LahAina Surf Shack

4.8 (139 reviews)

Surf Schools

Closed • 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

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LahAina Surf Shack - In front on the surf shack - Surf Schools Near Me

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Lisa L.

This is an amazing crew that truly wants to share the love for surfing and the ocean with their clients. We booked three private lessons and they made certain we all came away with a fantastic experience. We also saw a seal, turtles and whales! So lucky!!

Jedi and Chyna instructed our four kids today. The kids have never surfed before and had the BEST time! Chyna had our 8 year old and he thrived with her. In fact, he just told us it was the best part of his vacation so far. Jedi had the two 12 year olds and 14 year old and they had the best time ever. All the kids were ready for the biggest meal after all their hard work. I couldn't recommend LahAina Surf Shack more! Thank you Jedi and Chyna for giving the kids the best time on the water.

Joe P.

First of all, Aina was very helpful with booking and answering our questions. Our surf instructor Ricky was awesome! He was completely knowledgeable & experienced with surfing! It definitely showed while teaching us how to surf! He is very patient & instructs to get the best out of us, which helped a lot! Got us out there to get some good runs in! We would definitely recommend Ricky & the LahAina Surf Shack! Mahalo!

First time surfing, one of her first waves. She learned so quickly.

Kaytie C.

I'd genuinely give them a million stars if I could. Our 8 year old is cautious and nervous about most things. She was scared to snorkel but wanted to try surfing- go figure. We signed her up for a private lesson. I highly recommend the private lesson especially for kiddos. Ricky, the instructor was so funny, so patient, and really good at reading our daughter. You could tell he knew what he was doing. Safety was most important and they went over the basics before they went out on the water. She caught her first wave and Ricky gradually had her do more and more of the process on her own. Towards the end she was doing a lot on her own and fell off a couple times- that's normal. He was really receptive to her emotions and encouraging. I'm not joking when I tell you my husband and I had our jaws wide open. We were so proud of her and in shock at how much she loved it for a girl who is teeeified of most things. Ever since being back, she has been telling us the riddles Ricky was telling her and she won't stop talking about how funny he was. She gave him a thumbs up- something she rarely gives out. Just be aware that it's tiring. Our daughter is pretty athletic and she was still pretty sore afterwards. It did not stop her from walking down the beach, playing in the ocean, or going swimming in the pool though. As a parent I'd have lots to drink, some snacks ready, and be prepared for a possible car nap. When she started to feel frustrated at the end, we all, including Ricky, assured her that she did great. She can't wait to try again. Literally could not recommend them more. She has already asked her dad for a surf board and to help her research surfing spots near our house in California. Not only did she learn to surf, she gained confidence, she fell off and got back up, and she is really proud of herself for trying something new. I attribute this to Ricky's personality, patience, clear instructions, and funny jokes to keep up the fun our on the water.

Tina S.

Our family had an amazing lesson with Carter today. Great communication to the meetup point and he made it a fun and positive experience for our 11 & 13 year olds first time surfing. Thank you so much!

My fiancé and I went to Maui this summer and had a desire to do a surf lesson. Lahaina Surf Shack was very responsive in our communication and we were able to book a 2 hour session last minute. Our instructor, Ricky, was awesome! He instructed us on the proper technique and gave us immediate feedback on what we did wrong/ right after every wave. Both of us were able to stand up within our second or third try and caught so many waves that day. The experience was awesome and the next time we come to Maui we are definitely getting another surf lesson.

Loretta J.

Great place, great instruction! Had a ton of fun learning the basics of surfing. Funny and friendly staff. You can also rent boards and paddle boards. Saw sea turtles and fish in area where they took us while I paddle boarded. Highly recommend!

Alejandra H.

My kids had several lessons at the Lahaina Surf Shark. Walter, Kannon and Niko are amazing instructors. They make sure the kids are safe and have fun with them. They are super patient with the kids and they keep encouraging them until they stand up on the board with the biggest smile on their face. I would recommend this place. You'll enjoy your experience!!!

