Waves Hawaii Surf School in Kihei Maui

Waves Hawaii Surf School in Kihei Maui: A Complete Review

If you’re dreaming of catching your first wave or improving your surfing skills in paradise, Waves Hawaii Surf School in Kihei might just be your ideal starting point. While we haven’t personally strapped on a surfboard here, the overwhelmingly positive reviews and the detailed itinerary suggest this is a professional, friendly, and well-organized experience suited for beginners and even experienced surfers looking for a refresher.

What we love about this tour is how it offers multiple lesson formats—group, semi-private, private, or one-on-one—making it flexible for different comfort levels and budgets. The dedicated instructors are praised for their patience and helpfulness, especially for first-timers and children under eight. The location at Kalama Park is perfect, right in the heart of Maui’s surf scene, offering easy access to beautiful beaches and local amenities. And the best part? The price of around $103 only adds to the value, considering all the gear and expert coaching included.

One aspect to keep in mind is that the tour does not include hotel pickups or drop-offs, which might be a consideration if you’re staying outside the central Kihei area. Also, since the lessons rely heavily on weather conditions, occasional cancellations are possible, but the full refund policy and flexible rescheduling make it manageable.

This experience is ideal for travelers seeking an authentic, fun-filled introduction to surfing with knowledgeable guides, stunning ocean views, and a friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re traveling with kids, a first-timer, or someone wanting to hone your skills, this tour promises a memorable start to your Maui adventure.

Key Points

• Flexible lesson options: Choose from group, semi-private, private, or one-on-one sessions.
• Ideal for beginners and kids: Especially recommended for children under eight with private lessons.
• Expert instructors: Known for patience, encouragement, and personalized coaching.
• Prime location: Meets at Kalama Park, a central spot in Maui’s surf community.
• All gear included: Rash guard, reef shoes, and surfboard provided for a hassle-free experience.
• Limited extras: Photos available for purchase; no hotel transfer included.

A Detailed Look at Waves Hawaii Surf School

Location and Meeting Point

Starting at Kalama Park, this spot is the heart of Maui’s south-side surf scene. It’s a lively area filled with local shops, eateries, and the promise of good waves. The convenience of this central location means you can easily grab a bite or browse for souvenirs after your lesson, making it a comprehensive experience rather than just a quick surf lesson.

The Booking Experience

Most bookings are made well in advance—about 41 days on average—indicating how popular this surf school is among visitors. The price point at $103.12 per person reflects a solid value, especially given that all necessary gear is included. The mobile ticket system streamlines check-in, so you can focus on the fun ahead.

Lesson Types and Timing

The variety of lesson formats allows you to tailor your day to your comfort level. Whether you prefer a group lesson with fellow travelers or a private, one-on-one session with an instructor like Funchie or Lucas, the experience remains personalized. Times vary depending on your choice, but each session lasts approximately 2 hours—enough time to learn, practice, and potentially catch your first wave.

What to Expect on the Day

Upon arrival, the instructor greets you with a warm welcome, fitting you into a rash guard and reef shoes to protect against rocks and sun. The initial safety briefing is brief but thorough, setting the tone for a relaxed and secure environment.

The lesson kicks off with land instruction—an essential step even for seasoned surfers. Reviewers mention that this includes explanations on paddling, positioning, and how to dismount safely, especially on rocky bottoms. For instance, one reviewer emphasized the importance of the provided reef shoes due to rocks, which proved invaluable.

Hands-on Surfing Experience

Following land practice, it’s time to hit the water. Instructors ensure everyone feels comfortable before attempting to catch waves. Many reviewers highlight how quickly they managed to stand up and surf, thanks to the guiding hands of their instructors. One even described their guide, Funchie, as having a great personality who worked effectively with multiple skill levels.

The Magic of Maui’s Beaches

The location offers both scenic beauty and good surf conditions. Besides the fun of riding waves, guests often mention the chance to see sea turtles swimming nearby—a magical bonus that adds an extra layer of excitement. The surf school also helps with dismounting techniques, especially important for avoiding rocks, which many reviewers found helpful.

