Waves Hawaii Surf School in Kihei Maui

Kihei is a good place to give surfing a first try, and this lesson gets you from a short land lesson to the water without making the basics feel like a test. Your instructor helps position your board and calls out when to paddle, so you can focus on standing up and finding your balance.

I like two things here: all the basic surf gear is included, and instruction can be adjusted to your experience level. Families have especially valued patient coaching, including help for younger children who need a hand paddling back out.

One thing to consider is timing. A 9:30 lesson can mean more people in the water, while an earlier start may offer more room. Reef shoes are provided for a reason, too: the sea floor can be rocky.

At a glance

• Meet at Kalama Park: Check in at 1900 S Kihei Road in central Kihei, near shops and restaurants.
• Expect about two hours: You’ll start with a safety briefing and land practice, then head into the water.
• Gear is included: The school supplies a rash guard, reef shoes, and surfboard.
• Private and group options: Choose the format that suits your party; children under 8 are advised to book a private one-on-one lesson.
• A good fit for first-timers: Instructors adapt the lesson to your level and help with board positioning and timing.
• Plan ahead: The activity is often booked about 32 days in advance and has a maximum group size of 30.

From Kalama Park to your first wave

The lesson begins at Waves Hawaii Surf School, meeting at 1900 S Kihei Road in Kihei. Kalama Park sits in a central part of town, with local shops and restaurants nearby. Arrive a little before your lesson time so you can check in and get ready without rushing.

The school provides the key equipment: a rash guard, reef shoes, and a surfboard. That saves you the trouble of bringing or renting the main gear yourself. The reef shoes are practical, not just a nice extra. The shoreline can be rocky, and participants have specifically found the booties useful.

Your instructor welcomes you, fits you with the gear, and gives a safety briefing before the land lesson. You’ll practise how to get up on the board while you’re still on shore. That lets you work on the basic movement before adding moving water, paddling, and the timing of a wave.

Then it’s into the water. Instructors can help set your board in position and tell you when to paddle and stand, giving you a clearer shot at concentrating on technique. As you get more comfortable, they can leave more of the timing to you. The lesson is designed to suit different levels, so a first-timer and someone who has surfed before need not be taught in precisely the same way.

The stated duration is about two hours. That is enough time for an introduction and water practice, but keep expectations sensible: conditions, confidence, and fitness all affect how much you’ll manage in one session. Your goal can be learning the basics and enjoying the effort, not mastering surfing before lunch.

What the instruction feels like

The strongest thread in the feedback is the teaching style: patient, friendly, and encouraging. Families have described children getting up on their first try, while other first-timers appreciated having the instructor help with the timing and board position. That support can make a big difference when you’re learning several new things at once.

Sophie and Jessica were praised for guiding a family with an 11-year-old. They helped position the boards and called out when to paddle and stand, then gave the family more independence as they improved. The instructors also helped the younger surfer paddle back out, rather than leaving him to tire himself out. That kind of practical adjustment is useful for mixed-age groups.

Sasha was praised for keeping a family lesson fun, while Lucas was noted for working well with children. Other instructors mentioned by name include Carlos and Funchie. These accounts suggest a teaching approach that is warm and hands-on, though your own instructor will depend on the day and lesson.

Several families also valued the attention given to different abilities within one group. One family with varied experience said the instructors worked with each person according to their level. That’s encouraging if your party includes a confident teenager and a nervous adult, for example. Still, the activity allows up to 30 participants, and the exact number in your lesson is not specified. If individual attention is a priority, consider a private option.

Choosing a private or group lesson

Waves Hawaii offers both private and group formats. A group lesson can be a lively way to learn with family or friends, and it may suit you if you’re comfortable sharing instructor attention. A private lesson is worth considering if you want a more personal pace or are booking for a child under 8, for whom a one-on-one lesson is suggested.

The age guidance matters because young children may need more support with paddling, listening to instructions, and keeping their energy up. One family described the instructor helping an 11-year-old paddle back out. That is not a promise of the same level of help in every lesson, but it gives you a useful sense of why a private format may be a better match for a younger child.

The maximum group size is 30 people. That is the upper limit for the activity, not a guarantee that every session has 30 participants. If a small class is important to you, ask about the expected group size and the private lesson price before booking.