Katherine C.

Went to a beach and saw a bunch of surfers and wanted to rent some boards. We were directed to this surf shop for rentals and I'm so glad we went. We were welcomed by a sweet lady at the register and she picked out boards for us since we had no clue what we were doing. Very friendly staff, great rentals, and made for a great experience.

Heather D.

Highly recommend Lahaina Surf Shack. We took our 3 boys ages 17, 10 and 10 today and they had a great time. We had Private lessons with Big Foot, Kannon and another guy who goes to school with Kannon, but I can't remember his name (maybe Sam? Sorry). They did amazing with our boys. Big Foot was very patient with our middle son who is autistic and not as athletic as our other two boys, but he did amazing. Our other 2 boys got up and were able to actually surf a lot! They also had a photographer who charged $30 per kid, which we thought was a great deal. It's hard to figure out where your kids are at sometimes, but he captured all the perfect pictures. We got 164 pictures for the 3 boys! My only recommendation for next time would be to bring binoculars, it's hard to spot the kids when they are far out there and so many people.

Shandrica P.

This is our third time taking lessons at this place. We had Ricky and Walter as our instructors, they were fabulous! They took our 4 and 5 year old out for a lesson and despite their nerves, they were extremely great with them! We loved it so much we are returning for more lessons tomorrow.

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Nadine K.

5 years ago

On our recent trip to Maui we decided that it would be awesome for our girls ( 8 and 11 yrs) to try out surfing, I guess there's hardly any better place in the world for it :)! We booked a lesson with Ricky and have nothing but good things to say about him. He is a fun, patient and attentive instructor and our girls had a blast catching some waves with his help! Thank you Ricky- we will be back ! read more

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J D.

3 years ago

Just got back from a really nice few days in Maui. We had scheduled a semi-private lesson at Lahaina Surf Shack on our last day and were booked with Ricky. We had such a great time with him and appreciated all of his insights & tips. Both of us had surfed before, but it had been a long time. He helped us with refreshers on water safety, technique and got us in the water. Throughout the lesson he was coaching us up and it made for a really great morning! Hope to be back again and to snag some time with Ricky! read more

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Lindsay M.

2 years ago

We had a group of 6 first time surfers (ages 8, 11, 12, 12, 14, & 16) and Ricky and Carter were amazing! They gave great, clear instructions that everyone picked up on quickly and they hit the water. Everyone was up and catching waves in no time and everyone had an absolute blast. Luckily we did the lesson early in our trip because our kids all want to do it again before we leave. Thank you Ricky and Carter for the great lesson - the kids are all hooked! read more

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Loren T.

3 years ago

Ricky was our instructor for a small group lesson, and we had an awesome experience. Three first time surfers all caught waves and cannot wait to do it again! His land lesson was concise and totally on point, and in the water he expertly set us up for each wave and clearly communicated what we needed to work on while keeping it 100% positive. Surf instructor in training, Scout, was also super helpful and super friendly! My ribs and arms are sore but I can't wait for my next ride. LahAina Surf Shack rocks!! Mahalo read more

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Kim D.

116

4 years ago

First time surfing for my 11 year old son. Great experience. Patrick is very knowledgeable about surfing and the ocean. He is great with adults and kids. Also recommend the photo package. Pics are fantastic! read more

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JoJo D.

4 years ago

We had a great experience here. The kids had a spectacular time and fell in love with surfing. Our instructor was great with kiddos and went above and beyond to make sure everyone was having fun. It's an easy stroll from Lahaina Shores and many restaurants. If the time zones work, choose the early time! The water was largely empty when we went out around 7. By 9 am, it was beyond crowded. read more

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Brianna W.

