Private Surf Lesson at Kalama Park in Kihei

The best part of this Kihei lesson is the one-on-one coaching. Instead of trying to follow a group while balancing on a board, you get an instructor focused on your timing, comfort, and progress. The lesson begins on land, then shifts to the water for practical work on paddling, standing, and catching a wave.

I like the easy learning area, which makes this a good pick for children and first-timers. I also like that surf shoes, shirts, and wetsuits, when available, are supplied, so you do not need to pack a full set of surf gear. The main drawback is the price: at $157.07 per person for about two hours, it costs more than a group class, and hotel transport is not included.

Key points at a glance

• About 10 to 15 minutes on land: Learn basic surf theory and ocean safety before entering the water.
• Private instruction: Your group gets personal attention rather than sharing an instructor with a large class.
• Kihei meeting point: Check in at Maui Waveriders, 2021 S Kihei Road, then finish at the same location.
• Good for young beginners: Instructors work with children, and several young first-timers progressed to riding on their own.
• Gear is supplied: Surf shoes and shirts are included, while wetsuits depend on availability.
• Plan for active effort: You should have a moderate level of physical fitness and be ready to paddle and repeatedly get up on the board.

Why this private Kihei lesson works for first-timers

Surfing looks simple from shore. Paddle, stand, ride. In practice, the order and timing matter. A private lesson gives you someone who can watch what you are doing and make quick adjustments, which is especially useful when you are learning your first pop-up or trying to catch a wave at the right moment.

Maui Waveriders keeps the basic lesson focused. You spend roughly 10 to 15 minutes on land covering surf theory and ocean safety. That short briefing matters because it gives you a few rules before you deal with the board, the current, and other activity in the water. The rest of the two-hour session takes place in the ocean with your instructor.

I like this format because it does not bury a beginner in a long classroom talk. You get the information needed to start safely, then spend most of your time practicing. If you learn best by doing, the balance of land instruction and water time makes sense.

The lesson is adjusted to your comfort and skill level. A child on a first attempt needs different coaching from an adult who has tried surfing before. You can expect the instructor to work through the basic steps at a pace suited to your group, rather than treating every student the same.

Arriving at Maui Waveriders in Kihei

The meeting point is Maui Waveriders at 2021 S Kihei Road in Kihei. You arrange your own way there, since hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Give yourself enough time to find the shop, check in, and get ready without turning the start of the lesson into a rush.

The activity ends back at the meeting point. That is useful if you have a car and want to leave your belongings there as planned, although you should confirm any storage arrangements directly with the operator rather than assume valuables can be left unattended.

Children must be accompanied by an adult for check-in. The booking information also says a minimum of two people is required for semi-private lessons. This experience is described as private, with only your group participating, so check the exact booking type if you are arranging a lesson for one person or comparing private and semi-private choices.

You receive confirmation at the time of booking, and the activity uses a mobile ticket. Keep the confirmation easy to reach on your phone when you arrive.

The 10 to 15 minute land lesson

The first part is short but useful. On land, you learn the basic shape of the activity: how to handle the board, how paddling works, how to move from lying down to standing, and what to know about ocean safety.

For a child or nervous beginner, this is the moment when the lesson becomes less mysterious. You can ask questions before dealing with moving water. The instructor can also explain what to do if standing up does not work on the first try, which is likely for many first-time students.

The land segment is not meant to replace practice. It gives you a plan. You then take those movements into the water while the instructions are still fresh.

This part also helps the instructor gauge your comfort and ability. Since the lesson is tailored to the student, your age, confidence, and previous experience can shape how quickly you move on. A 10-year-old who is eager and active may progress differently from an adult who needs more time to feel steady.

Getting equipped before the water

Maui Waveriders includes surf shoes and surf shirts. Wetsuits are included when available, so do not count on one as a guaranteed part of every booking. The supplied clothing and footwear mean you can arrive without buying or renting a complete surf setup for a single lesson.

That gear is part of the value. A private class already carries a higher price, and having basic equipment supplied keeps you from adding another rental decision to the day. You should still wear or bring whatever personal items the operator recommends, but the listed surf equipment covers the main needs stated for the lesson.

The lesson is active, so choose clothing and personal items with movement in mind. The operator requires a moderate physical fitness level. Surfing involves paddling, pushing up, balancing, and getting back on the board more than once. The lesson is beginner-friendly, but it is not passive sightseeing.

Learning to paddle, stand, and catch a wave

Once you enter the water, the lesson becomes hands-on. Your instructor works with you on paddling, getting into position, standing on the board, and catching a wave. These are separate skills, and private coaching lets you spend more time on the step that gives you trouble.

The first successful stand is often the moment that makes the cost feel worthwhile. One young student got up on the first try and then spent most of the remaining 90 minutes receiving direct guidance and encouragement. That kind of extended attention is difficult to guarantee in a large group.

