Maui is a top choice among surfers, professional and amateurs, thanks to its year-round climate and coastline that serves up different kinds of waves. Maui’s compact size means surfers can quickly traverse the island to seek out its lesser-known waves. A bonus of surfing on Maui is that it is far less intimidating for beginners than Hawaii’s larger islands, with surf spots at beaches in Lahaina and Kihei.
Surfers and those keen to try out the watersport will find plenty of surf schools on Maui’s west and south coast. These schools offer one or two-hour lessons that guests can easily fit in and around the rest of their itinerary. We’ve selected five of the best classes from schools across Maui, taking into account past reviews, experience level, and price. Check them out below!
Maui Surf School Surfing Lesson in Lahaina
FROM: $52/per person
Over one and a half hours, participants will receive an introduction to everything they need to know about surfing, in the warm waters of Lahaina Harbor. On the relaxed Maui island, certified instructor lead these classes, teaching surf techniques and timing, and sharing tips. Classes cater to both beginner or intermediate surfers, and the price includes rental of all required equipment. Participants can also take home a memory of their experience, as the surf school offers photos of the classes. Perfectly located, Lahaina Harbor is a great place to sunbathe and relax before or after the surf class, with facilities including restrooms, lockers, lounge chairs, and showers all nearby.
Group Surf Lesson: Two Hours of Beginners Instruction in Kihei
From $65/ per person
This group lesson is great value for money: it lasts two hours and a maximum of six people make up each group. The class is aimed at beginners and takes surfers through the fundamentals of surfing, safety on the water, surf technique and etiquette. Professional surfers take lessons, and classes are relaxed and fun. Kids are also welcome to be part of this class, as long as they are over five years old, so this experience is a fantastic option for families too. Past participants highlight the friendly instructors and the clear, helpful instruction that they give to those of all ages as being a bonus of this class.
Private Surf Lesson for Two Near Lahaina
From $145/ per person
Previous participants from Rivers to the Sea semi-private surf lessons recommended these classes for being fun, relaxed, and insightful. Reviews highly rate instructors, who are surfing professionals and are all passionate about surfing. This lesson is a great option for those travelling with a friend or family member. The semi-private class gives participants the personalised guidance to help build their skills, accompanied by the fun of learning from others and with someone at your side. Lessons are 90-minutes long, and the price of the class includes all equipment rental.
Maui: Private Surf Lessons in Lahaina
From $183/ per person
This class takes place in West Maui, which offers great conditions for beginner surfers. Over two hours, this one-to-one experience will maximise your exposure to surfing. This private class ensures guests receive personal attention from the instructor throughout the whole lesson. The price of the lesson includes all surf equipment and, at the end of the class, participants will return to the surf shop where photos from the experience are available to purchase.
Maui Lahaina Group Surf Lesson
From $80/ per person
The beaches of Lahaina offer the ideal conditions for beginners to learn to surf. By taking one of these two-hour lessons, surfers will have plenty of time to learn from certified instructors, as just five participants make up each class. Lessons begin with a 15-minute introduction on the beach that covers safety measures and procedures. From here, participants will head out on the water to learn and perfect their surfing technique. Guests will take it in turn to surf, allowing them to receive personal feedback and learn from each other. The lesson includes the rental of all required surf equipment.