4 years ago

Booked a private 1-on-1 class with Billy and he was amazing. As a first time surfer, he taught me the basics and was really encouraging and made sure I was comfortable on the board then took me in the water. Super easy going and chill instructor. Encouraged me to get to the standing position, and even if I couldn't, he gave positive feedback on how I was at least doing other moves!! 10/10 highly recommended you book here if you wanna learn how to surf or get some coaching on it !! read more

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Tyler S.

2 years ago

My family and I had an amazing time with Tricky Ricky. It was the first time surfing for all of us and we ended the day all catching some waves. Ricky was very personable and great with my kids. I would recommend to anyone looking for more excitement than just sitting on the beach. read more

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Shannon C.

5 years ago

Had a great time surfing! My 2 kids had a lesson from Pat and both were surfing within the first 30 min. They had a blast. Pat was patient and fun. The team at the shop were all friendly and informative. "Frenchie" the photographer snapped this picture of my daughter. Would def recommend read more

LahAina Surf Shack - My 14 year old daughter. - Surf Schools Near Me

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Denise M.

5 years ago

RICKY is AWESOME!!! Amazing instructor all about a great time, teaching us and safety. We've never been surfing and we caught every wave. He's one of the most experienced instructors out there. He'll help you paddle out and super encouraging! Mahalo Sid & Denise read more

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Afreen S.

5 years ago

Took a private lesson with Ricky today. He was great! A really chill dude and made me feel really comfortable out there. It was a blast, highly recommend! read more

LahAina Surf Shack - First time surfing - Surf Schools Near Me

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Jennifer G.

4 years ago

LahAina surf shack is a great place to learn how to surf! My instructor, Walter, was a great teacher and I went from knowing nothing to getting up on the board and some decent waves. I would definitely recommend, and if you go, ask for Walter! read more

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L L.

4 years ago

From the warm and friendly welcome by Trinity, to the SUP lesson with Max and Leo, we had an amazing experience for our group of 6. The two instructors, Max and Leo took the extra time to walk us through the most important things to remember before heading out to the water. They encouraged the kids to get comfortable and find their confidence on the boards. And of course, we had an amazing time! The kids saw fish and turtles! As we waited to get set-up, many walk-ins were accomodated to rentals, and repeat customers returned...it definitely had the exact vibe we were looking for in Maui. Post SUP we had fantastic pizza at Prison Pizza next door - will definitely come back again! read more

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D M.

4 years ago

I'm so disappointed with our experience here, and a little shocked to be honest. We booked a semi private lesson and unfortunately got Talbot as the instructor. He was rude and was swearing to our kids, apparently dropping the F bomb. They actually wanted to end the lesson early because of the way he was talking to them. Such a bummer! We went elsewhere for private lessons last year and would definitely return there over this place in a heartbeat. read more

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Gwen S.

4 years ago

The Staff and well as the instructors are amazing. Friendly and patient. Really recommend this place for any age group. My family and I had a group from 9-44 years old and they did awesome. Explained every step in detail as well as made us all feel comfortable and confident even before heading to the water. Would definitely come back to them next time! read more

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Jennifer W.

4 years ago

The year of trying new things and I was scared out of my mind...Walter was awesome!! Had such a great time and can't wait to come back. If you're looking for a low key surf lesson option...come here and ask for Walter!! Trinity was pretty great as well ;-) read more

LahAina Surf Shack - Me....freaking doing it!! - Surf Schools Near Me

LahAina Surf Shack - Walter, walking me through the process... - Surf Schools Near Me

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J F.

5 years ago

I would recommend finding a surf shop that wants your business. I booked a semi-private lesson for my kids. The instructor was irritated by everything and snapped at my kids throughout the lesson. My son left the beginner lesson early after getting yelled at for not responding quickly enough. No one at the shop seemed to notice or care that he returned his board early. The instructor spent the walk back to the shop justifying his rude behavior and did not apologize to or even acknowledge my son back at the shop. My daughter was afraid of the instructor and said the lesson wasn't fun. read more

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Souheil B.

