Kihei, Maui: 2-Hour Beginner Surfing Class

Kihei’s beginner surf lesson gets you from a beachside safety briefing to the warm water, where you can practice on waves chosen for new surfers. The aim is not to turn you into a pro in two hours. It is to help you understand the basics and get a few chances to stand up.

I like two things in particular: the lesson is paced for each student, and the included board, water shoes, and sun-protective shirt spare you from sorting out beginner gear on your own. Instructors are praised for clear explanations and personal tips. One recent group had just four students, while an 8am class was a one-person lesson, though your group size may differ.

The main consideration is that you must be able to swim and feel comfortable in the ocean. The lesson costs $104 per person, and while that includes key equipment and instruction, photos cost extra. It is a practical first lesson, not a guaranteed shortcut to surfing independently.

Key points to know before you book

• Meet at Kalama Beach Park: Check in at the Surf Club Maui van in the main parking lot at 1900 South Kihei Road.
• Expect a beach lesson before the water: Your instructor covers safety and basic technique before you paddle out.
• Choose from stable beginner boards: The equipment is selected to make learning and catching gentle waves more manageable.
• Class size can vary: Some sessions may be small, but you should not count on one-to-one instruction.
• Bring your own swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and water: A bottled water is available on request.
• Group lessons start at age 11: Children younger than 11 should book a private or semi-private class; children under 5 are listed as unsuitable.

Starting at Kalama Beach Park

The meeting point is Kalama Beach Park, at 1900 South Kihei Road. Look for the Surf Club Maui van in the main parking lot. It is across the street from the green and blue Aloha Gas station, a useful landmark if you are driving through Kihei.

Arrive ready to check in and get fitted with your equipment. The class supplies a surfboard, water shoes, and an SPF 50 lycra shirt. You still need your own swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and water. Bottled water is available on request, but bringing your own is the simpler plan.

Classes run six days a week, with start times at 8am, 10am, and 12pm. The two-hour duration makes this an easy fit around other plans, but leave yourself enough time to check in and get ready before the lesson begins. The activity details do not specify transport, so plan how you will reach the park yourself.

A beach briefing before you paddle out

The lesson begins on shore with an introduction to surfing and a safety briefing. That pause matters. For a first-timer, knowing what to do before entering the water can make the ocean feel less intimidating and lets you focus on the instructor’s directions once you are out there.

Your instructor will explain the basics on the beach, then help you take your board into the water. The teaching is intended for beginners and is paced to suit individual students. That is a welcome feature if you are nervous or need extra practice, and it also gives more athletic learners room to move at a quicker pace.

The class is taught in English. The available information does not give a fixed group size or promise a particular instructor. David has been praised for helping students have a good session, but you should not assume he will be leading your class. The most useful expectation is a friendly instructor team, with individual attention dependent in part on how many people book the same time.

Learning on Kihei’s gentle waves

After the beach lesson, you head into the ocean to practice on Maui’s beginner-friendly waves. The water averages around 78°F (25.5°C), so it is warm by many standards. That can make a first lesson more comfortable than one in colder surf, though you still need to be comfortable in the ocean and able to swim.

You get a choice of stable boards designed to be easier to ride. A suitable board can help you focus on the basic steps: listening to instruction, balancing, and trying to catch a wave. The class is built around learning rather than speed, so do not worry if you need more time to get a feel for the board.

The waves are described as fun and inviting for beginners, but surf conditions can change. The lesson does not promise that every student will stand up or catch a set number of waves. Think of the two hours as a guided introduction, with time to try, adjust, and ask for help.

One 8am session had a single student, which allowed for one-to-one attention. Another class had four students, giving everyone chances to catch waves and receive individual tips. Those are examples of how the experience can vary, not a guarantee of the size of your own group. If individual instruction is important, ask about private or semi-private options before booking.

What the $104 price includes

At $104 per person, this is more than simply renting a board. The price includes a two-hour lesson, surfboard, water shoes, and an SPF 50 lycra shirt, with an instructor guiding you through the beach introduction and ocean practice. For a first lesson, having equipment and instruction bundled together makes budgeting easier.

The price does not include photos of your session. They are available for an additional fee. If you want a record of your first attempts, ask about the cost before deciding; do not assume photos are part of the lesson.

A two-hour session is a useful middle ground. It is long enough to cover the basics and practice in the water, but short enough to leave room in your day for other activities. The value is strongest if you want a structured first try and do not own beginner surf equipment. If you already have substantial surfing experience, this class may be too basic for you.

The overall rating is 4.8 from 46 ratings, and the recurring strengths are clear instruction, friendly instructors, and helpful individual guidance. Those are the qualities that matter most in a first lesson. The rating cannot promise a particular wave, group size, or instructor, but it supports the idea that this is a well-liked introduction.

Who will enjoy this lesson most

This class suits adults and older children who want to try surfing with an instructor rather than figuring it out alone. It is especially appealing if you are curious but unsure what board to use or how to begin. The beach briefing and supplied gear take care of some of the common first-timer questions.

It can also work well for a family or small group with swimmers who are comfortable in the ocean. The minimum age for a group lesson is 11. Children younger than 11 should be booked into a private or semi-private class, while children under 5 are listed as not suitable for the activity.

This is not the right choice if you cannot swim, are uneasy in the ocean, are pregnant, have back problems, weigh more than 260 pounds (118 kg), or are over 95 years old. Those restrictions are important to check before paying, rather than trying to sort them out at the beach.

A turtle sighting is possible but should not be part of your expectations. One student spotted turtles during a lesson, but wildlife is never assured. Go for the surf instruction first; treat any ocean encounter as a bonus.

Timing, comfort, and practical details

The morning schedule gives you three choices: 8am, 10am, or 12pm. An early class may offer a smaller group on some days, but the solo 8am session is only one example. Book the time that best fits your plans, not on the assumption that it will be private.

Bring sunscreen even though the lycra shirt has SPF 50 protection. The shirt is an added layer, not a replacement for your own sun protection. Pack a towel for after the lesson and water to drink. You will be in the ocean, so wear swimwear beneath the supplied shirt.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which keeps your plans flexible. Check the available start times when booking, since the schedule is offered six days a week rather than every day.

Should you book the Kihei beginner surf class?

Book it if you want a straightforward first lesson in warm Maui water, value having equipment included, and feel comfortable swimming in the ocean. The class’s strongest points are its beginner focus, friendly instruction, and the option to work at your own pace. At $104, it is a sensible way to try surfing without buying gear or arranging instruction separately.

Think twice if you need one-to-one coaching but have not confirmed a private option, or if any of the listed health, age, weight, or swimming limits apply to you. The session is an introduction, not a promise that you will master surfing in two hours. Go ready to listen, practice, and laugh at the occasional wipeout, and you will have a better measure of whether surfing belongs in your Maui plans.

FAQ

How long is the beginner surf lesson?

The class lasts two hours.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at the Surf Club Maui van in the main parking lot at Kalama Beach Park, 1900 South Kihei Road. The park is across the street from the green and blue Aloha Gas station.

What start times are available?

Classes start at 8am, 10am, and 12pm, six days a week. Check availability for the date you want.

What equipment is included?

The lesson includes a surfboard, water shoes, and an SPF 50 lycra shirt.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water. Bottled water is available on request.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. All participants must be able to swim and feel comfortable in the ocean.

What is the minimum age for a group class?

The minimum age for a group lesson is 11. Children younger than 11 should book a private or semi-private class. Children under 5 are listed as unsuitable.

Are photos included in the price?

No. Photos of your session are available for an additional fee.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.