Private Surf Lesson at Kalama Park in Kihei

Kalama Park is a smart place to learn surfing because the lesson is built around one-on-one coaching, not a crowded class where you wait your turn. You’ll begin with 10 to 15 minutes of surf theory and ocean safety, then spend most of the two hours in the water practicing how to paddle, stand, and catch a wave.

I like the personal instruction and the fact that gear is supplied, including surf shoes, shirts, and wetsuits when available. I also like the gentle, beginner-friendly approach reported by families, with instructors such as Kekoa, Konan, and Zoom praised for patience, humor, and close attention. The main drawback is the price, $157.07 per person, which is a serious outlay for a first lesson, and wetsuits are not guaranteed.

Key points to know before booking

• Most of the lesson happens in the water: Plan on only 10 to 15 minutes on land before the practical work begins.
• Private attention is the main value: Your instructor can adjust the lesson to your comfort and skill level.
• Children can do well here: Several young beginners, including children around 10 and 11, were helped onto a board during their first lesson.
• Kalama Park is easy to find: Check in at Maui Waveriders, 2021 South Kihei Road, Kihei.
• Basic gear is included: Surf shoes and surf shirts are supplied, with wetsuits provided if available.
• The lesson returns to the starting point: There is no hotel pickup or drop-off.

Why a private lesson makes sense in Kihei

Learning to surf is not just a matter of being pushed toward a wave. You need to know where to place your hands, how to paddle, when to rise, and how to stay safe in the ocean. A private instructor can watch your timing closely and correct one small problem at a time.

That matters most during a first lesson. In a larger class, you might spend part of your time waiting on the beach or watching other people try. Here, the stated format is private, with only your group participating. You get a lesson shaped around your comfort and skill level instead of a fixed routine for everyone.

The experience is also well suited to a family member who wants special attention. A 10-year-old grandson was coached for about 90 minutes by an instructor named Kekoa after the initial land session. Another 11-year-old was given enough instruction to feel ready to rent a board and practice later.

That does not mean every beginner will stand on the first try. Surfing depends on balance, timing, comfort in the water, and the conditions on the day. Still, the personal format gives you a better chance to make real progress than a quick group introduction.

Checking in at Maui Waveriders

You meet at Maui Waveriders, located at 2021 South Kihei Road in Kihei. The activity ends back at this same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate return transfer.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You’ll need to make your own way to the shop and arrive ready for check-in. The location is described as easy to find, but it is still wise to allow enough time to park, get organized, and handle any paperwork before the scheduled start.

Children must be accompanied by an adult for check-in. The activity also calls for a moderate level of physical fitness, which is a useful warning for anyone who has not recently exercised. You should be comfortable with basic physical effort, getting into the water, paddling, and repeatedly trying to stand on a board.

The booking confirmation is provided at the time of booking. The experience is commonly reserved about 22 days ahead, so I would not leave it until the last minute if your Maui schedule is tight.

The 10 to 15 minute land lesson

The first part takes place on land and lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. This is where your instructor covers the basics of surfing and ocean safety before you enter the water.

You’ll learn the movements needed to paddle and stand, along with the basic theory behind catching a wave. This short preparation is important because it lets you rehearse the standing motion before you are balancing on a moving board.

The ocean safety portion is just as important as the technique. A beginner can concentrate so hard on standing that they forget to pay attention to the water around them. Starting with safety helps you understand how to approach the session with care rather than treating it as a simple beach game.

The land briefing is brief by design. If you want a long lecture about surf science, this is not that kind of experience. The purpose is to give you enough information to make the water time useful.

Spending the rest of the lesson in the water

After the introduction, most of the two-hour session takes place in the water with your instructor. You’ll work on paddling, getting into position, rising to your feet, and catching a wave.

This is where the private format earns its keep. Your instructor can focus on your body position and timing, then give you another attempt without waiting for a full class to rotate through. The instruction is adapted to your comfort and ability, so a complete beginner and a more confident first-timer need not receive exactly the same lesson.

Kalama Park is described as having an easy wave area for children. That makes it particularly appealing to families who want a manageable introduction rather than an intimidating first day in the ocean. Conditions still vary, and the lesson requires good weather, but the setting is intended to support learning.

Expect some repetition. You may paddle several times before a wave carries you, and you may get to your knees or feet only to lose balance moments later. That is normal beginner work. The advantage here is that an instructor remains close enough to make useful corrections instead of leaving you to guess what went wrong.

Instructors who work well with children

The strongest theme in the supplied feedback is the quality of the individual instruction, especially with children. An instructor named Kekoa was singled out for spending roughly 90 minutes tutoring, guiding, and encouraging a 10-year-old. That kind of sustained attention is exactly what a young beginner needs.

Another child, age 11, learned enough during the lesson to consider renting a board and continuing independently. That is a practical measure of success. The goal is not simply one lucky stand, but learning the basics well enough to keep practicing.

