Reviewing the Semi-Private Surf Lesson at Kalama Park in Kihei

When visiting Maui, there’s a good chance that surfing will top your list of must-try activities — and for good reason. The semi-private surf lesson at Kalama Park in Kihei offers a perfect introduction to riding the waves, especially if you prefer small groups and personalized attention. For $109.95 per person, you get approximately 2 hours of guided instruction, equipment, and plenty of fun in the water.
What makes this experience stand out are two key features: First, the personalized instruction tailored to your skill level helps everyone from total beginners to those looking to brush up. Second, the friendly, expert guides ensure safety and encouragement, making it a stress-free way to learn something new.
A potential consideration is that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point. However, this allows for flexibility depending on your Maui accommodations. This tour best suits families, first-timers, or anyone looking for a relaxed, instructive surf experience with a small group setting where safety and fun are prioritized.
Key Points
- Personalized instruction ensures lessons are tailored to your skill level
- All necessary equipment including surf shoes and shirts are provided
- The small group size makes for a more comfortable, attentive experience
- Instructors emphasize ocean safety and wave reading skills
- The location at Kalama Park is ideal for beginners
- Booking in advance (about 28 days ahead) is recommended for securing a spot
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Why You’ll Love This Maui Surf Experience
We appreciate how this lesson balances fun and safety, with the instruction adjusted to suit each person’s abilities. From the very start, the focus is on making sure everyone feels comfortable — whether that’s standing on a board for the first time or simply catching a wave with confidence. The land-based briefing on ocean safety and surfing basics lasts only about 10-15 minutes, but it’s packed with helpful tips that build your confidence before hitting the water.
Once in the water, your instructor will guide you through the process of paddling, catching waves, and standing up. The small group setting allows for more personalized attention, something many travelers rave about. You’ll often find that the instructors are highly encouraging, helping you to succeed regardless of your previous experience or age.
One of the features that travelers really enjoy is the inclusive equipment — surf shoes and shirts are provided, and wetsuits are available depending on availability. That means you won’t need to rent gear elsewhere, simplifying your day and letting you focus on the fun.
On the downside, some guests mention that transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to plan how to get to the meeting point at 2021 S Kihei Rd. Still, the location is accessible and a short drive from many central accommodations.
This tour is ideal for families with kids, couples, or solo travelers. Many reviews highlight how even complete beginners managed to stand up on their boards — with some saying they learned to read waves and gained new confidence in just one lesson.
A Detailed Look at the Maui Semi-Private Surf Lesson
The Location: Kalama Park, Kihei
Kalama Park is renowned for its easy entry and gentle waves, making it an excellent spot for beginners. Its broad, sandy beach offers plenty of space for instruction and safety. The backdrop is classic Hawaiian — palm trees, soft sands, and calm waters, perfect for those new to surfing.
The Itinerary: What to Expect
Your day begins at the meeting point, where the staff greets you with a friendly smile. The first 10-15 minutes on land are dedicated to learning the basics of surfing and ocean safety. Expect to hear tips on paddling, wave selection, and how to fall safely — which is crucial, especially for beginners. Many reviews note how instructors like Jade and Kekoa make these lessons engaging, giving personalized feedback that helps you improve quickly.
Once you’re comfortable, the instructor will lead you into the water with a focus on support and encouragement. The rest of the session is spent riding waves with your guide offering real-time advice, helping you catch your first wave, and standing up on your board. The small group size means you get plenty of individual attention, and your instructor can quickly adapt to your progress.
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Equipment and Comfort
All gear is included, making the experience hassle-free. You’ll receive surf shoes and shirts, with wetsuits available depending on availability — a nice perk for those chilly mornings or late afternoons. Many reviews mention how well-maintained and comfortable the gear feels, which can make a difference in your overall experience.
The Personal Touch: Instructors and Safety
The reviews highlight instructors like Ben and Kai for their patience, safety focus, and friendliness. One guest remarked, “Ben was a great instructor. He was patient and safety was always top of mind.” This attentiveness ensures even nervous first-timers feel secure and supported.
The Group Size and Atmosphere
With a semi-private group, usually just your small group plus the instructor, the atmosphere feels relaxed and personalized. Guests comment that this setup is better than large group lessons, especially when young kids are involved or if you prefer more one-on-one coaching.
The Price and Value
At $109.95, many find this to be excellent value, especially considering gear, instruction, and the small-group environment. Several reviews emphasize how much progress they made in just one session, making it a worthwhile investment in fun and learning.
Booking and Planning
Booking about a month in advance is recommended, as the lessons tend to fill up. The tour requires at least two people per booking, but this isn’t usually a problem for families or couples. Since hotel pickup isn’t included, plan to drive yourself or arrange transport to the meeting point.
Who Will Love This Experience?
This surf lesson is perfect for families with kids, as many reviews mention children catching on quickly and having a great time. It’s also excellent for beginners of all ages who want a fun, safe, and supportive environment for learning. If you’re someone who values personalized instruction and small group sizes, you’ll find this tour meets those needs well.
Why It’s Worth Considering
What makes this experience stand out is the combination of friendly, expert instructors and a beautiful, beginner-friendly location. The general consensus from travelers is that they walked away with new skills, a sense of achievement, and wonderful memories. Its affordable price point compared to other activities in Maui makes it a smart choice for those wanting to experience surfing without breaking the bank.
You’ll love that the lessons are tailored — whether you’re a total rookie or just looking to improve your technique. Plus, the fun atmosphere and stunning scenery make every moment memorable.
The Sum Up
For anyone seeking an authentic Maui adventure that combines learning, safety, and scenic beauty, this semi-private surf lesson hits the mark. Its small-group approach guarantees personalized attention, while the professional guides ensure everyone feels confident and encouraged. The inclusive equipment and location at Kalama Park make it accessible and straightforward to enjoy.
This experience is especially well-suited for families, first-timers, and travelers who want a relaxed, engaging introduction to surfing. If you’re looking to turn a few waves into a lasting memory and gain some new skills in a beautiful setting, this tour could very well be your highlight of Maui.
FAQ
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What is included in the price? 
 All necessary equipment, including surf shoes, shirts, and wetsuits (depending on availability), are provided.
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Do I need to bring my own gear? 
 No, everything is provided, so just bring your enthusiasm and a smile.
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How long is the lesson? 
 The total duration is approximately 2 hours, with most of the time spent in the water after a brief land lesson.
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Is this suitable for children? 
 Yes, many reviews mention children learning quickly and having a wonderful time, provided they are supervised and accompanied by an adult.
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What should I wear? 
 Wear comfortable beachwear; the tour provides surf shirts. Wetsuits are available depending on availability.
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Is transportation included? 
 No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan to meet at the designated location.
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How far in advance should I book? 
 Booking about 28 days ahead is recommended to secure your spot.
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What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate? 
 The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
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Can I do this more than once? 
 Yes, many guests return for additional sessions or rent gear afterward to practice more on their own.
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Is it safe? 
 Absolutely. The instructors emphasize ocean safety, and the location’s gentle waves are ideal for beginners.
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