Photos and Memories

While photos aren’t included in the price, Elijah and the team are known for capturing the fun moments. For a small additional fee, you can take home souvenir photos to remember your Maui surfing adventure.

The Review Highlights

Guests consistently praise the patience and professionalism of the instructors, with many mentioning that even complete beginners managed to stand up and surf their first waves. Families with children say the private sessions work best for younger kids, with one reviewer noting that children under eight should opt for a private lesson for better guidance.

The small group sizes and personal attention are often highlighted as factors that make the experience enjoyable and effective. One guest even shared that their teenage boys, after only one session, surfed alongside sea turtles—an unforgettable highlight.

Flexibility and Cancellation Policy

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind. Weather-dependent, cancellations due to poor conditions are fully refunded or rescheduled, which is reassuring given Maui’s sometimes unpredictable weather.

Why This Tour Works

This surf school’s success hinges on its combination of expert guides, adaptable lessons, and the stunning Maui setting. The positive reviews reflect a consistent experience of fun, progress, and safety. The instructors’ patience and the small class sizes guarantee personalized coaching, whether you’re a nervous beginner or want to refine your skills.

Who Will Love It?

If you’re someone who’s always wanted to learn to surf, or you’re traveling with kids eager for a new adventure, you’ll find this tour appealing. It’s especially suited for those who value a laid-back, friendly atmosphere with knowledgeable guides. The location’s natural beauty and opportunities to spot marine life add extra magic to the day.

What Could Be Better?

The one potential downside is that the tour doesn’t include transportation, so you’ll need to plan your own way to Kalama Park. Weather cancellations, although rare and well-managed, might mean rescheduling your plans. But overall, the costs and the quality of instruction make this a strong contender for anyone wanting a genuine Maui surf experience.

Final Thoughts

Waves Hawaii Surf School in Kihei offers an engaging, friendly, and expertly run introduction to surfing in one of the world’s most beautiful locations. The flexible lesson options, attentive guides, and prime setting make it a standout choice for beginners and families alike.

If you’re ready to try catching your first waves or improve your skills in a supportive environment, this tour delivers genuine value. You’ll leave with more than just surf tricks—you’ll carry memories of Maui’s stunning beaches, playful sea turtles, and the thrill of standing on a surfboard for the first time.

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or family, this experience is a fantastic way to connect with Maui’s surf culture and enjoy the laid-back aloha spirit. Just remember to bring your sense of adventure and a big smile—you’re about to get wet and have a lot of fun.

FAQ

Do I need prior surfing experience?
No, this tour is suitable for all levels, including complete beginners. Instructors tailor the lesson to your skill level, and many guests start with no experience.

Can children participate?
Yes, children are welcome, but for kids under 8, a private one-on-one lesson is recommended to ensure they get proper guidance and attention.

What gear is included?
All necessary equipment—rash guard, reef shoes, and surfboard—is provided, so you don’t need to bring anything besides your swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen.

Where do I meet for the lesson?
The meeting point is 1900 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753, at Kalama Park, which is centrally located and easy to find.

How long is the tour?
Each lesson lasts approximately 2 hours, giving ample time for instruction, practice, and catching waves.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Weather cancellations are fully refunded or rescheduled.

What if the weather is bad?
If poor weather forces a cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Maui’s weather can be unpredictable, but the team manages cancellations efficiently.

Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes, bookings are recommended and often made 41 days ahead on average, reflecting high demand.

Can I purchase photos of my surf session?
Yes, Elijah and the team often take photos during the lesson, which are available for purchase after the session.

This Maui surf adventure promises more than just a lesson—it’s a chance to create lasting memories with expert guides, in a setting that’s both stunning and accessible. Whether you’re after a fun introduction to surfing or a family outing, Waves Hawaii Surf School delivers on its promise of a safe, friendly, and truly memorable experience.