157

4 years ago

Very easy registration process. Jason was our guide and he was super good with our group. He focused on safety, how to surf around others, and really made sure we had a good experience. Highly recommended. read more

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H H.

3 years ago

We had so much fun with our instructor, Ricky! He is patient, kind, and professional. If you want to learn surf, he is the go-to person.

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Jimmy O.

Elite 14

101

122

5 years ago

My 6 year old took a private lesson with Sean and he said it was his favorite thing in Hawaii. He was little nervous at first but Sean was super friendly and easy going, and did an awesome job making my little guy feel at ease. I could tell after the first few mins he was already comfortable with Sean and getting excited to go surfing. After checking in, we walked down to the beach where they went over the basics, and off they went to catch some waves. There was a lot of people in the water but they paddled out a ways and after a few tries, he was standing up by himself and by the end of the lesson, he was catching waves by himself. Watching from the shore Sean was always by my little guys side My little guy had such a great experience and he was already asking if we can come back to Hawaii and surf with Sean again. Thank you Sean and the rest of the guys at the surf shack for giving my little guy such a memorable experience. read more

LahAina Surf Shack - Picking out his board - Surf Schools Near Me

LahAina Surf Shack - Thanks Sean - Surf Schools Near Me

LahAina Surf Shack - Off they go - Surf Schools Near Me

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Mark S.

4 years ago

Ask for Robbie. He's the best instructor. He's from Alaska and helped my three kids learn to surf and even me- their old dad. He helped teach us the basics, how to be safe and told us a lot of fun stories about his own surfing career and we swapped stories about ice hockey. Ask him about the polar bear in Alaska that chased after him. We can't wait to go back to surf with him again. If you have time afterwards- go to Prisons pizza next door. The owner used to be in Chicago and they have amazing pizza. read more

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Chris M.

4 years ago

Took a family surf lesson. It was two adults and two children. Booking was easy and the communication from the company was great. We had Cannon as our surf instructor and he was amazing with the old folk as well as the children. Highly recommend LahAinia Surf Shack and Cannon. read more

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Big T G.

4 years ago

They were awesome at encouraging any children that were a bit nervous. Ryder was awesome! He was kind, efficient in teaching for land and helpful in the water. My daughter did great w him as a teacher and got up all but once w success. Fabulous time. Photos w the photographer were much better than any I could take but there were times he missed a good ride that I had wished he caught on film. read more

LahAina Surf Shack - First time surfing! thank you Ryder! - Surf Schools Near Me

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Scott B.

5 years ago

I've lived in California for 35 years and never tried surfing. On vacation in Maui with my wife and 13 year old daughter and decided to give it a try - mostly because the island was so crowded we couldn't book zip lining or horseback riding. I am so glad that other stuff was full! We had an amazing time and Ricky was a perfect coach. Enthusiastic, patient, and totally there to make sure we had a great experience. We all managed to get up and ride a couple of waves all the way in (apparently a little too far in according to Ricky - sorry coach). Booking was a breeze and the whole experience was perfect. Well worth the time and $. read more

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Henry H.

4 years ago

Lahaina surf was great! Easy to book and great folks. First time lessons and Patrick was fantastic. He gave lessons before we hit the water. He wanted you to relax. If you are nervous, you might over react and fall in. The team is great, Patrick was nice and made you feel safe. We had photos with Frenchy who took some nice photos. read more

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Terrry B.

3 years ago

I'm so glad our hotel concierge recommended Lahaina Surf Shack. We got a same-day booking. Eddie was fantastic with my 8-year-old (a first-time surfer) and 11-year-old (who has some surf experience). He was patient, informative, and direct. We had a great sense of each kids' strengths and needs. My kids say he is a "cool and chill guy." Ruby in the office was great too. Parents, warn your kids that they will need to put in the work to have a great session (including carrying their own boards from the store through a park to the ocean and back). Thank you, Eddie for all your guidance! We hope to be back some day! read more

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Justin S.

