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.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for 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 my young child take a surf lesson with me?

Children from age 1 are welcome, but kids under 10 must book a private or semi-private lesson instead of joining a group—this keeps them safer in the water and gives them focused instruction. The Baby Surf option is available for ages 1 to 5.

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.