Are you looking for the best surf lessons in Maui for kids, teens, and adults? Keep scrolling for my top Maui surfing lessons perfect for your trip to Maui.
This list of the best Maui surfing lessons was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Okay, real talk. Every single family I work with asks me about surf lessons.
It’s always in the top three things people want to do in Maui, and I totally understand why.
Watching your kid catch their first wave in Hawaii is pretty magical.
But the surf school you pick?
That makes or breaks the whole experience.
I’ve seen it go both ways. Kids who beg to go back every day of vacation, and kids who hated it so much they refuse to try again.
The families I send to these surf schools keep telling me it was their kids’ favorite thing they did in Maui.
My own son took lessons in Kona when he was 9, and for months afterward he talked nonstop about “his waves.” The right instructor changes everything.
So let me tell you which Maui surf schools actually deliver.
What Actually Matters When Picking a Surf School
Look, you want small groups. The instructor-to-student ratio should be 4:1 or better. Any more than that and your kids are basically on their own.
The instructor’s personality matters way more than people think. Some surf instructors are amazing athletes but terrible with kids.
You need someone patient who actually enjoys teaching nervous 7-year-olds.
Location is huge. The beach matters just as much as the instructor. You want gentle, consistent waves in water that’s not too deep.
Some surf schools take you to crowded tourist beaches where you’re dodging dozens of other beginners. No thanks.
Two hours is the right length for lessons. Shorter than that, kids don’t get enough practice time. Longer and they’re exhausted and cranky.
Okay, so where should you actually book?
My Top Maui Surf School Recommendations
Maui Surfer Girls (Ukumehame Beach)
This is my number one recommendation for families, especially if you have daughters. Dustin Tester founded it back in 2001, and it’s still Maui’s only female-owned surf school.
They operate at Ukumehame Beach Park, about 20 minutes from both Kihei and Kapalua.
The beach isn’t swarming with other surf schools, so your kids actually have room to learn without constantly dodging other beginners.
The instructor ratio is 4:1, smallest in the industry. Your kid won’t be fighting for attention. Every lesson runs two hours and includes all the gear (surfboard, rash guard, reef booties).
Don’t let the name fool you. They teach everyone ages 5 and up. Boys, girls, adults, whoever.
My clients always mention instructors like Maggie, Sloane, and Kelly who somehow make even the most nervous kids feel confident.
Lessons run 8am to 10:30am Monday through Saturday. If you’re traveling during peak season, book the 10:30am slot WAY ahead because it sells out months in advance.
Book Maui Surfer Girls lessons here
If you have teenage daughters, ask about their teen surf camps. They’re legendary.
Waves Hawaii Surf School (Kihei)
Staying in South Maui? Waves Hawaii is where you want to go. They’re at Kalama Beach Park in Kihei, which has super gentle beginner waves.
They’re one of the few schools offering “baby surf” lessons for toddlers and really young kids. Got a 3-year-old who wants to try? They’ll make it work.
Val Frey runs everything and hand-picks every single instructor. They’re all CPR and First Aid certified, which honestly matters more than you’d think when you’re trusting someone with your kids in the ocean.
You can book group lessons, semi-private, or fully private. If your kids are under 8, go private. They’ll get way more hands-on help.
The patience level here is unreal. I’ve heard from parents whose kids were terrified of waves, and by the end of the lesson those same kids didn’t want to leave the water.
Book Waves Hawaii lessons through Viator
They also offer photo packages so you can actually be in pictures with your kids instead of behind the camera the whole time. Worth every penny.
Outrageous Surf School (Lahaina)
Important note about Lahaina: The devastating August 2023 fires impacted much of Lahaina, but Outrageous Surf School is operating again as of 2025.
Lahaina Harbor reopened in December 2025, and surf schools are back in business. Supporting these local operations helps Maui’s recovery.
Outrageous Surf has been at Lahaina Breakwall since 1998. Almost 30 years of getting beginners up on boards.
They run group lessons three times daily (8am, 11am, 1:30pm Monday through Friday, morning slots Saturday). Minimum age is 10 for groups, but call them if your kids are younger. They can usually work something out.
The Breakwall is protected and consistent, perfect for learning. You’re not fighting big swells or gnarly currents.
Instructors here are encouraging without being pushy. They’ll help your teenager trying to look cool, and they’ll give extra support to the nervous parent who hasn’t done anything athletic in 20 years.
Book Outrageous Surf School through Viator
Parking is validated, which is huge in Lahaina.
Maui Waveriders (Kihei and Lahaina)
Family-owned operation with spots in both Kihei and Lahaina’s west side. Super convenient if you’re splitting your time between South Maui and West Maui.
The flexibility here is great. They adapt their teaching style to each student. Natural athlete? Nervous beginner? They work with both.
In Kihei, they take you to calm, shallow water. In Lahaina, they find protected spots away from crowds. The instructors actually scout conditions and take you wherever makes sense for your family’s ability that day.
Parents consistently tell me their instructors (Kyle, Fredy, Kahala) are amazing at reading when kids need a break versus when they’re ready to push harder.
Semi-private lessons work great for families. Private lessons are perfect for younger kids or anyone wanting one-on-one time.
Questions People Always Ask Me
What age can kids start?