Another young first-timer finished with enough instruction to feel ready to rent a board and practice later. That is a useful way to judge the lesson. You are not only paying for a single ride. You are paying for basic technique, safety information, and a start that may let you continue on your own.

Still, you should keep expectations sensible. A two-hour lesson cannot turn every beginner into a confident surfer. Progress depends on your fitness, balance, comfort in the water, and ability to follow instructions. Some people may stand quickly; others may spend much of the lesson working on paddling and position.

Why families may find this a strong choice

The lesson has several features that fit a family trip. The teaching area is described as easy for children, and the instructors work directly with young students. That matters when a child needs encouragement, repeated explanations, or a calmer pace.

Instructors named for individual lessons include Kekoa, Konan, and Zoom, though your assigned instructor may be different. The teaching style can vary by person, but the key advantage is that your instructor remains focused on your group throughout the session.

A private lesson also lets a family avoid the awkwardness of placing a nervous child in a large class. Parents can pay attention to the child’s progress instead of trying to coach from the beach. If you are booking for a minor, remember that an adult must be present for check-in.

The class can work well for an adult and child together, but think about fitness and comfort before booking. Surfing is physical, and two people in the same group may not progress at the same pace. The private format gives the instructor room to adjust, but it does not remove the physical demands.

What the $157.07 price means

At $157.07 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on a surfboard in Maui. The price makes more sense if you place a high value on personal instruction and want to avoid sharing a coach with a larger group.

You receive approximately two hours, private coaching, the land lesson, ocean safety instruction, and listed gear. The most important value is the instructor’s attention. If you are a complete beginner, that attention can prevent a lot of wasted time and help you understand why a stand-up attempt works or fails.

The price is also easier to justify for a child who has always wanted to surf. A first lesson can be a memorable part of the vacation, and several young students progressed far enough to consider practicing by renting a board later. If you are booking for a whole family, though, the total cost rises quickly. Compare the private price with any group options before committing.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so transportation is your responsibility. That is a minor issue if you are staying in or near Kihei and already have a vehicle, but it adds planning if you are based elsewhere on Maui. One family found the trip worthwhile even from Lahaina, but you should weigh drive time and fuel against the lesson price.

Weather, cancellation, and practical limits

Surfing depends on suitable weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. That policy gives you some protection, but it also means your schedule can change if conditions are not suitable.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off uses local Maui time, so check the exact start time before making last-minute plans.

The lesson requires moderate physical fitness. You do not need to be an experienced surfer, but you should be prepared for active work in the water. If you have concerns about your ability to paddle or repeatedly climb onto a board, ask the operator before booking.

The mobile ticket keeps check-in simple. Bring your booking confirmation on your phone and allow time to reach the Kihei meeting point.

Who should book this Kalama Park surf lesson

I would choose this for a first-time surfer who wants focused coaching and is willing to pay for it. It is especially appealing for a child or grandparent booking a lesson for a child, since the instructor can adapt the pace and offer direct encouragement.

It also suits an adult who wants a real introduction rather than a quick group demonstration. The land theory, safety talk, and water practice give you enough basic instruction to understand what to work on next.

You may want a different option if price is your main concern, if you need hotel transportation, or if you want a longer surf course rather than a single two-hour session. The lesson can give you a good beginning, but it does not promise mastery.

For the best value, book it early. It is commonly reserved about 22 days ahead, so waiting until the last minute may limit your choice of time or date. Since the activity is weather-dependent, early planning also leaves you room to move the lesson if needed.

Should you book Maui Waveriders?

Book it if you want a private, beginner-focused start and especially if you are introducing a child to surfing. The combination of a short safety lesson, supplied gear, and nearly two hours of personal coaching gives you a clear path from land instruction to first attempts in the water.

Skip it if you only want the lowest-cost surf experience or need transportation from your hotel. For everyone else, the strong point is simple: you get a dedicated instructor working with your group, and that can make the difference between floundering through a class and actually learning how to catch a wave.

FAQ

Where does the private surf lesson meet?

The lesson begins at Maui Waveriders, 2021 S Kihei Road, Kihei, Hawaii 96753. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the surf lesson last?

The lesson lasts approximately two hours. About 10 to 15 minutes are spent on land learning surf basics and ocean safety, with the rest of the session in the water.

Is the lesson private?

Yes. This is a private activity, and only your group participates. The booking information separately states that semi-private lessons require a minimum of two people.

What equipment is included?

Surf shoes and surf shirts are included. Wetsuits are included when available, so they are not guaranteed for every lesson.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must arrange your own transportation to and from the Maui Waveriders meeting point in Kihei.

Can children take this lesson?

Children can take the lesson, but an adult must accompany them for check-in. The activity also requires a moderate level of physical fitness.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes the activity to be canceled, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.