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    Keep It Simple Hawaii Surf School

    4.9 (88 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 8:00 pm

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    Reviews With Photos - Keep It Simple Hawaii Surf School

    My daughter wants to return for another surf lesson.  Next time she wants to bring her cousins.
    Ellis P.

    Austin & Brazilian Marco were excellent surf instructors. My 9 year old daughter had the time of her life learning the basics. #Corememory

    Roger A.

    After reading all the great reviews, we booked a semi-private surf lesson for our three kids (ages 20, 17 and 13) with Keep it Simple. Mack and Mario met us promptly at 8am at a popular spot south of Lahaina. After getting suited up and teaching them some surfing basics they hit the water. My wife and I were amazed how quickly each of them were up on their longboards and riding the waves! We were so glad we booked the semi-private with Mack and Mario for our three kids. They were both so attentive, offering tips and guidance and the occasional push to get them going! Our kids raved about what an awesome time they had and how they definitely want to do it again on our next trip! I want to give a shout out to Jonathan Berry @BarryGoodShoots for the photos and mahalo to Mack and Mario for creating a lasting memory from our time here in Maui. Aloha!

    My oldest, learning very fast!

    Amazing experience for the whole family, they helped each person and made sure everyone was comfortable, which made it so much fun.

    Matthias and the crew were great. My daughter didn't incredibly well this year and instructor Mack encourage her to try some tricks. We also got some great photos.

    We had a wonderful tour on the Road to Hana with Victoria. We loved the laid back nature and tailoring it to suit our needs. Victoria was fun and so likeable and made sure we got to enjoy the best of our visit. Great day!

    Aycan K.

    I had my first surf lessons with Mario on the Christmas morning and it was the best gift of all times. I appreciate that they accepted my request at 5 pm for the next day 8 am, very short notice. Expect first 2, I was able to catch all the waves I attempted(zero experience) Mario made my experience much more joyful, it was practically hanging with one of my friends on the board. I recommend all the beginners. Go catch those waves

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    1 month ago

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    1 year ago

    Mack Crilley was awesome. Super friendly, knowledgeable, did a great job with our group of three.

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    10 months ago

    Private, patient, informative instructor. Good location for perfect beginner to intermediate waves. Photographer accompanied the lesson.

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    1 year ago

    The instructor was positive and fun. Easy booking and great follow up to get us to the lesson location. The girls had so much fun!

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    1 year ago

    Girls (12 and 14) took semi-private lessons. They had an amazing time. The instructor was very friendly, professional and informative.

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Did the road to Hana tour with Victoria. It was an incredible day and got to see a lot of great Maui spots. Definitely recommend!

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    The greatest experience ever! We were looking forward to this activity all week and they didn't disappoint!

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    2 years ago

    Very Fun trip. We saw a lot of cool sites and had a good time. Our guid Matais was great.

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    4 years ago

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Keep It Simple Hawaii Surf School

    Review Highlights - Keep It Simple Hawaii Surf School

    I had my first surf lessons with Mario on the Christmas morning and it was the best gift of all times.

    Mentioned in 14 reviews

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    Local Pros Maui - Surfing lesson

    Local Pros Maui

    5.0(35 reviews)
    1.2 mi

    I've rented from places all over the island and this was the best. So good that I rented from from…read more3x in one trip. The first time I did lessons, Nick was an awesome teacher and overall solid dude. Can't rate this place highly enough!