5 years ago

Very awesome people and easy to rent with. We swapped out boards all week with no hassle. Also if your looking for a surf lesson they have awesome instructors. read more

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Alex P.

4 years ago

We had Tricky Ricky for a semi private lesson with my husband for three days. It was an incredible experience. Ricky is extremely knowledgeable and an excellent teacher. My husband and I both improved our surfing dramatically. I felt very safe and protected with him more so than with other instructors I had in Maui. We had an awesome time and wouldn't go anywhere else! read more

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Brian A.

4 years ago

What a phenomenal afternoon! The surf shack is so professional, organized and helpful - we had the best time! Eddie was our instructor and was fabulous - super nice and motivating. Safety first always, and extremely hard working. We have 2 kids and he was so terrific with them. They teach first on the beach and then right into the water - we all got up! We will remember Eddie forever! Trinity in the shack helped us get going and was great - very friendly and helpful. Couldn't have had a better experience. read more

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Hal P.

195

7 years ago

Signed up for a 2 hr private surf lesson. Called ahead and reserved the time, when we showed up everything was set up and ready to go. Patrick was my instructor and was AMAZING to work with. Very patient, lots of great suggestions and tips for a successful first time. I caught several waves and had a amazing time out in the water between sets. He showed me how to begin recognize wave formation, board position, and how to get set up for a successful run. Patrick is very easy going but a wealth of knowledge. If you are looking for a surf experience on Maui I highly recommend Lahaina Surf. I will definitely do another lesson with these guys... read more

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Rick J.

4 years ago

Ricky was a terrific teacher. We had 2 nine year olds for a semi private lesson and they got up everytime. read more

LahAina Surf Shack - Our sons first lesson with Ricky - Surf Schools Near Me

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Steve S.

7 years ago

Aina's shack, her staff and location are off the charts. On a whim I dropped in and immediately liked the place, the team and set up a private lesson a couple days later. My lesson was spot on for me, I got several tips that made me much more confident and consistent - thanks Aina! In addition, the equipment is better quality than most other shops. Check it out, you'll love it and will surely ride some waves! read more

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Tawni L.

4 years ago

Ricky was our instructor and he was amazing!! He really took the time to explain everything and was not condescending. He made me feel really comfortable and we were about to stand and catch a few waves. Definitely will be back. read more

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Olga R.

117

8 years ago

Excellent surf school. I got surfing lessons for my two teens. They were able to accommodate us at an earlier time earlier bc of our early flight. The instructor Makani was patient with my kids and they felt confident and comfortable out in the water. Would definitely recommend. read more

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Jenna R.

5 years ago

We had an amazing time! Surfing was one of our top to-do's while in Maui on our honeymoon and we are so glad we took lessons with Lahaina Surf Shack. Talbot was our instructor and he was incredible. He made sure we got something out of every second of our lesson. It was my husbands first time surfing and he was up on his 2nd attempt. I have taken surf lessons in Puerto Rico, Cabo and Waikiki and this was by far the best experience I have ever had. We absolutely recommend! read more

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Staci Y.

5 years ago

Excellent customer service & the most friendly staff you will ever meet! Mahalo for your hospitality!!!

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Joe G.

5 years ago

This place was great, we booked a semi private lesson for 3 the day before. Really enjoyed Jedi our Instructor, very helpful and made sure we all stood up. Kept giving us pointers after each ride so we would be a little better on the next ride. A lot of fun, thanks Jedi! read more

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jeffrey d.

4 years ago

I had a fun time surfing with bigfoot88. He is a serious and passionate teacher. I learned a lot about surfing. He taught me to get the safe zone of the waves so I don't get hit by the waves when paddling. read more

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Allison L.

4 years ago

Ricky was great! got up right away with his instruction! Thank you! Loved the instruction and good time!

