Review · MAUI
3-Day Surf Camp on Maui at Kalama Park in Kihei
The best thing about this Maui experience is its simple goal: you get three straight days to work on surfing instead of trying to learn in one rushed lesson. At Kalama Park in Kihei, Waves Hawaii Surf School uses the time to take you from basic instruction toward catching waves on your own. I like the three-day progression and the included board, rash guard, and reef shoes. I also like that the camp is aimed at all ages and skill levels, with several departure times each day.
The main caution is practical: this is a three-day commitment, not a single taste of surfing. You must provide three preferred dates when booking, and the listed maximum is two participants, so families or larger parties should confirm the arrangement before paying.
Key points to know before you book

- Three days at Kalama Park: Repeated practice gives you more time to improve balance, timing, and basic wave skills.
- Named instructors: San and Lucas are praised for patience and clear help, while Elijah handles photos that can be purchased.
- Gear is included: You receive a surfboard, rash guard, and reef shoes, so you do not need to arrange those items separately.
- Several start times: The choice of departures can make it easier to fit lessons into a Maui schedule.
- Kihei meeting point: You meet the Waves Hawaii Surf School van five minutes before the lesson at 1900 S Kihei Road.
- Small listed capacity: The published maximum is two participants, though you should confirm group arrangements if more than two people hope to attend.
Three days to turn a first lesson into real progress

Many surf lessons give you one morning, a quick safety talk, and a few attempts before the clock runs out. This camp takes a different approach. You return to Kalama Park for three days, giving your body and mind time to remember what the instructor teaches.
That matters because surfing has several moving parts. You need to lie on the board correctly, push up at the right moment, find your balance, and read the wave well enough to stand. A single session can introduce those skills, but a second and third day give you a chance to correct mistakes rather than starting over from scratch.
The experience lasts about three days and two hours in total, though the supplied details do not break down the exact length of each daily lesson. You should think of it as a short training program spread over three days, not one long continuous session.
I like this format for anyone who wants more than a photo and a quick attempt. You can use the first day to learn the basics, the second to repeat and improve them, and the third to work with more confidence. The exact progression depends on your ability, the instructor, and the day’s conditions, so no one should treat independent wave riding as a guarantee.
More Surf Camps and Multi-Day Trips in Maui:
- 7 days All Inclusive Surf Package
★ 5.0 · 96 reviews - Stellar 3 Day Surf Package
★ 5.0 · 83 reviews - 2-Night Byron Bay Surf Camp
★ 5.0 · 68 reviews
Kalama Park gives the camp one consistent home

All surfing takes place at Kalama Park in Kihei. Returning to one beach makes the camp easier to follow. You do not spend each day learning a new meeting spot or figuring out where the school has moved.
The meeting point is 1900 S Kihei Road, Kihei, Hawaii 96753. You meet the Waves Hawaii Surf School van five minutes before your lesson. That five-minute rule is worth taking seriously. Arrive with enough time to find the meeting point and be ready when the van or instructor is organizing the session.
The available information does not specify a hotel pickup service, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You are responsible for getting to the starting point. The meeting point is near public transportation, which may help if you are not driving, although no route or travel time is provided.
The camp ends back at the meeting point. That keeps the day tidy and removes the need to arrange a separate return location.
What the first day is likely to focus on
The first day is your introduction to the basic skills needed for the rest of the camp. The school describes the program as a surf progression, beginning with fundamentals and then helping you better your skills.
You receive the necessary surf equipment from the school. That includes a surfboard, rash guard, and reef shoes. Having the main gear included is helpful, especially if you are flying to Maui and do not want to bring a board or buy equipment for a short visit.
The instructor is a professional, but the supplied details do not name the instructor assigned to every departure. San is specifically praised for helping one participant catch waves independently within three days. Lucas is also praised for patient, helpful instruction that assisted a family of four in learning together.
Those details point to a school that pays attention to instruction, not only equipment. Still, your own experience may differ because the instructor and conditions can vary. The camp is described as suitable for all ages and skill levels, including children, but you should judge your own group’s comfort and ability when deciding if three days on a board is appropriate.
The second and third days are where the format earns its price
The biggest value here is repetition. Surfing often feels awkward at first, and one unsuccessful attempt does not tell you much. A second day lets you try the same movements again with some memory of what happened before.
By the third day, you have had more time to work on the basics and build better habits. One participant specifically reported catching waves alone after three days with San. That is an encouraging example of what the camp can offer, but it should be read as a possible result rather than a promise.
I would choose this format for someone who wants a clear goal for a Maui trip: spend three days improving one skill. It also works well for a parent and child, siblings, or a pair of friends who want an activity they can share. The school identifies the camp as family-friendly and popular with children, and the feedback includes a family experience with Lucas.
The listed capacity is a maximum of two participants. That is attractive if you want a more personal lesson, but it creates an important question for families. One account describes a family of four becoming surfers, while the published maximum says two. Before booking for a larger group, contact the provider and confirm whether separate bookings or another arrangement apply.
More Three-Day Trips in Maui:
- 3 Day Surf Progression for Families, Kids, and Beginners in Kihei at Kalama Park
★ 5.0 · 5 reviews - Raglan: 3 Day Surf Lesson Package
★ 5.0 · 2 reviews
Patient instruction is the heart of the experience

