Surfing lessons work best when someone watches you closely. This private session in Kihei pairs a short on-land lesson with hands-on coaching in the water, so you can learn the basics fast at Kalama Park.

I like that it’s truly one-on-one—the instructor adapts the plan to your skill and comfort level. I also like the structure: about 10–15 minutes of land fundamentals and ocean safety first, then the rest of the time is spent surfing with your guide. One thing to consider: there’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll need to handle getting yourself to the meet point.

For families especially, this style makes sense. Easy conditions and attentive coaching are a big part of why kids often come away confident. The lesson lasts about two hours, so it’s long enough to get moving toward real wave skills, but not so long that beginners lose focus.

Key highlights worth knowing

• Private, tailored coaching so you’re not getting lumped into a one-size-fits-all group lesson
• 10–15 minutes on land covering surf basics and ocean safety before you paddle out
• Mostly in the water for practice time that actually matters
• Surf shoes and shirts included to reduce what you need to bring
• Wetsuits if available (you may or may not get one depending on supplies)
• Ends back at the meeting point so your logistics are simpler

Kalama Park in Kihei: Why this spot fits beginners

Kihei’s shoreline is well known for having surf zones that work for first-timers, and Kalama Park is chosen for exactly that reason: you’re not just thrown into the deep end. The lesson is built around learning in a controlled way, and that starts with picking conditions where you can focus on the basics—paddling, standing up, and timing a wave.

A big practical benefit here is mental. If your first surf session feels safe and manageable, you’re more likely to keep trying instead of giving up after one bad wave. That’s especially true for kids. In past lessons, instructors like Kekoa, Konan, and Zoom have been singled out for being patient and encouraging with younger beginners, which fits the overall goal of this lesson: confidence first, technique second, then technique again.

The 2-hour lesson flow at Maui Waveriders

This is an easy plan on paper: show up, get coached, then spend your time surfing. In practice, the pacing matters, and this lesson uses a sensible sequence.

First, there’s about 10–15 minutes on land. You’ll cover the basics of surfing and ocean safety—what to do before you enter the water, how to think about hazards, and the core movements you’ll repeat later in real surf. This short prep is valuable because it reduces guesswork in the moment. Instead of staring out at the water wondering what comes next, you have a checklist in your head.

Then you’re in the water for the rest of the session with your instructor. That’s where the one-on-one advantage shows up: if your paddling needs work, your instructor can correct it right away. If you’re struggling with standing up, they can guide your timing and positioning immediately. This is not a “watch and hope” lesson—it’s coaching that keeps adjusting to your comfort and skill level.

Expect the overall arc to go like this: learn the movement → try it in small, manageable bursts → get feedback → try again. For first-timers, that loop is what turns intimidation into actual progress.

Gear included: surf shoes, shirts, and the wetsuit question

You don’t need to overplan gear for this lesson. It includes surf shoes and surf shirts. That’s not a small detail. It means you can arrive without worrying whether you picked the right kind of footwear for walking on shoreline rocks or whether your clothes will work once you’re out in the water.

Wetsuits are included only if available. So plan as if you might go without one, especially depending on water temperature that day. If you’re a cold-weather person, this is the one “maybe” that could affect comfort. The good news is the lesson is short enough (about two hours total) that you’re not stuck for the whole day if conditions feel cool.

One more value point: when the surf school provides what it can, it reduces friction. You spend your time learning instead of managing rental logistics.

Instructors who coach with patience (and real humor)

Private surf lessons succeed or fail on the instructor relationship. Here, the coaching style is repeatedly praised for attentiveness and encouragement—especially with kids.

Instructors named in strong feedback include Kekoa, Konan, and Zoom. The common theme: they tutor in a way that keeps beginners moving forward rather than overwhelmed. One of the most encouraging signals from those stories is that kids often get up on the board on their first try, then keep improving during the remaining time—meaning the lesson isn’t just a quick “try once” experience.

You’ll also notice the focus on coaching moments that matter most for beginners:

• paddling setup and where your body should be
• how to time the stand when a wave comes through
• repeated correction that doesn’t feel harsh

If you’re learning for the first time, this is what you want. Surfing is fast, and beginners need instant feedback while things are happening, not after the session ends.

