Private Paddleboard Lesson Makena Landing: Beginner Class
Your guides stay with you every paddle, even as you float above sea turtles.
A private beginner paddleboard lesson at Makena Landing in Maui's Turtle Town, where you start with shore instruction and then paddle the protected cove for two hours. You'll learn to stand up paddleboard in the water with your guide at your side, watching for sea turtles and ocean wildlife while Haleakala Crater rises across the water. The lesson is built for first-timers: your guides assist you into the ocean and stay with you throughout.
The experience
You've never stood on a paddleboard before, and that's exactly why this works. The lesson starts on the beach at Makena Landing, a protected cove in the heart of Turtle Town on Maui's Wailea-Makena coast. Your guide walks you through the basics on shore first: how to stand, how to paddle, what to expect when the board meets the water. Then you're helped into the ocean, and the real learning begins. A quick review on the water, and you're paddling.
The cove itself is the classroom. Makena Landing stays shallow and calm, which is why beginners can actually learn here instead of fighting the ocean. As you paddle, you're searching for Honu: the Hawaiian green sea turtles that live in these waters. Haleakala Crater sits visible across the water. Your guide is a professional ocean expert who stays with you every paddle of the way, offering live commentary and watching for wildlife. A photographer guide is also part of the lesson, so you leave with images of the morning.
Two hours is the full time. Children as young as three can paddleboard with you, though anyone under three isn't permitted for safety reasons. The guides are there to help families in, keep kids steady, and make sure everyone stays safe in the water.
What’s included
- Local guide and live ocean expert commentary.
- private lesson with your group and guide.
- professional photographer guide.
- two hours of instruction and paddleboarding time at Makena Landing.
Information
Lasts 2h, runs every day at 07:15 and 08:15, from US$ 159 per person, with a live guide in English, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.
Prices and times updated 2 days ago
Operated by Paddle On! Maui Private Tours
Is this one for you?The lesson is built for first-timers, so you start on the beach and your guide stays in the water with you: no prior experience needed, and no swimming skill required beyond comfort in shallow water.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 17 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.
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 water like at Makena Landing for someone who's never paddleboarded?
Makena Landing is a protected cove, so the water stays calm and shallow: exactly what a beginner needs to learn. The beach itself is where you start, and your guide helps you into the ocean step by step.
Will I actually see sea turtles while paddleboarding?
Turtle Town is named for the Honu that live in these waters, and spotting them is part of the experience. Your guide knows where to look and will point them out as you paddle.
How does the lesson work if I've never done this before?
You start on shore with instruction on stance and paddling technique. Then your guide helps you into the water, reviews the basics again, and stays with you as you paddleboard. Your guides are there every step of the way.
What do I get to take home from the lesson?
A professional photographer guide is part of the lesson, so you'll have images of your time on the water. Souvenir photos are available to purchase.
Private Paddleboard Lesson Makena Landing: Beginner Class
2h · EN
from US$ 159 per person