Konan was also praised for working with a 10-year-old grandson who had long wanted to surf. Zoom was described as friendly and funny, with a teaching style that helped the student get a lot from the session.

You cannot request a particular instructor based on the information provided, so treat those names as examples of instructors connected with the experience, not a promise about who will teach your group. Still, the pattern is clear: families looking for a patient first lesson are likely to find this format more useful than a large, general class.

What gear is included

Maui Waveriders supplies surf shoes and surf shirts. Wetsuits are included when available, but they are listed as pending availability, so you should not assume one will be waiting for you.

Having the main equipment provided makes this easier to fit into a Maui vacation. You do not need to arrive with a personal board or assemble a full set of surf clothing before the lesson. The supplied details do not state that you need to bring any special equipment, but you should still arrive prepared for a physical activity in the ocean.

The gear issue is a small but important point when comparing prices. A lesson that included no equipment would require more planning and possibly extra rental charges. Here, the basic clothing and accessories are part of the package, which helps justify some of the cost.

Since wetsuits are not guaranteed, pack or wear suitable swimwear and do not build your comfort expectations around having one. The available gear can depend on the day and supply.

Is $157.07 per person good value?

At $157.07 per person, this is not a bargain beach activity. It is priced as a private lesson, and that distinction matters.

You are paying for two hours, personal instruction, surf theory, ocean safety, water time, and basic gear. If you are booking for a child who has always wanted to surf, the personal coaching may be worth more than a cheaper group session where the instructor’s attention is divided.

The value is strongest when your goal is to learn rather than simply pose with a surfboard. A private instructor can help you correct technique in real time, which may save frustration and give you a better base for future practice.

For two people, the total cost rises quickly, so families should decide how much individual attention they want. The additional information refers to a minimum of two people for semi-private lessons, while the activity itself is described as private for your group. If you are booking for more than one person, confirm the exact lesson type and group arrangement before paying.

I would call the price fair for a focused, equipment-included private session, but not automatically right for every budget. If all you want is a quick introduction to standing on a board, a less expensive group lesson may be enough. If you want close coaching and a strong chance to learn proper basics, the private format has a clear advantage.

Who should book this lesson

This activity suits first-time surfers, families, and visitors who want a structured way to try surfing without buying equipment. It is especially appealing if one member of your group needs extra encouragement or has never been comfortable with new physical activities.

Children can participate, but an adult must accompany them for check-in. The strong focus on children in the available feedback makes this a reasonable choice for a family vacation, particularly when the child is excited about surfing and may benefit from a calm, patient instructor.

It also suits adults who prefer personal instruction. You do not have to be an athlete, but you should have moderate physical fitness and be ready for paddling and repeated attempts in the water.

I would be more cautious about booking it for anyone who wants a relaxed sightseeing activity. This is an active lesson, not a boat ride or beach demonstration. You will be working.

Timing, weather, and cancellation

The lesson lasts about two hours, with the first 10 to 15 minutes on land and the balance in the water. Since the activity depends on ocean conditions, allow some flexibility in your Maui plans.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made within 24 hours are not refunded, and changes inside that same period are not accepted. The cut-off uses local Maui time.

Poor weather can also cancel the lesson. If that happens, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. I would avoid placing this experience on the final morning of your vacation unless you have room to reschedule.

Should you book Maui Waveriders?

Book this lesson if you want a real introduction to surfing with a private instructor, especially if you are bringing a child or nervous beginner. The combination of a short safety briefing, supplied gear, and nearly two hours of personal water coaching gives you a practical chance to learn rather than simply watch.

The $157.07 price is the main question. It makes sense for a student who values individual help and hopes to keep surfing after the lesson. It is less appealing if you are only curious and would be just as happy sharing an instructor with a larger group.

For families, the evidence is particularly encouraging. Children around 10 and 11 were able to make meaningful progress, and instructors including Kekoa, Konan, and Zoom were praised for their attention and upbeat teaching. Just remember that wetsuits depend on availability, transportation is your responsibility, and the ocean will always have the final say.

FAQ

Where does the private surf lesson begin?

The lesson begins at Maui Waveriders, 2021 South Kihei Road, Kihei, Hawaii 96753.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the Maui Waveriders meeting point.

How long is the surf lesson?

The lesson lasts approximately two hours.

How much time is spent on land?

About 10 to 15 minutes are used for surf basics and ocean safety on land.

What do I learn during the lesson?

You learn surfing theory, ocean safety, paddling, standing up, and catching a wave.

Is the lesson private?

Yes. The activity is described as private, and only your group participates.

Is any equipment included?

Surf shoes and surf shirts are included. Wetsuits are provided when available.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Can children participate?

Yes. Children can take part, but an adult must accompany them for check-in.

What happens if bad weather cancels the lesson?

You’ll be offered a different date or a full refund if the activity is canceled because of poor weather.