Timing, crowds, and the Kihei setting

The lesson meets at Kalama Park, a convenient starting point in central Kihei. Its location near shops and restaurants makes it easy to plan a meal or a quick stop before or after class. One family found parking easy, though parking conditions can vary, so build in a little time rather than arriving at the last moment.

An early start may be the better choice if you have flexibility. A family that took a 9:30 lesson found the water busier than they would have liked. They had been offered a 7:30 time and were told the waves and crowds might be better then. That is one family’s experience, not a guarantee about daily conditions, but it’s a useful reason to ask about an earlier slot.

The lesson takes place in the water around Kihei, an area known as a south Maui surfing spot. The activity information also names Makena State Park as a stop, but does not explain what happens there or how it fits into the lesson. If visiting the park is important to your plans, confirm the details directly with the school before you book rather than assuming it is a separate excursion.

The meeting point and end point are the same. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to make your own way to Kalama Park.

What the price covers, and what it doesn’t

At $103.12 per person, this is a paid lesson rather than a board rental. The price includes a professional instructor and the main equipment: a rash guard, reef shoes, and surfboard. You’re paying for coaching as well as gear, which is especially useful when you’re new to the sport and don’t yet know how to position yourself or judge when to paddle.

The value is strongest if you’ll make active use of the instruction. Beginners benefit from practising the movement on land, getting safety guidance, and receiving help in the water. If you already surf comfortably and only want access to a board, a lesson may offer less value for you. The instructor does tailor the session to your level, but the experience is still structured as a lesson.

Souvenir photos are not included, though they may be available to buy. One family found the photographer’s pictures helpful and said the photographer also offered a hand in the water. Treat that as a possible extra, not a guaranteed part of instruction. Bring your own camera only if you can keep it secure and out of the way during the lesson.

The tour is offered in English and uses a mobile ticket. It is often booked around 32 days ahead on average, so reserve early if you have a fixed date or want a particular time. Confirmation is provided at booking.

Who will get the most from this lesson

This lesson is a natural fit for first-time surfers, families, and friends who want an active morning together. The land practice and instructor cues help take some of the guesswork out of getting started. Children and adults can both join, but the school suggests a private one-on-one session for children under 8.

It can also work for a mixed-level group. Instructors have been praised for adapting help to each person, and experienced surfers may still find something useful in a lesson. Just be clear about your level when you book so the school can match the instruction to your needs as far as possible.

You should have a moderate level of physical fitness. Surfing involves moving around in the water and working with a board, so it is not a passive activity. If you have concerns about your ability to take part, check with the school before booking.

Sea turtles have been spotted by some participants while paddling out, which can be a memorable bonus. But wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and the main reason to book is the surf lesson itself.

Weather, changes, and a few practical checks

The activity requires good weather. If poor weather cancels the lesson, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off follows local time.

Before booking, decide whether you’d rather share the lesson or have private instruction, especially if you’re bringing a young child. Ask about earlier start times if avoiding a busier session matters to you. And if you want to know exactly what the reference to Makena State Park means, check with the school before making plans around it.

Should you book Waves Hawaii Surf School?

I’d consider Waves Hawaii a strong choice if you want a beginner-friendly introduction with gear and active instruction included. Its clearest strengths are patient coaching, a straightforward land-to-water format, and help with board positioning and paddling. Families in particular can appreciate instructors who keep children engaged while adjusting the support to the person in front of them.

Book a group lesson if you’re happy to learn alongside others, or look at a private session for a child under 8 or anyone who wants more focused attention. If you can choose your time, ask about an early start. The main caveats are the potential for a busier water session, the physical effort involved, and the lack of included transport or photos. For a first try at surfing in Kihei, those are manageable trade-offs if the lesson’s format suits your group.

FAQ

How long is the surf lesson?

The lesson lasts about two hours.

Where do I meet the instructor?

Meet at 1900 S Kihei Road, Kihei, HI 96753, at Kalama Park.

What equipment is included?

A rash guard, reef shoes, and surfboard are included, along with a professional instructor.

Are private lessons available?

Yes. You can choose between private and group options.

Is this lesson suitable for children?

Children can take part, and families have booked lessons for children. The school suggests that children under 8 book a private one-on-one lesson.

How physically demanding is the activity?

You should have a moderate level of physical fitness.

Are hotel pickup and photos included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Souvenir photos may be available to purchase.

What happens if bad weather cancels the lesson?

You’ll be offered a different date or a full refund if the activity is canceled due to poor weather.