beginner Surf Lessons in Maui That Earn Their Price

1.Two Hour Beginner Group Surf Lesson in Kihei

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 950 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $98Our pick

Meet Surf Shack Maui in Kihei for a two-hour beginner lesson with no more than six students. Instructors such as Mike, Ivan, Sofia, Jay, and Francisco teach safety, etiquette, paddling, and standing up. Boards, rash guards, and water booties are included, with optional surf photos afterward.

“People were great, my son's teacher was fantastic. But waves were almost non existent. Pics taken by company were really good.”

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2.2 Hour Beginner Group Surf Lessons

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 154 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Learn the basics of surfing in a group of no more than five at Lahaina. Your instructor covers technique on shore, then helps you catch waves with provided boards, reef shoes, rash guards, and other gear. Ages 9 and up may join group lessons.

“Nice and helpful instructor. Mario was funny and kept our son going the whole time. He was exhausted but so happy!”

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3.Private Beginner Paddleboard 101 Lesson: Makena Landing!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 68 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $159

At Makena Landing, your private ocean guide teaches paddleboarding from shore, then coaches you across calm Turtle Town waters. You may spot sea turtles and fish, while a professional photographer captures the outing. Guides including Peg, Pam, John, Lowe, Dana, and Emily have earned warm praise for patient instruction.

“This was our favorite water activity of the trip. Peg was a great teacher, very knowledgeable about the ocean and islands, and fun to hangout with for a couple of hours.”

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4.Private Beginner Paddleboard Lesson with Snorkel in Turtle Town

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 50 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $179

Meet your private guide at Makena Landing Park for a gentle paddleboard lesson, then hold onto your board while snorkeling above Turtle Town’s reefs. Guides such as Peg, Heidi, and Chris work with beginners and young children, provide water and safety gear, and can capture photos for purchase.

“Wow! We booked a little last minute (the week of) and it absolutely worth it. Peg called the night before like she said she would and confirmed all details, and made a suggestion that we go a little earlier because the weather had been better then. And THEN she sent her own picks for local food and souvenirs! It was an absolutely perfect morning on the water. Chris, the guide, was fantastic and everyone was up and paddling about quickly. He had so much patience for the slightly anxious person too. Then came the snorkeling. My kids were in LOVE. Chris pointed out some amazing creatures, turtles, sea urchins, octopi,…”

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5.Group Surf Lesson for Beginners in Kihei at Kalama Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $103

Join Eddie, Sasha, or another Surf Yoga Maui instructor for a two-hour beginner lesson at Kalama Park in Kihei. Boards, reef shoes, and rash guards are included. The gentle break suits first-timers, families, and adults who want a friendly, low-pressure start.

“We had a great time learning to surf in our 50s! Eddie was a fantastic trainer with an incredible attitude that made learning (and often failing) an absolute blast! The team was just as fun and extremely helpful. We can’t recommend them enough. If you’re even questioning whether you should try this just do it. You won’t regret it..”

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6.Beginner Group Surf Lesson on Maui South Shore

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $103

Meet Action Sports Maui at 1900 S Kihei Road for a two-hour beginner lesson in a 20-acre marine park. You’ll learn safety, catch waves, stand, and ride toward shore with instructors such as Pedro or Epes. A board is included, and morning departures make scheduling easy.

“First timer here. Pedro was the instructor. Group of 4. Pedro was very knowledgeable and patient. I got the basics I needed both in and out of the water. At one point, another instructor even helped Pedro to get me standing on the board. I definately need more practice. Rental on my own with Surf Club Maui would be $45. The hardest part was swimming back out to catch a wave, as it was tiring. I cant say enough about how pleased I am with this whole operation. They provided everything I needed for the lesson. All 4 Surf Club Maui people I encountered were happy doing their jobs and…”

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7.Private Standup Paddleboard Lesson for Beginners in Kihei

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 9 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $370

Meet at Surf Shack Maui in Kihei before 8am for a private 1.5-hour beginner lesson. Instructors such as Rick, Brandon, and Niko cover safety, balance, stance, and paddling before you choose a coastal paddle or wave practice. Equipment is provided, and the minimum age is 12.

“Niko did an excellent job training us newbies! 1/2 of us were successful standing up on the boat! It’s harder than it looks”

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8.Private Surf Lesson: Two Hours of Beginners Instruction in Kihei

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $366

Meet Surf Shack Maui at 1976 S Kihei Road for a private two-hour surf lesson with a professional instructor. You get a board, rash guard, and booties, with coaching shaped to your level. Children from age five can join, and your next lesson is free if you do not catch a wave.

“Thoroughly enjoyed Max. He was engaging and made our first surfing experience fantastic. Thanks you for the great adventure”

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9.Beginner Level Private Stand-Up Paddleboard Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · 2 hours · from $169

Spend two hours learning stand-up paddleboarding at Polo Beach with a private English-speaking guide. You’ll practice on shore, paddle beside your family, see Haleakala from the ocean, learn about Hawaiian sea life, and have photos available to purchase afterward. Ages 3 and up are welcome.

“It was amazing with a great one on one instructor who was great!!”

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10.Private Surf Lessons for Beginners in Kihei at Kalama Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · from $235

Learn the basics of surfing in a private two-hour lesson at Kihei’s Kalama Park. Surf Yoga Maui provides the board, reef shoes, and rash guard, while an instructor guides you through your first time in the water. Morning sessions run Monday through Saturday.

“These surf lessons were our absolute favorite part of our Hawaii vacation! Eddie and Coco were very knowledgeable, made sure we had a good time, and looked out for our safety at all times. They had a professional photographer capturinRead more”

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11.3 Day Surf Progression for Families, Kids, and Beginners in Kihei at Kalama Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $502

You get three two-hour morning lessons at Kalama Park with Surf Yoga Maui instructors such as Eddie and Epse. Learn board skills, etiquette, safety, paddling, pop-ups, wave timing, and turning. Boards, reef shoes, and rash guards are included, and you choose how to space the lessons.

“Had a great time with Eddie and really appreciated the honesty and lessons not only on surfing but the etiquette that goes along with it. I feel confident in low/negative tide surfing and that I can surf the area without feeling out of place or putting anyone in danger/harms way ! If your able, the 3 day progression is the way to go.”

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12.Surf Lessons for Families, Kids, and Beginners

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 2 hours · from $172

Meet the Waves Hawaii Surf School van at Kalama Park in Kihei for a private two-hour lesson with an English-speaking instructor. You’ll practice safety and pop-ups on land, then try gentle waves with a board, reef shoes, and rash guard provided.

“Eddie tailors the surfing lessons to the student. My granddaughter was excited, but nervous about it. She underestimated the physicality of surfing but tried, even after falling off. Pay attention to the safety instructions, particularly about falling and potentially hitting coral. She really liked having Eddie as her instructor and felt that he was very respectful of her (my words, hers would be that he was cool). Additionally, we were running late from Ka'annapali due the the debris being hauled out of Lahaina and stayed in contact with WAVES. We were a few minutes late for the private lesson and appreciate Eddie's working with us! Mahalo!”

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