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Gene W.

4 years ago

Had a great time falling. Tricky Ricky was the best. Time time we are in Maui we will us the Lahaina surf shack again

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(808) 867-4131
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https://www.lahainasurfshack.com

Hours

What time does LahAina Surf Shack open?

LahAina Surf Shack opens at 8:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does LahAina Surf Shack close?

LahAina Surf Shack closes at 2:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.LahAina Surf Shack is closed on Sunday.

Mon-Sat 8:00 AM - 2:00 PMSun Closed

Other Amenities

Does LahAina Surf Shack have free WiFi?

Yes, LahAina Surf Shack has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

LahAina Surf Shack, is a small locally owned surf school that was once located in the heart of Lahaina Town. Since our shop burned down we now meet for out lessons at Guardrails in Lahaina off RT-30. We specialize in family, and private surf lessons taught by CPR-certified instructors who emphasize safety, skill development and fun. We teach and share our love of the "Aina' or land, and "kai" the ocean as we respect and value all it provides for us. A woman-owned surf school, everyone is welcome. We have both male and female instructors. We offer a unique opportunity immerse yourself in our surf culture and love for Lahaina, and Maui. We present a variety of lessons for anyone at any level of experience, from beginner to advanced. Feel free to reach out through calling or email with any questions or concerns.

LahAina Surf Shack Reviews in Other Languages

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Review Highlights - LahAina Surf Shack

“Instructor (Ricky) was awesome, by the Secondd lesson my 11 year old daughter was paddling g into her own waves.”

Mentioned in 37 reviews

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4.8(376 reviews)

6.6 km

We had two families of five, with kids ranging from 10-15, along with four parents. Most of us were…read morefirst timers, and Steve, Lee, and Josh were fantastic teachers, great with kids and adults, patient, and super fun. Can't say enough good things about the experience, and highly recommend them to anyone!

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.

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Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy

Their photographer Chad McCord

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Surfing - Photo credit to Ricky Larson

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4.9(87 reviews)

6.6 km

My daughter and I took a semi-private lesson with Mario. It was our first time surfing and we had…read morethe best time. Mario had amazing energy and was incredibly patient with me (a 40+ something gal who lacks strength and coordination) and my daughter (a bit of a scaredy cat). We both got up on our boards a few times and caught some waves! We're already looking forward to the next time we can try surfing.

I had my first surfing lesson on the day before my 40th birthday, and it was one to remember. My…read moreinstructor, Mario, was really friendly, answered all of my questions, and really went above and beyond to ensure I had a great experience. Definitely recommending to friends and family visiting Maui.

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5.0(170 reviews)

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We did a first time lesson with them the day we left and it was such a great experience and way to…read moreend the trip! They were patient, kind, and very skilled! I highly recommend and would book with them again!

Chad and Dante were amazing. Easy to work with and really made our experience memorable. Our kids…read moreare 10 and 11 who surfed today. Chad actually took them surfing in 2020 pre covid when they were 7 and 8. He is so amazing with kids. I highly recommend it

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4.6(326 reviews)

6.5 km

Group lesson by Javier. Great teacher with sense of humor…read more Do it even if you aren't a swimmer. It's safe. Ride the wave on knees or feet if you can. Great experience. Thank you.

I can't tell you how happy we felt after leaving our surf instructor. H was wonderful and very…read morefriendly. We will definitely be coming back and I hope we get him again. When they say you will definitely get up on the board, believe them. He was so patient and explained everything thoroughly. Great experience! Thank you!

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Guardrails

Kelani piggy backed my 5 year old when he freaked out seeing a man-o-war on the board

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Local Pros Maui

5.0(33 reviews)

5.0 km

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!

These guys were communicative and accommodating. Our whole family caught waves and had an epic surf…read moreday to remember.

