Where to Book: the 4 Best Beginner Surf Lessons in Maui

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 limited to six students. Instructors such as Mike, Ivan, Sofia, and Francisco teach safety, etiquette, paddling, and wave riding, then help you catch small waves. Boards, rash guards, and water booties are included, with optional photos available separately.

“The area is a little crowded but works fine for first timers. There are family friendly beaches a short walk away for people waiting on those taking the lesson. There are also some shops and food truck area just across the street to keep people occupied or for something to do afterwards. The lesson was mellow with a quick tutorial and standing up on a wave. Our group was 5 people and we all had multiple chances to try and ride small waves. Everyone in our group was able to stand up and catch a wave. They have a photographer in the water that will capture some of the attempts…”

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2.2 Hour Beginner Group Surf Lessons

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

Meet Goofy Foot Surf School near Lahaina for a two-hour beginner lesson with no more than five students. You will receive a land briefing, rash guard, surfboard, reef shoes, and hands-on coaching from instructors such as Mario, Austin, Curran, or Phillipe. Ages 9 and up may join group lessons.

“Super fun! There was 3 in our group and we all learned to surf! We all stood up and caught waves by the end! It was awesome!”

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3.Paddle, Snorkel and Learn to Surf: All in a Day on Maui

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 26 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $216

Start with a two-hour beginner surf lesson, then paddle about two miles at Makena Landing Park and snorkel for roughly 45 minutes among reefs, fish, and turtles. Groups stay small, with boards, rash guards, kayaks, snorkel gear, safety instruction, and light refreshments provided. You drive between locations.

“Aloha! We had a great time watching a large pod of spinning dolphins and a couple of monk seals! Snorkling with the turtles was such fun as was the paddling and inflatable slide. The crew was awesome! Mahalo for the memories!”

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

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

Meet instructors Eddie, Sasha, or Sam at Kalama Park for a two-hour beginner surf lesson in Kihei. You’ll get a board, reef shoes, and rash guard, then practice in a gentle, semi-shallow break suited to first-timers. Morning lessons run Monday through Saturday, with optional professional photos available for purchase.

“Fantastic 2 hours with Eddie and his colleague Sam. We went with our three kids (11, 11, 14). They had all the gear including rash-guards and had us up on boards on the water in no time. A photographer was in the water taking pictures (I think she is separate from the the surf school) but pairs up with them to get the pics you want for an extra cost (but again very relaxed, no pressure to purchase). Overall, fun, easy and very relaxed way of an introduction into the intimating sport of Surfing. Would highly recommend. Eddie seemed to work well with young kids as well. I believe he…”

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