Most schools start at 5 or 6, though Waves Hawaii takes younger toddlers. My take? If your child is comfortable in the ocean and can follow basic instructions, they’re ready. My son was 9 and it was perfect timing.
How much does this cost?
Group lessons run around $80 to $150 per person for two hours. Private lessons are $150 to $250+. Semi-private falls in between. Photo packages add another $60 to $80, but trust me, they’re worth it.
Private or group lessons?
Book private if your kids are under 8, if anyone’s nervous about the ocean, or if you have mixed skill levels in your family. Book group or semi-private if your kids are confident swimmers and will feed off other learners’ energy.
Best time of year?
Summer (May through September) usually has calmer conditions, perfect for beginners. Winter brings bigger swells that can intimidate first-timers. But the schools know where to take you year-round, so don’t let the season stop you.
What do we need to bring?
Sunscreen (reef-safe only), towel, swimsuit. The surf school provides everything else. Board, rash guard, reef shoes. Some families bring waterproof cameras, but honestly just pay for the photo package. You’ll actually be present instead of trying to document everything.
Can adults learn too?
Absolutely. I’ve had clients in their 50s and 60s learn for the first time in Maui. The instructors work with all ages and abilities. And your kids will think it’s hilarious watching you wipe out.
Before You Show Up
Everyone needs to be comfortable in the ocean. You don’t need to be an Olympic swimmer, but you should be able to tread water and not panic when a wave knocks you off.
If you get motion sick, take medication beforehand. Even in calm water, the paddling motion makes some people queasy.
Use reef-safe sunscreen. It’s required in Hawaii anyway. The chemical ones damage coral and honestly aren’t great for you either. I linked some good reef-safe options on Amazon earlier.
Eat a light breakfast. Don’t skip food entirely because surfing is way more physical than people expect, but don’t stuff yourself either.
Show up 15 minutes early. Instructors use that time on the beach teaching basics before you get in the water.
And manage expectations with younger kids. Not everyone stands up on their first try. That’s completely normal. The whole point is having fun and feeling comfortable in the waves.
Get Photos or You’ll Regret It
You want photos of this. If the surf school offers photography, pay for it. These end up being some of your favorite vacation photos.
Need Help Planning the Rest of Your Trip?
Surf lessons are just the start. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the Maui options, I can help.
I do personalized Hawaii travel consultations where we map out your whole trip based on your family’s ages, interests, and what kind of vacation you actually want (not what Instagram says you should want).
My Maui Travel Guide for Families has detailed daily itineraries and insider tips I don’t share on the blog.
Not sure which island to visit? My Island Hopping Guide walks through the pros and cons of each island and whether you should stick to one or split your time.
I also have free email courses that basically do the planning for you:
- How to Plan a Trip to Maui (7-day course)
- How to Travel to Hawaii Like a Pro (5-day course)
- How to Save Money in Hawaii (5-day course)
And my podcast Hawaii Travel Made Easy has interviews with local experts and behind-the-scenes planning stuff you won’t find anywhere else.
Logistics Stuff
You need a rental car for these lessons. I always book through Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they compare all the major companies. Use my referral link for the best rate.
Parking at Ukumehame, Kalama Park, and near Lahaina Breakwall is free but fills up during morning rush. Get there early.
If you’re in Wailea or Kihei taking South Maui lessons, it’s 5 to 15 minutes. Staying in Kapalua or Kaanapali and driving to South Maui? Budget 45 minutes to an hour.
For hotels, South Maui (Kihei and Wailea) is sunnier and closer to Kihei surf schools. West Maui (Lahaina, Kaanapali, Kapalua) has that classic resort vibe and you’re near Lahaina schools.
I prefer South Maui for families because it’s less crowded and more affordable. Find hotels on Expedia.
What Else You Should Do on Maui
Once you’ve conquered surfing, there’s tons more to do.
Snorkeling in Maui is incredible. Molokini Crater is the big one everyone does, but there are easier shore snorkeling spots if you have young kids.
The Road to Hana is a must, but you need to plan it right or it’s miserable. My guide covers every stop, where to eat, how to time it with kids.
Maui ATV tours are huge with teenagers. Off-road adventure that gets them away from their phones for a few hours.
Want to explore on bikes? Check out my bike rental guide.
And my full list of things to do in Maui with kids covers everything from helicopter tours to shave ice spots.
Why You Should Actually Book Lessons
Look, you could rent boards and wing it. But after sending families to Hawaii for years, I know how this plays out.
Surf lessons aren’t just about standing up on a board. You learn ocean safety, how to read currents, which waves to catch, surf etiquette. All the stuff that keeps you safe and makes surfing actually fun instead of frustrating.
Two hours with a good instructor saves you days of trying to teach yourself. Your kids will get up on actual waves. You’ll have photos to prove it happened.
I’ve been to Hawaii over 40 times as a professional tourist, and families always tell me the surf lessons were one of their favorite vacation memories. Kids talk about it for years. Adults discover they love something they never expected to try.
So book the lesson. Show up early. Listen to your instructor. Don’t forget the reef-safe sunscreen.
You’re about to make some really great family memories in the Maui water.
More Maui Resources:
- Hawaii Travel Consultation Services
- Maui Travel Guide for Families
- Best Things to Do in Maui with Kids
- Free Maui Planning Email Course
