Kalama Park is a fast way to learn. This 3-day surf camp in Kihei uses a clear skill progression at Kalama Park, with multiple daily departures and a mobile ticket for easier planning. It’s set up to work for kids and beginners, not just seasoned surfers.

I like two things most. First, all the key surf gear is included (rash guard, reef shoes, surfboard), so you’re not wasting time shopping or figuring out what fits. Second, the group stays tiny (up to 2 people), which usually means more hands-on coaching time.

One possible drawback: hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, and you’ll need to show up at the meeting location and be ready to board the Waves Hawaii van about 5 minutes before your lesson.

Key things that make this surf camp worth your time

• Kalama Park in Kihei is the surf spot used for the whole camp, so your brain learns the waves and routines faster.
• Full gear included saves money and makes it easier to travel light.
• Three-day progression focuses on learning the basics first, then building skills each day.
• Max 2 travelers keeps the vibe calm and coaching more personal.
• Family-friendly and multi-skill level means beginners and kids don’t feel out of place.
• Coaches who teach patience show up in real results, including names like San, Lucas, and Elijah in feedback.

Kalama Park surf sessions in Kihei: why this location helps you learn

Kihei’s surf scene is built around people learning how to move with the ocean, not just watching it. This camp runs at Kalama Park, and that matters because your instruction is tied to one consistent place. When you stay in the same spot across multiple days, you get familiar with how the water behaves and what to expect from the waves you’ll actually be practicing on.

That consistency is huge for beginners. If you’re brand-new, your first goal isn’t “master the ocean.” It’s building simple, repeatable skills: getting in position, paddling with purpose, and learning how to stand up when the timing lines up. A training plan works best when you’re not also trying to figure out a new surf venue every day.

The camp is also positioned as family friendly and designed for all ages and skill levels. That’s what you want if you’re bringing kids, teens, or mixed experience levels. You’re not stuck in a class that assumes everyone already knows what a pop-up is.

One more small but real benefit: the camp offers several departure times throughout the day. If you’re traveling with a family schedule, having options helps you avoid bottleneck days where everyone’s stuck waiting around.

The Waves Hawaii flow: what happens across 3 days of surf progression

Think of this camp as three linked lessons, not three separate “try surfing” events. The idea is to surf for 3 days with a progression that starts with basics and then pushes your skill level higher each day. In practice, that usually means your first session is about getting the fundamentals into your body, your second session tightens technique, and your third session helps you put it together under coaching.

You’ll meet at the Waves Hawaii Surf School van about 5 minutes before your lesson. That timing piece is important. Surf instruction is physical, and the ocean doesn’t wait for late arrivals while you’re hunting for parking.

The camp’s anchor stop is Waves Hawaii Surf School at 1900 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753, and the activity ends back at the meeting point. So you’re not dealing with mystery drop-offs or needing to coordinate separate transportation for the return.

Here’s how you can mentally plan the progression:

• Day 1: learn the basics and set up your routine
• Day 2: refine key movements and get more comfortable getting out on the wave
• Day 3: build confidence so catching waves feels more natural than random

This is where the reviews click with the camp design. One highlight from feedback: instructors helped people go from first attempts to catching waves by themselves within the 3-day window. That’s exactly what a structured progression should aim for.

Included surf gear: the value of not chasing equipment on Maui

One of the smartest “value” parts here is the gear list. Your camp includes rash guard, reef shoes, and a surfboard, plus an instructor. For Maui, that can be a bigger deal than it sounds.

If you’ve ever tried to rent surf gear last-minute, you know how it goes: wrong size, wrong fit, missing accessories, or you spend time figuring out what to do instead of surfing. With this camp, you’re handed what you need for the sessions, and you can focus on technique.

The rash guard also helps you stay comfortable in sun and salt while practicing longer than you think you’ll want to. The reef shoes matter at the beach too, especially around rocky or uneven areas. And having your own surfboard for the camp removes the uncertainty of trying to learn on something you didn’t choose for your height and comfort level.

If you’re traveling with kids, this gear inclusion is even more useful. You don’t want a vacation day turning into a “gear errand” day. You want them in the water learning, with one less thing to worry about.

Also note the camp doesn’t include souvenirs as part of the price. Souvenir photos are available to purchase, so if you care about keepsakes, plan for that as a potential add-on.

Coaching names you’ll see mentioned: San, Lucas, and Elijah

Good surf coaching is part technique, part motivation. The camp’s real strength shows in how people describe the instructors and how quickly they feel progress.

San is mentioned as an awesome teacher, and the most telling detail is the result: within 3 days, people were catching waves on their own. That’s the kind of outcome you can expect when coaching focuses on making you independent rather than dependent on constant assistance.

Lucas gets praised for being helpful and patient, especially with families. If you’re bringing kids or you tend to learn best when someone slows things down, that patience matters. Surf is one of those sports where timing can feel weird at first, and your confidence depends on instruction that doesn’t rush you.

