Group Surf Lesson at Kalama Beach, Kihei: Learn to Catch Waves

Stand up and catch waves in your first two hours on the water.

A group surf lesson on Maui at Kalama Beach in Kihei teaches you to catch waves with experienced coaches in a small class. The lesson runs two hours, includes all equipment (board, rash guard, reef shoes) and free parking; you arrive at the Surf Club Maui van, get a land safety briefing, then enter water that stays waist to chest deep with coaches in the water beside you. Participants must be at least 11 years old and able to swim in the ocean and deep water.

The Experience

You check in at Kalama Beach Park where the Surf Club Maui van is stationed. The coaches outfit you with reef shoes and a rash guard shirt, then walk through safety and technique on the sand before anyone enters the water. The lesson itself happens in the ocean—the water stays roughly waist to chest deep, and the waves here are usually gentle. Coaches stay in the water with you the whole time, helping you position on the board and catch waves as they come in.

The class keeps to a small group size, which means more attention from the instructors and more waves for everyone to practice on. Kalama Beach is the best surf break on the island for learning: the bottom is sandy, the approach is straightforward, and the conditions are consistent. You'll spend the full two hours in and out of the water, so arrive well-rested and drink plenty of water beforehand. The water is warm year-round on Maui, which makes the physical work feel less punishing than it might elsewhere.

Changing rooms and showers are available at the beach after your lesson. Coaches speak English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French, so language is not a barrier. The only thing not included is a gratuity for your instructor—bring cash for that if you'd like to tip.

What’s included

• All equipment (surfboard, rash guard, reef shoes).
• experienced coaches in the water with you.
• two-hour group instruction.
• free parking.
• changing rooms and showers.
• instruction in English, Spanish, Portuguese, or French.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Surf Club Maui

Is this one for you?You'll be standing and catching waves within hours at Maui's best beginner beach, with coaches and all gear ready to go.

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Top questions

Can I take a surf lesson on Maui if I've never surfed before?

Yes. The lesson at Kalama Beach is built for beginners. You don't need any prior experience—just the ability to swim in the ocean and in deep water. The coaches teach technique on the sand first, then stay beside you in the water to help you catch your first waves.

What's the water like at Kalama Beach in Kihei?

Kalama Beach has warm water year-round and gentle waves that are ideal for learning. During the lesson, you'll be in water that's roughly waist to chest deep, with a sandy bottom and a straightforward approach to the break.

How many people are in a group surf lesson?

The class stays small, which means more waves and more one-on-one attention from the coaches. The exact number varies, but small class size is part of what makes the lesson work.

What equipment do I need to bring for the lesson?

You don't bring anything. The lesson includes all necessary equipment—surfboard, rash guard shirt, and reef shoes. Free parking is also included. Just bring water to drink beforehand and cash if you want to tip your instructor.

Is there an age limit for the group surf lesson?

The group class is for ages 11 and up. If you have children younger than 11, you'll need to book a private lesson or semi-private family class instead.

How long does the surf lesson take?

The lesson runs two hours. Plan to arrive a few minutes early for check-in and equipment fitting, and allow time afterward to rinse off in the showers available at Kalama Beach Park.