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Sea Maui Surf

4.6(11 reviews)

1.8 km

Professional, friendly, on time, great guys. Our hotel concierge recommended them and I'm glad he…read moredid. Steve was my instructor and I was impressed with how assertive he was. He noticed my stiff joints and was able to make recommendations that really helped. I had taken a lesson a couple years ago in California and really didn't make it up, but with Steve's instruction I was able to ride a handful of waves!

unforgettable experience! our instructor was super fun and informative. he encouraged us and also…read moremade us feel comfortable in the water (peep him supporting us in the back of the photos!). we caught a few waves and caught better vibes! big shoutout!!

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Surfing ‍

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Rivers To The Sea, Maui Surf Lessons

4.9(59 reviews)

4.9 km

We had an absolutely incredible experience with Rivers To The Sea Maui Surf Lessons! My two…read moredaughters took a lesson with Sharky, and I can't say enough good things about him. From the moment we arrived, he was friendly, patient, and clearly passionate about what he does. Sharky made the girls feel comfortable and confident right away, taking the time to explain everything in a way that was easy for them to understand. His energy was positive and encouraging the entire time, and you could tell he genuinely cared about making sure they had fun and succeeded. Both of my daughters were up and riding waves much sooner than I expected, and the smiles on their faces said it all. It was one of the highlights of our trip to Maui. If you're looking for a surf school that is professional, safe, and truly memorable, I highly recommend Rivers To The Sea--and if you can request Sharky, do it! We'll definitely be back next time we're on the island.

Great experience for my daughter and husband learning to surf. Great location and waves and plenty…read moreof surf time. Instructor prioritized our fun and helped us catch plenty of waves.

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After lesson, all smiles!!!

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West Maui Surf

5.0(4 reviews)

5.0 km

Sherman Dean saved my life. No greater endorsement can be made of anyone whose job it is to keep…read moreyou safe in the ocean, much more so when they are off duty. I will certainly be coming back for lessons from this brave and selfless soul.

Wow! What an experience! This was by far the highlight of our trip to Maui! Our instructors Rebecca…read moreand Sherman did not only a great job taking us on an amazing surfing trip but also shared a lot of the local culture and history of the island. We didn't even feel like tourists! I've been surfing a few times before on the west coast and even tried a bit solo on Maui but you really need to know the best spots and have the right gear and they set us up for success. Highly recommended if you want an authentic experience.

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Bully's Surf School

5.0(34 reviews)

6.0 km

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!

We can't say enough good things about Bully's Surf School! From start to finish, the team was…read morefriendly, professional, and just all-around awesome. Our group had three surfers--my husband and our two kids (16 and 13)--and they each had their own instructor. That 1:1 attention made a huge difference and was a major plus in our book. All three were able to get up on their boards and had a fantastic time out on the water. What really stood out, though, was the care and kindness we experienced beyond the lesson itself. At the end of our session, we learned that a nearby brush fire had shut down the road to our hotel. I was feeling a bit panicked, but Ashley went out of her way to help--immediately checking her phone for updates and even calling us later to see if we were okay and to offer assistance. This kind of genuine concern and support goes above and beyond. We're so grateful to the team at Bully's. Highly recommend them to anyone looking to learn to surf in a fun, safe, and supportive environment!

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Christmas is Maui

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Gotum Surfing

5.0(9 reviews)

0.0 km

This was by far my best surfing experience! I have tried two other surfing lessons in California,…read moreand these guys blew the others out of the water. Lopaka gave very simple and clear instructions before we got started and helped me apply the lessons while we were in the water. Our group had two instructors, Lopaka and Sonny, and they were two of the coolest people I've ever met. I wanted to just hang out with them for the rest of the day. I'm definitely recommending Got'um Surfing to everyone I know that visits Maui!