Surf schools can differ greatly in how they teach. A rushed instructor may show you the technique once and leave you to figure out the rest. Here, the strongest praise is directed at patience and hands-on help.
San is credited with helping a participant catch waves independently by the end of the three days. Lucas is described as incredibly helpful and patient while working with a family. Those are the details I would pay attention to when choosing this camp, because beginners usually need calm correction more than flashy instruction.
You should expect a professional instructor to guide the session, but the supplied information does not promise a particular teacher for your dates. If having San or Lucas matters to you, ask Waves Hawaii Surf School before confirming. Do not assume a named instructor is automatically assigned to every booking.
The school also offers souvenir photos for purchase. Elijah is specifically praised for taking photos on all three days and sending them promptly afterward. Photos can be useful if you want a record of your first successful wave, but they are an extra cost and are not included in the camp price.
Gear included, personal costs still worth checking

The $502.56 price is per person. That is a serious spend for a short Maui activity, so the value depends on how much you want structured practice.
You are paying for three days of instruction rather than a one-off lesson. The professional instructor and all listed surf gear are included: a rash guard, reef shoes, and surfboard. If you would otherwise rent equipment or book several separate lessons, the package may make financial sense.
The price does not include souvenir photos. It also does not include hotel pickup and drop-off, so you need to account for your own transportation to Kihei. The details do not list meals, drinks, or other extras, so you should not expect those to be part of the price.
I would compare the cost with the number of people joining and the amount of time you can actually commit. If you can attend only one day, this is the wrong product. If you can attend all three and want instruction rather than casual equipment rental, the package offers a more focused use of your Maui budget.
The camp is booked, on average, 42 days ahead. That suggests you should plan early, especially if you need particular dates or a preferred departure time.
Departure choices help, but your dates must be clear

Several departures are offered throughout the day. That flexibility can help you fit surfing around other Maui plans, though the specific times are not provided here.
At checkout, you must enter three preferred dates in the Special Requirements field. This is not optional. If you fail to provide the three dates, the booking can be canceled. Confirmation arrives within 48 hours, subject to availability.
I recommend choosing dates that leave room for changes in your wider schedule. Since the camp needs three sessions, do not select dates that are already crowded with other timed activities. You should also make sure everyone in your party understands that the experience takes place across three days.
Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. If you cancel later, the amount paid is not refunded, and changes made within that 24-hour window are not accepted. The cutoff follows local Maui time.
Who will get the most from this Maui surf camp

This camp is a good match for you if:
- You are a beginner who wants several attempts instead of one lesson.
- You are traveling with a child or family member who would enjoy learning a new skill.
- You want an instructor-led activity with the main surf gear supplied.
- You can return to Kalama Park for three days.
- You prefer a smaller listed group size.
- You want the option of several lesson times during the day.
It may not suit you if you are looking for a single casual activity, need hotel transportation, or cannot commit to three preferred dates. Advanced surfers may also find the beginner-focused progression less useful, since the description centers on learning the basics and improving skills rather than advanced coaching.
The camp is listed as suitable for most people and allows service animals. It is near public transportation. Those details help with access, but they do not replace a personal assessment of whether three days of surfing is comfortable for you.
A practical plan for your three days
Before the first session, write down your three preferred dates and confirm that your party fits the published capacity. Plan how you will reach 1900 S Kihei Road, then arrive at least five minutes before the lesson.
Wear whatever you need to feel comfortable before and after the session, but the school supplies the listed surf gear. Since the details do not specify changing facilities, storage, or food arrangements, keep your personal plan simple and confirm any special needs with the school.
On the first day, focus on listening closely and learning the basic movements. On the second, use the instructor’s corrections rather than trying to change everything at once. On the third, pay attention to the skills you can now repeat with less help.
If photos matter to you, ask about Elijah’s photo service or the current souvenir-photo cost. The photos are not included, so decide before the session whether you want to purchase them.
Should you book the three-day camp?
Book it if you want a structured introduction to surfing and can give the activity three days. The included board, rash guard, and reef shoes simplify the planning, while the patient instruction associated with San and Lucas gives the camp a strong beginner focus.
I would be more cautious if your schedule is tight or if your group has more than two people. Confirm the capacity issue before booking, provide all three preferred dates, and remember that transportation and photos cost extra.
For a first surf experience on Maui, this is best viewed as a short course rather than a sightseeing stop. If you want to leave the island with a better shot at standing up and catching waves on your own, the three-day format is the reason to choose it.
FAQ
Where does the surf camp take place?
Surfing takes place at Kalama Park in Kihei, Maui. You meet at the Waves Hawaii Surf School van at 1900 S Kihei Road, Kihei, Hawaii 96753.
How long does the experience last?
The camp lasts approximately three days and two hours in total. It is spread across three days of surfing.
What equipment is included?
The school provides a surfboard, rash guard, and reef shoes. A professional instructor is also included.
Do I need to provide dates when booking?
Yes. You must provide three preferred dates in the Special Requirements field at checkout. If you do not provide them, the booking may be canceled.
Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The activity starts and ends at the stated meeting point.
Can children and beginners participate?
The camp is described as family-friendly and suitable for all ages and skill levels. Most people can participate.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded, and changes within that period are not accepted.
Just added for surfers in Maui
- Private Surf Lessons in Maui★ 5.0 · 2 reviews
- Epic Surf Safari – Best of Maui★ 5.0 · 4 reviews
- Private Surf Lessons in Lahaina, Maui★ 5.0 · 31 reviews
- Surf with ALOHA SURF SCHOOL★ 5.0 · 9 reviews
- Semi-Private Surf Lesson at Kalama Beach in Kihei★ 5.0 · 25 reviews
- 2-Hour Semi Private Hawaiian Surf Lesson with the best in Maui..★ 5.0 · 15 reviews
- 2-Hour Surf Lessons with a Pro★ 3.5 · 3 reviews
- Surf Lesson on Maui★ 5.0 · 6 reviews
Maui Surf Lessons, compared.

2 Hour Private Group Surf Lesson in Lahaina Maui
Read our review →Browse the lists this tour appears in