    TLDR; Nick, my instructor was great! Whole surfing experience I would do again. Do not recommend…read morethe photo package (poor communication, no photos and no refund). ---- I was solo and I had never surfed before! I booked a private lesson and I had a great time surfing with Nick, my instructor! Would absolutely recommend a private lesson for more attention and coaching. Surf conditions are a variable. We had some pretty big swells for beginner waves, according to Nick, but I think I did alright! A little longer and I think I could have gotten to standing. I would try this again for sure and refine my technique a little! The length of the lesson is great (1.5-2h). As much as I would have loved more time out there, you do get pretty gassed out by the end, so it's the right amount of time. Booking was easy online. I called to ask some questions and Kevin (Owner) was very informative. Meeting point was pretty easy to find. I received a picture of where to meet but given the recent washout rain, the landscape looks a little different. You can still match some of the trees though. It's across from where folks are parked all the time to go surfing. It's a pretty popular spot. I took a Lyft out to Mile Marker 19 which is pinned on the map, thankfully. The local drivers also just know where to go. There is not a nearby bus stop, but Lahaina Cannery Mall is probably the closest one and just over an hour's walk away. Nick easily found me waiting on the sand in the morning. He had everything I needed (12' board, shoes - both in great condition). They also provide rash guards but the suit I was wearing was already long sleeved. We started on land going through theory. When you book, there are videos in the confirmation email which are very helpful to review. Nick explained things very well, and helped make me aware of some beginner traps. Throughout the lesson he made sure I was safe as well as the surfers around me. There's a traffic flow to follow and knowing he was there supporting me with his experience allowed me to focus on learning to surf. I also appreciated his expert technique in paddling out and assisting me by towing a couple times, haha! I would have given 5 stars but there was issue with the photography package I purchased. Would not recommend, based on my experience. It's done through Aloha Maui Photography and you pay on site if you like the photos (you get a little preview on the tablet). The usual way seemed to be to Airdrop the photos, but I don't have an iPhone. Alyssa said she would email me a link later that day or the next day, but I didn't receive anything. After a few days, I went to the online webpage and submitted a form on the "Contact" page, asking to follow up. After a couple more days, I emailed directly. I got a response to my email after 2 days. It seemed that Alyssa thought that I was a different surfer (with a family and that my photos were already AirDropped to my mother) and that she no longer has the photos because they're cleared as she's constantly shooting. I explained that I was mixed up with who she thought I was since I was solo, and if the photos were indeed already cleared, if I could get a refund. It's now been two weeks, with another follow up, and still unresolved. I am disappointed because I was really hoping for some photos from my first surfing experience, which is why I splurged on the photo package. Just one more note - additional recommendation as a beginner, if you can do rash guard shorts, my inner thighs above the knee took a bit of a beating from straddling the board!

    Photos
    Local Pros Maui
    Local Pros Maui
    Local Pros Maui

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    Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy - Action shot!

    Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy

    4.8(377 reviews)
    8.1 mi

    Outstanding! Steve and the team were so perfect - teaching our three (16, 16 and 14 yo) the basics…read moreand all were riding waves confidently in first lesson. So much fun, we booked again same trip. Make sure you connect with Ric for quality pictures, costs extra and totally worth it.

    We booked surf lessons via our hotel in advance of our trip. The surf school reached out to us a…read moreday before and told us our afternoon slot was cancelled, but we could be rescheduled to a morning slot, or get a refund. We picked the morning slot, then received instructions to go to mile marker 19 on Lahaina highway and look for a white Tacoma. We had decided to skip the rental car and use Lyft/Uber on this trip, so that was concerning. We were able to instruct the driver about the approximate location. There was a a row of pickup trucks with surfboards near mile marker 19, so we got out and asked around for Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy. Eventually we found the right Tacoma, but I didn't have much confidence we'd found the right spot for a while. My daughter had to have a solo lesson with Kayla due to her age, while my son and I had a semi private lesson with Chad. Our instructors were great, and we were able to stand up with a couple of tries, and a few turns later the instructor had me try a smaller board so I could turn more easily. About 1 1/2 hour into our two hour lessons both my son and felt salt water stinging our knees and lower thighs from chafing against the board, so we ended the lesson early. We were also pretty tired at that point. The surf school gave us long sleeved water shirts, but knee long shorts in the same fabric would have made big difference too. Our instructor told us the chafing is because they use teaching surf boards with a material that has more friction to make it easier to stand on the board, but it also causes more chafing than boards with wax. In the hurry to catch our car ride, we forgot to bring water, but my daughter's instructor very kindly gave us one of her personal water bottles. Thank you Kayla! All in all, we had a great introduction to surfing with a lot of successful attempts to catch waves. Two hours felt long for an intro session. I wish my instructor had told me to paddle a bit more easy out to save strength for catching waves but I also tend to go max all the time until I run out of gas. Above all, I highly recommend wearing at least knee long water shorts to prevent chafing knees and lower thighs. The instructors were amazing. If Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy also were to provide pants and water given the remote location, if say they would stand way up and above the competition.

