Surf Lesson Kihei Maui Small Group with Pro Instructor

Catch your first wave with expert instructors in an intimate 6-to-1 class

A 2-hour surf lesson in Kihei Maui with a professional instructor and all gear (rashguard, reef shoes, surfboard) included. Groups stay at six or fewer, and children under 10 must book private or semi-private lessons for safety. The instructor meets you at the Waves Hawaii van, walks through safety and technique on the beach, then takes you into the water to practice.

The experience

You meet at the Waves Hawaii van five minutes before your lesson starts. Your instructor signs you in, gets you fitted with a rashguard and reef shoes, and goes through a safety briefing and the basics of surfing on the beach before you paddle out. The whole lesson runs two hours, and the group stays small (six people or fewer), so the instructor can watch what each person is doing and adjust the coaching.

The water is where the actual learning happens. You'll practice paddling, popping up on the board, and reading the wave. The instructor stays in the water with you the whole time, positioning you in the right spot and giving real-time feedback. Children under 10 need to book a private or semi-private lesson instead of the group option, which keeps the younger kids safer and gives them one-on-one attention in the water.

All the gear is included. You don't bring or rent anything separately. The rashguard and reef shoes stay on for the whole session, and the surfboard is sized for your level. Souvenir photos are available to buy if you want a shot of yourself on the board. The lesson ends back at the van, and you're done by the time slot closes.

What’s included

• Professional instructor fluent in English.
• surfboard, rashguard and reef shoes for the full 2 hours.
• safety briefing and beach instruction before entering the water.
• small group coaching in the water with real-time feedback.

Options for this experience

4 options

Group LessonGuide in English · 07:30 and 09:30Children aged 10 and under must book a private lesson for safety. We reserve the right to refuse service.

Semi-Private LessonGuide in English · 07:30 and 09:30Children aged 10 or under must book a private lesson for safety. We reserve the right to refuse service.

Private LessonGuide in English · 07:30 and 09:30Private one-on-one lesson for any age: a 2-hour session with a maximum of 1 participant.

Baby surf: ages 1 to 5Guide in English · 07:30 and 09:30Baby surf lesson for ages 1 to 5: a 1-hour tandem session, a specialty lesson designed for babies. It starts at age 1 and runs through age 5. We can get your baby up and riding waves. Duration: 1 hour

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 07:30 and 09:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (11 to 80 years) · Child (6 to 10 years) · Infant (1 to 5 years)

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Waves Hawaii Surf School

Is this one for you?Book a group lesson if you're a teenager or adult with at least moderate fitness and want to learn alongside others at the same level. Choose private or semi-private if your child is under 10, since that's the safer setup for younger surfers in the ocean.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 10 years); Infant (1 to 5 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly do I learn during the two hours?

The lesson covers safety and technique on the beach first, then moves into the water where you practice paddling, popping up on the board, and catching waves with the instructor right there coaching you through each step.

How many people will be in my group?

Group lessons cap at six people or fewer, so the instructor can give each surfer real attention. You can also book a private or semi-private lesson if you want even smaller numbers.

Do I need to bring my own surfboard or wetsuit?

No, all gear is included: a surfboard sized for your level, a rashguard, and reef shoes. You just show up ready to get in the water.

What time should I arrive at the van?

Arrive five minutes before your lesson time slot begins. The instructor will be at the Waves Hawaii van in Kihei to meet you, get you suited up, and start the safety briefing.