Maui: Kalama Beach Group Surf Lesson & Small Class Size

Summary

Gentle surf breaks friendly coaches and real waves at kihei’s kalama beach

You’ll start your day at Maui’s Kalama Beach Park getting kitted out for your group surf lesson with reef shoes and a rash guard. After some laughs during the land lesson, you’ll paddle out with an expert instructor guiding every step — or wipeout. All equipment’s included, plus showers and changing rooms right by the beach. That first wave? It might surprise you how good it feels.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re gonna fall in love with this spot,” our instructor Kimo grinned as he handed me a rash guard at Kalama Beach Park. There was sunscreen on his nose and he had that kind of patient energy you hope for when you’re about to try surfing for the first time. The van smelled faintly like neoprene and salt — not unpleasant, just honest. I fumbled a bit with the reef shoes (they’re surprisingly squishy), but nobody seemed to mind. There were maybe six of us, all ages, shuffling awkwardly in a semicircle while Kimo drew wobbly surfboard shapes in the sand.

The land lesson was quick but actually stuck with me — “Look where you want to go, not at your feet!” he kept saying. I still hear that in my head sometimes. Once we got into the water (which was warm enough that I forgot about being nervous), the world shrank to just us and these gentle rolling waves. The main keyword here is “gentle.” Even when I wiped out — which happened more than once — it felt more like being tumbled by a friendly puppy than anything scary. At one point, a kid from our group stood up before any adults did and everyone cheered without thinking about it.

I didn’t expect how much laughing there’d be. Kimo would nudge our boards into place and shout encouragements that somehow cut through the slap of water and distant ukulele music drifting from somewhere upshore. My arms got tired faster than I thought they would, but there was always someone nearby making sure nobody drifted too far or panicked. If you’re looking for a day trip surf lesson in Kihei that doesn’t feel intimidating, this is it — just don’t forget to hydrate before you come, because even easy waves will wear you out.

Afterwards, rinsing off in the outdoor showers with sand everywhere (seriously, everywhere), I caught myself grinning at nothing in particular. There’s something about standing up on a board for even two seconds that sticks with you longer than you’d guess. I still think about that moment when the board finally glided under me — wobbly legs and all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Group surf lesson at Kalama Beach

• Check in at Kalama Beach Park
• Receive reef shoes and rash guard
• Attend short land safety and technique lesson
• Surf with experienced coaches in gentle waves
• Catch waves in waist to chest deep water

Top questions

Where does the group surf lesson take place?

The lesson takes place at Kalama Beach Park in Kihei, Maui.

Is equipment provided for the surf lesson?

Yes, all necessary equipment including reef shoes and rash guard is included.

What ages can join this group surf class?

This group class is for ages 11 and up; younger children need a private or family lesson.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes, participants must be able to swim comfortably in deep ocean water.

How big are the groups for this surf lesson?

The class size is small to ensure personal attention from instructors.

Are showers or changing rooms available?

Yes, there are changing rooms and showers available at Kalama Beach Park.

Is parking available at Kalama Beach Park?

Yes, free parking is provided for participants.

What should I bring to my surf lesson?

You should arrive well-rested and hydrated; bring some cash if you'd like to tip your instructor.

What’s included

Your session includes all taxes and fees, free parking near Kalama Beach Park, use of reef shoes and a rash guard surf shirt for comfort in the water, plus access to showers and changing rooms after your group surf lesson wraps up on Maui’s south shore.