    Photos
    Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy - Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy

    Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy

    Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy - Their photographer Chad McCord

    Their photographer Chad McCord

    Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy - Surfing - Photo credit to Ricky Larson

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    Surfing - Photo credit to Ricky Larson

    Lana'i Surf School and Surf Safari

    Lana'i Surf School and Surf Safari

    4.8(4 reviews)
    19.6 mi

    So I'm 48 years old and have never surfed in my life. We did a family vacation (me, wife and 13…read moreyear old daughter and 11 year old son). Both of my kids can surf, but my wife and I have never attempted it until we met Nick and his lovely family. Communication was great, Nick is a *TRUE* local to Lana'i, and he took us to a spot that's a 45 min drive from Lana'i city to a remote beach on the north east end of the island. Nick had all of the equipment for us to try, and both my wife and I were able to get up with Nick's help. We really enjoyed our time with Nick and I would highly recommend this. They only reason I can't give this 5* is that it was a bit on the pricey side after seeing the cost of surf lessons on other islands, but we were anxious to surf and still had a great time!

    Our 13 year old daughter has become obsessed with surfing. Knowing that Lana'i is not known as a…read morebig surfing island, we didn't think she'd get much if any surfing in during our trip. That is where Nick came to the rescue! We hired him to take my husband and daughter surfing and it was the best thing we did our entire time on Lana'i. We rented a jeep for the day at the Four Seasons where we were staying, met Nick and Kawai in Lana'i City, then caravanned to the other side of the island to Lopa Beach. It's a trek on an unpaved road, but it is beautiful and gives you the opportunity to see the north side of Lana'i and its stunning views. Surfing: Lopa Beach was empty and we were the only ones there. Incredible! The waves were absolutely perfect for beginners and were consistent. So many waves to catch over and over again that landed on a soft, sandy beach. Nick and Kawai brought the right boards, rash guards, and booties and gave all the right instructions to get my husband and daughter up and surfing on practically every wave they tried to catch. It is clear that Nick is an expert on not just surfing, but specifically surfing on Lana'i. The added bonus was having Kawai there, as my daughter absolutely loves surfing with and getting some surf tips from female surfers. The history lesson: Beyond just surfing, Nick and Kawai are absolute gems to talk to about the history of Lana'i and all of Hawai'i. As natives of Hawai'i, they have an incredible amount of information on the history of everything that's ever happened there. It's wonderful to not just learn so much about the state we love to vacation in, but to find people so passionate about Hawai'i culture and its history. Please listen and learn from them, not just about surfing, but about all of Hawai'i. You will leave a better person and will find yourself feeling like you can truly hang out with Nick and Kawai in another life...that life where you move to Lana'i. ;) Do not hesitate -- book a lesson with them!

    Photos
    Lana'i Surf School and Surf Safari - Big family adventure/ visiting from the mid-west America

    Big family adventure/ visiting from the mid-west America

    Lana'i Surf School and Surf Safari - Early morning stand up paddle boarding in Hulopoe Bay, Lāna'i

    Early morning stand up paddle boarding in Hulopoe Bay, Lāna'i

    Lana'i Surf School and Surf Safari - Discovery Channel Argentina group

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    Discovery Channel Argentina group

    LahAina Surf Shack - Good times! Big waves!

