Private Group Surf Lesson in Lahaina Maui: Learn to Catch Waves

Beachside instruction, then personalized coaching in the water for two hours

A 2-hour private group surf lesson in Lahaina, Maui, where you learn ocean awareness, pop-up technique and wave-catching with hands-on coaching from instructors who keep groups small: up to 12 people, ages 10 and up, with a 3-to-1 student-to-instructor ratio so you get real support in the water. The lesson starts on the beach with safety and etiquette, then moves into the ocean for personalized guidance every step of the way. Soft-top board, long-sleeve rash guard and water shoes are provided.

The experience

You arrive with a free afternoon or your first morning on Maui and want to actually learn to surf instead of paddling around alone. The lesson begins on the sand with an instructor covering ocean awareness, surf etiquette, safety and the pop-up technique. The move that gets you standing on the board. This beachside foundation takes the guesswork out of what happens next.

Then you're in the water for the rest of the two hours, and that's where the 3-to-1 ratio matters. With fewer students per instructor, you get hands-on guidance instead of watching a demonstration from a distance. The instructor positions you on the board, watches your pop-up, adjusts your stance, and helps you time the wave. You catch waves, fall, paddle back out, and try again. The repetition and real-time feedback are what build the muscle memory and confidence that solo practice doesn't give you. Families and travel groups up to 12 stay together, so you're learning alongside people you came with.

The gear is provided: soft-top board (forgiving when you're learning), long-sleeve rash guard (sun and abrasion protection), and water shoes (reef and sand comfort). The instructors speak English, Spanish, Portuguese or Italian, so language isn't a barrier to understanding what you're doing wrong or what worked.

What’s included

• Soft-top surfboard.
• long-sleeve rash guard.
• water shoes.
• 2-hour instruction with beachside safety and technique introduction.
• hands-on coaching in the water.
• live guide in English, Spanish, Portuguese or Italian.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 10:30 and 13:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese

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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Keep It Simple Hawaii Surf School & Private Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you're traveling as a family or with a group and want to stay together while learning. The private group format keeps your party intact with real instructor attention, unlike a mixed-group class where you'd be split up and lost in the crowd.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese.

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's the difference between a private group lesson and a regular group lesson?

A private group lesson keeps your party together with a 3-to-1 student-to-instructor ratio, so each person gets personalized coaching and hands-on support in the water instead of being one of many in a mixed group. Families and travel groups up to 12 people stay as one unit.

Do I need to know how to surf already, or is this for complete beginners?

The lesson is designed for both, whether you're catching your first wave or building on existing skills. The beachside instruction covers fundamentals like pop-up technique and ocean safety, and the coaching in the water adjusts to where you are.

What happens if my child is younger than 10?

Children ages 5–9 require a private 1-on-1 lesson with a dedicated instructor instead of the group format, which is a separate booking option for safety reasons.

Is the board and rash guard included, or do I need to bring my own?

Soft-top board, long-sleeve rash guard and water shoes are all included. You don't need to bring or rent gear separately.

What should I bring to the lesson?

Bring sunscreen and a towel. Those aren't provided. Water is available as an add-on at checkout if you'd like it included. Arrive in your swimsuit and ready to get wet.

How many instructors will be in the water with us?

The 3-to-1 student-to-instructor ratio means one instructor for every three students, so a group of 12 has four instructors in the water providing personalized guidance and support.