Who this private surf lesson is best for

This lesson is designed for a broad range of comfort levels. It’s private, the instructor adapts to skill level, and the format includes an ocean safety component before you paddle out. That combination is a strong fit for people who want structure and guidance instead of trial-and-error.

It’s also a good match if you’re traveling with kids. The lesson is repeatedly described as working well for young beginners, with easy wave areas and instructors who are good with children. If your goal is to give a kid a meaningful “I can do this” surf moment, the private setup is exactly what makes it realistic.

One consideration: the experience lists a moderate physical fitness level requirement. That doesn’t mean you need to be an athlete. It does mean you’ll be paddling, getting up on a board, and handling water movement. If you have mobility limitations or you’re unsure about your ability to paddle and stand repeatedly, you may want to think twice or ask your provider for guidance before booking.

Price and value: what $157.07 per person really buys you

At $157.07 per person for about two hours, you’re paying for three things at once:

1) an instructor’s time (and attention)

2) lesson structure (land fundamentals plus ocean safety)

3) key gear support (surf shoes and shirts, plus wetsuits if available)

Here’s how I think about value for a beginner. Surfing lessons can easily turn into wasted effort if you spend most of the time figuring out equipment, positioning, and safety on your own. Paying for coaching reduces that friction. You’re not just buying a board session—you’re buying feedback and correction while you’re learning.

Another value point: this is private for your group, which means you’re not competing for instructor time. For kids, that can be the difference between learning something usable and getting lost in the shuffle. For adults, it means your technique improvements can happen faster because the instructor isn’t trying to split attention across multiple people.

The only “cost” you should factor is logistics. Hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, so you need to plan how you’ll get to Maui Waveriders at 2021 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753. If you’re already planning to be in Kihei, that’s manageable. If you’re staying far away, the lesson may be more expensive once you add transportation costs.

Getting there and how the timing works in real life

Your starting point is Maui Waveriders at 2021 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753. The activity ends back at the meeting point, which simplifies the end of your day. You won’t need to coordinate a separate pickup or transfer after your session.

Because the lesson is dependent on good weather, build in some flexibility. If conditions are poor, the provider will offer a different date or a full refund. That kind of weather dependence is normal for surf, but it’s extra important when you’re scheduling family activities on a tight itinerary.

Also note: confirmation is received at booking time, and the ticket is mobile. So have your phone ready for check-in and take a screenshot just in case your signal is weak.

Should you book this private surf lesson at Kalama Park?

I’d book it if you fit any of these situations:

• You want a beginner-focused lesson with structure and ocean safety taught before you paddle out
• You’re traveling with kids and want calm, attentive coaching (names like Kekoa, Konan, and Zoom show up for a reason)
• You’d rather pay for guidance than spend your Maui time guessing at technique
• You’re in Kihei and can reach the meeting point easily without a complicated pickup plan

I’d think twice if:

• you don’t have the moderate physical ability for paddling and repeated attempts to stand
• you’re expecting a wetsuit for sure, since it’s only included if available
• you need hotel pickup and don’t want to manage transportation on your own

Bottom line: for first-timers, and especially for families, this private setup is a smart use of time on Maui. You get a real teaching sequence and enough water time to progress, not just a one-off photo moment.

FAQ

How long is the private surf lesson?

The lesson runs about 2 hours.

Where does the lesson start and end?

It starts at Maui Waveriders, 2021 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included in the lesson?

It includes surf shoes, surf shirts, and wetsuits if available.

Is hotel pickup or drop-off included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Do I get instruction on land before going into the water?

Yes. Each lesson includes an approximate 10–15 minute land lesson covering surfing basics and ocean safety.

Is the lesson private?

Yes. It’s listed as a private tour/activity, and only your group will participate.

What should children’s involvement be like?

Children must be accompanied by an adult for check-in.

What level of fitness do I need?

The experience is for travelers with a moderate physical fitness level.

What if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is there any cancellation policy?

Yes. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid will not be refunded.