    LahAina Surf Shack

    4.8(141 reviews)
    4.1 mi
    Women-owned & operated
    Certified professionals

    My kids had a great instructor. He made it so fun for them. Gave them plenty of tips on the beach…read morebefore they got in the water. They caught their first wave within minutes. They had a blast. Will definitely do this again on our next trip to Maui. Thanks Talvi!!

    My six-year-old son had a private surf lesson with Theo today, and the entire experience exceeded…read moreour expectations. From the initial communication and detailed information provided beforehand to the beautiful location and overall organization, everything was seamless and professional. Theo was an absolutely fantastic instructor. As a parent, I was nervous because my son had never surfed before, but Theo immediately put us at ease. He took the time to explain his approach, including why he wanted to start on smaller waves and ease my son into the experience rather than pushing too hard too fast. That thoughtful approach made all the difference. Theo was incredibly encouraging, motivating, and patient throughout the lesson. He paid close attention to my son's energy level and knew exactly when breaks were needed, which was especially important for a young child. He struck the perfect balance between building confidence and keeping the experience fun and positive. I was also extremely grateful for Theo's communication with us as parents. He kept us informed, answered our questions, and made us feel comfortable every step of the way. Overall, this was an outstanding experience, and I cannot recommend them enough!! If you're visiting and considering surf lessons, do it. In fact, I left wishing I had booked a lesson for myself as well! Thank you, Theo, for making my son's first surfing experience such a memorable and positive one.

    Photos
    LahAina Surf Shack
    LahAina Surf Shack - Party wave!

    Party wave!

    LahAina Surf Shack - In front on the surf shack

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    In front on the surf shack

    Bully's Surf School - On land training!

    Bully's Surf School

    5.0(35 reviews)
    7.7 mi

    Bully's surf school is the best in Maui! I have booked with Bully 3 times and will continue to do…read moreso whenever I visit. My dad and I met Bully in 2012 and he was our first instructor. He was so knowledgeable and helped my dad and I have fun on the water. He taught me how to paddle out smarter and the mentality to charge waves. My wife and I booked with Bully in 2025 and had an amazing time with his two professional staff instructors, 1:1. We just wrapped up our third lesson with Bully today--my wife and I rode so many waves it was a blast, and Bully made sure my mother-in-law crushed it during her first time surfing as well. Unlike chaotic group lessons, Bully brings a 1:1 approach where I feel safe and empowered out on the water. If you're traveling to Lahaina or Kaanapali booking a lesson with Bully Surf School is a must!

    Surfing with Bully's surf school today was a truly magical experience. Bully's was highly…read morerecommended as the best surf school in Maui by a family friend who lives on the island. I would not hesitate to say Bully's is the best surf school in the world, not just Maui. Bully is an incredible teacher who shares his passion for surfing and respect for the ocean. Bully and his team of coaches made us all feel confident and safe in the water. Our entire family caught waves, including not just the kids, but the out of shape older ones too! Bully and his entire team of coaches (shout-out to Theo, James, and Ashley) were positive throughout the entire lesson. The energy was infectious. It was easy to try when we knew every attempt would be met with joy. It was incredibly helpful that even with a group lesson, we each had our own surf coach; we could each learn at our own paces and our coaches were able to give us personalized instruction. The equipment was top-of-the-line and really helped novice surfers like ourselves. The boards were light and forgiving and much better than typical foam boards. We can't wait to come back to Maui to take more lessons with Bully and his team. We made memories today that will last a lifetime and learned lessons that will remain in our hearts and guide us through life's challenges. Just breathe.... The world needs more people like Bully; an expert in his field who teaches with humility, kindness, positivity, and generosity. Lahaina Strong, Bully's Surf School!

    Photos
    Bully's Surf School
    Bully's Surf School - Christmas is Maui

    Christmas is Maui

    Bully's Surf School

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    Keep It Simple Hawaii Surf School - surfschools - Updated July 2026

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