Waves Hawaii Surf School in Kihei Maui

If you’ve ever dreamed of standing up on a surfboard in Maui, this tour might just be what you’re looking for. With glowing reviews and a solid 5-star rating, Waves Hawaii Surf School offers a range of lessons designed to suit different experience levels. Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone who’s just looking for a bit of extra practice, the instructors seem to have you covered.

What really catches our eye about this experience are the personalized options—especially the private, one-on-one lessons for children under eight—and the consistently positive feedback about the guides’ patience and friendliness. Plus, the location at Kalama Park puts you right in the heart of Maui’s surfing scene, making it easy to get started.

One thing to keep in mind is the price—you’re investing about $103 per person, which is reasonable considering all gear and instruction are included. However, it’s worth noting that souvenir photos are an extra expense, and there’s no hotel pickup, so plan for some extra time to get there.

This tour works best for those who are genuinely interested in learning to surf or improving their skills in a fun, supportive environment. If you’re traveling with kids under eight, opting for the private lessons could guarantee a safer and more tailored experience. Overall, it’s a solid choice for anyone eager to dip their toes into surfing with expert help.

Key Points

• Flexible lesson formats: Choose between group, semi-private, private, or one-on-one lessons based on your comfort level.
• Expert instructors: Highly praised for patience, friendliness, and personalized coaching.
• Beautiful location: Kalama Park offers a prime setting in the heart of Maui’s surfing community.
• Includes all gear: Rash guards, reef shoes, and surfboards are provided, so no need to bring your own.
• Photos available for purchase: Capture your moments in the water for an extra fee.
• Good for beginners and kids: Especially recommended for children under 8 with private lessons.

An Honest Look at Waves Hawaii Surf School in Kihei Maui

If you’ve spent any time dreaming about catching your first wave in Maui, we think this tour could be a great way to turn that dream into reality. What’s appealing about Waves Hawaii Surf School is the friendly, knowledgeable guides who make beginners feel at ease right from the start. The location at Kalama Park is perfect—central, accessible, and right in the vibe of Maui’s surf culture.

The Booking and Pricing

At $103.12 per person, this surf lesson represents good value, especially considering that all necessary gear is included. That price covers about two hours of instruction, which is plenty of time for beginners to get comfortable on the board and get some rides in. Booking on average about 41 days in advance suggests it’s a popular choice, so planning ahead isn’t a bad idea if you’re set on this experience.

While the cost is reasonable, just keep in mind that souvenir photos are not included in the base price and will cost extra. Also, note that there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll need to plan to arrive at the meeting point yourself. The location is straightforward—at 1900 S Kihei Rd—and easy to find with a little prep.

The Experience: What You Can Expect

When you arrive at Kalama Park, the check-in process is simple. The staff start with a warm welcome, helping you gear up with rash guards, reef shoes, and your surfboard. The instructors’ approach is very safety-conscious—they give a quick briefing on beach safety and surf etiquette before heading into the water.

The land lesson is a crucial part of the experience. Whether you’re a total novice or trying to get some extra practice, the instructors tailor the guidance to your skill level. They focus on making sure you feel secure on the board before paddling out into the surf. From the reviews, it’s clear that patience and encouragement are key strengths here. One parent mentioned that their husband and son “loved it” and that the instructor was “awesome, patient, and encouraging,” which shows the guides go above and beyond.

In the Water

Once in the water, the real fun begins. Expect to practice paddling, catching waves, and learning how to stand up. The instructors are attentive and quick to help you adjust your technique. Several reviews highlight how quickly beginners are able to stand up and catch their first rides. One review notes that even teens who had only surfed once before were up on long rides in no time, with sea turtles swimming nearby—an experience that adds a magical touch.

The Benefits of Small Group and Private Lessons

While group lessons are available, many reviews emphasize how beneficial the one-on-one or semi-private options are, particularly for children or nervous beginners. For children under eight, the private lessons are highly recommended—they offer personalized attention that can boost confidence and safety. With a maximum of 30 travelers per day, the sessions still feel intimate enough to get plenty of instructor attention.

The Guides and Atmosphere

The reviews consistently praise the staff for their friendly, personable approach. They’re described as fun, patient, and encouraging, which makes the whole experience not just educational but genuinely memorable. One visitor said, “The instructor was very patient and helpful in learning the basics,” which gives you a good sense of the supportive environment.

The Visuals and Memories

Photographs are available from Elijah, the photographer on site, capturing you in your surfing moments. Although these are an extra expense, many guests find they’re worth it to remember their Maui surfing debut. Just a heads-up: you’ll want to be quick to decide since photos are bought separately, but they can be a great souvenir.

Considerations

The main downside is the lack of hotel pickup—if you’re staying a bit further out or want to keep things simple, you’ll need to get yourself to the meeting point. Also, the weather plays a role; since the tour is weather-dependent, it might be canceled if conditions aren’t suitable, but they offer full refunds or rescheduling if that happens.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This surfing lesson is ideal for first-timers and those eager to get comfortable on their boards. If you’re traveling with kids under eight, the private lessons will give a safer, more tailored experience. It’s also perfect if you want a friendly, relaxed atmosphere with instructors who genuinely want to see you succeed.

However, if you’re already experienced and just want a quick refresher, this might not be the best fit—these lessons are designed more for beginners and casual learners. For the best results, come with an open mind, moderate physical fitness, and ready to have some fun in the water.

Final Thoughts

We think Waves Hawaii Surf School offers a well-rounded, supportive experience that’s perfect for anyone wanting to try surfing in Maui. The location, the knowledgeable guides, and the flexible lesson options make it stand out. While it’s not a full-day adventure and doesn’t include transport, the quality of instruction and the friendly vibe more than make up for these minor inconveniences.

If you’re looking for a safe, fun way to learn how to surf or improve your skills with expert help, this could be a great choice. The consistent positive reviews suggest that most people leave feeling accomplished and eager to hit the waves again.

This tour will serve you best if you’re keen on personalized instruction, appreciate a friendly guide, and are excited about the idea of a memorable Maui experience with a splash of adventure. It’s a no-fuss, genuinely enjoyable way to connect with the ocean—and maybe even catch your first wave.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my own surf gear? No, all surf gear including rash guards, reef shoes, and surfboards are included in the lesson, so you only need to show up ready to have fun.

Can I book a private lesson? Yes, private one-on-one lessons are available and especially recommended for children under eight, providing a more tailored and safer experience.

How long does the lesson last? The typical duration is approximately 2 hours, giving plenty of time to learn and practice in the water.

Is this tour suitable for kids? Yes, especially if you opt for the private lesson. Many reviews mention kids having a great time, with instructors making it easy and fun.

What if the weather is bad? The tour requires good weather, and if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are souvenirs photos included? No, photos are available for purchase but are not included in the base price. They’re a popular way to remember your Maui surf experience.

Where do I meet for the lesson? The meeting point is at 1900 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753. It’s easy to find, but arriving a few minutes early helps with check-in.

What is the maximum group size? The tour accommodates up to 30 travelers per session, but the actual group size can vary, with many reviews highlighting the benefit of small group instruction.

Is the tour suitable for experienced surfers? This tour is geared toward beginners and casual learners. Experienced surfers might find it less challenging, but it’s a great way to refine basic skills with expert guidance.

If catching your first wave in Maui sounds appealing, Waves Hawaii Surf School in Kihei offers a friendly, professional environment to make it happen. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or family, this experience could be the memorable highlight of your trip to the islands.