Elijah gets called out for photography coordination: getting photos all 3 days and sending them promptly after the camp. That’s a nice bonus because it turns an active vacation day into a story you can remember later, not just sore legs and salt air.

Bottom line: the camp doesn’t just sell the dream of surfing. It’s built around coaching that helps you actually progress in a short time.

Price and value: what $502.56 really covers for a 3-day camp

At $502.56 per person for a 3-day surf camp, it’s not a casual impulse buy. But it can be strong value if you look at what’s included.

You’re paying for:

• a professional instructor
• all surf gear (rash guard, reef shoes, surfboard)
• instruction designed as a 3-day progression, not just one lesson

If you try to piece it together yourself, it quickly becomes expensive: gear rentals, paying for individual lessons, and wasting time on logistics. Here, the structure does the work. Three days also gives you repeat practice time, which is how you actually improve instead of plateauing after day one.

One more thing: the camp is booked on average about 42 days in advance, so demand is real. If you wait too long, you may end up with fewer date options. Booking earlier usually means you can pick the days that fit your trip rather than scrambling.

So is it worth it? If you want real momentum on Maui and you value instruction plus gear included, the pricing makes sense. If your goal is only a quick “try surfing once” photo op, you might decide you can spend less elsewhere.

Meeting point and timing: the van, the address, and why you should arrive early

This is where many surf days are won or lost: simple timing.

You meet at 1900 S Kihei Rd, Kihei and then go by Waves Hawaii Surf School van, which you’ll need to catch 5 minutes before your lesson. That’s the moment to be ready. Don’t plan to show up “almost on time.” Ocean activities run on their own rhythm, and the instructors are trying to keep everyone moving.

The good news is the camp ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not stuck figuring out the return. You also get a mobile ticket, which tends to make check-in smoother when you’re on Maui and trying to do things without printing stuff.

Also, the camp lists near public transportation and allows service animals. It’s not a private resort setup; it’s an activity built for real life, which is helpful if you’re traveling without a car.

Finally, with a maximum of 2 travelers, you’re less likely to feel swallowed by a large group. That usually means you get clearer instruction without constantly waiting your turn.

Photos, souvenirs, and getting more from each surf day

Surf camps feel great while you’re in them. The real question is how you turn those sessions into progress—and memories.

Two photo-related notes to keep in mind:

• Souvenir photos are available to purchase
• One instructor, Elijah, is specifically mentioned for getting photos all 3 days and then sending them promptly after the camp

So even if you’re not trying to buy everything, you may still get a sense of what happened each day through the photo process. If you’re the type who forgets the details once the adrenaline fades, photos help you remember what you did right and where you improved.

To get more from each day, you’ll want to treat the camp like a skill workshop, not a random play session. That means:

• listen for corrections you can try immediately
• ask a quick question if you’re confused (that’s where patient coaching shines)
• pay attention to what’s different between day one and day three

And yes, expect to feel it afterward. Surf is physical. If you come in thinking it’s just “standing on a board,” you’ll get humbled—in a good way.

Who this surf camp fits best (and who might want a different option)

This camp is built for broad participation: it’s described as perfect for all ages and skill levels and especially popular with kids. If you’re a family and you want everyone included, this is the kind of activity that can make the trip feel shared.

It’s also a solid choice if you’re:

• a total beginner who wants a structured progression
• an intermediate surfer who wants tighter coaching over a short window
• traveling with someone who’s learning for the first time and you want them to feel supported

If you’re someone who only wants a quick try and doesn’t care about progression, you might prefer a shorter lesson and spend the rest of your time exploring the island.

And if you rely on hotel pickup, plan ahead. Since pickup and drop-off aren’t included, you’ll need your own transport solution or the ability to get to the meeting location.

Should you book Waves Hawaii’s 3-day surf camp at Kalama Park?

Book this camp if you want real improvement in a short time, with gear included and coaching that aims to get you into the waves quickly. The small-group format (max 2 people) and the repeated mention of instructors like San, Lucas, and Elijah are good signs that the teaching is hands-on and organized.

Skip or reconsider if you don’t want to handle your own transportation to the meeting point, or if you’re only looking for a one-and-done experience. In that case, spending this much on a multi-day camp might feel heavy.

If you’re deciding right now, here’s my practical call: if you’re going to Maui anyway, and surfing is on your list, this is one of the more straightforward ways to turn “someday” into actual waves within three days.

FAQ

Where does the surf camp take place?

The surf sessions take place at Kalama Park in Kihei.

Where do I meet for the lesson?

You meet at 1900 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753, and you should meet at the Waves Hawaii Surf School van about 5 minutes before your lesson.

What’s included in the price?

The camp includes a professional instructor and all surf gear: rash guard, reef shoes, and a surfboard.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included.

How long is the camp?

The activity is listed as 3 days with an approximate total duration of 2 hours.

How do date selections work after booking?

You must notify the supplier of your 3 preferred dates in the Special Requirements field at checkout. If you don’t, the booking can be cancelled.

What is the group size?

This activity has a maximum of 2 travelers.

Is cancellation free?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience’s start time.