Had an absolutely amazing private beginner lesson with Lopaka and Dillon with my 10-year-old…read moredaughter. Not only were we able to get several waves, we also learned a bunch about surfing, the area, and a lot more. What stood out most is that these guys clearly care about the people they're teaching. They showed up with great surfboards, rash guards, and even a hat my daughter loved, and they made sure we were taken care of every step of the way. The whole experience felt safe, easy, and well-organized -- they knew exactly where to go, how to meet up, and how to make the logistics simple. I'm extremely uncoordinated -- I can barely roller skate -- and somehow I was able to get up almost immediately and catch several waves. My daughter also felt cared for and encouraged the whole time. There was always someone close by, so we never felt like we were just out there on our own not knowing what to do. They also had water afterward to help us rinse off and were just helpful, friendly, and fun to talk to about surfing and the area. For the value, it honestly felt like an incredible deal: basically two instructors for two hours, with top-notch service, at a very reasonable price. Even at twice the price, I would have felt like it was worth it. Highly recommend, especially for beginners or families. It was one of the best experiences of our trip.

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Lopaka stoked to see the kids up

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Tiger F.

3 years ago

Came to Maui for the honeymoon of our dreams! We decided to try our hand at surfing and talked to all the surf shops to find the right fit for us! Some of the other surf shops offered a more laid back experience that sounded nice but wouldn't guarantee we would stand up. Then we met Big Foot! A professional surfer who had the confidence and swagger to match his beaming fun personality! He told us to come by the next day and book a lesson and we would for sure stand up. When we showed up the next day it was the smoothest experience I have ever had. Right from the jump Bigfoot was all in on our experience. It was light hearted and fun yet extremely instructive. Both me and my wife were able to stand up on our first waves!!! From there he tweaked our form and gave us useful instruction to help us improve as surfers. When we were exhausted from surfing he took us out beyond the surf and shared fun Stories as well as interesting local history. Then back to the waves! Whenever we caught a good wave we would hear him hooting and hollering praise at our accomplishment! I can not recommend this surf shop any more especially if you have "Big Foot" as your instructor! We will be going back! The lesson is worth double what they charge!!! Absolutely awesome! 5 stars is not enough!!! read more

Stephanie L.

3 years ago

We couldn't have asked for a better first surf experience! Five Stars to the Lahaina Surf Shack in Maui, Hawaii. The experience from beginning to end was fantastic. My daughter had never surfed before but the staff was welcoming and cheerfully got her suited up and ready. They provided everything including offering sunscreen. Her instructor, Benny, was great with her, fully explaining the details and getting her started. She got up on her first try! They were out there for hours, he gave her extra time because they were having so much fun. Total bonus they saw a sea turtle and a whale breach! At one point the ocean just gifted her a flower which was floating by while she was paddling - so she put it behind her ear. When it fell out after awhile, without saying a word Benny went after the flower, scooped it up and gave it back to her. How kind! Wonderful place, great people. 10 out of 10 must try experience. ‍ read more

David L.

3 years ago

Nous avons pris un 2h de cours semi privé avec notre groupe de 4 débutants. Notre instructeur Benny a pris soin de bien nous expliquer les éléments de sécurité et les points techniques avant d'entrer dans l'eau. Il a pris le soin de nous rassurer et de répondre à toute nos questions. Une fois dans les vagues, il nous a donné de bons conseils personnalisés pour nous permettre à tous de facilement arriver à surfer nos premières vagues. Il a été d'une grande aide et nous a permis de prendre les meilleures vagues. Nous avons passé un très bon moment. Trinity à l'accueil est très sympathique et dévouée. Si vous avez la chance de croiser le photographe Steven François, il vous offre de prendre des photos pour environ 30$ par personne. Ses photos sont de qualité et elles sont vraiment belles. Ça permet d'obtenir un beau souvenir de votre session de surf. Merci pour tout Lahaina Surf Shack read more

Sara B.

3 years ago

My 17 & 18 yo boys had a surf lesson with Ricky at 6:30 a.m. and while it may have been early they couldnt have been more right about it being the best time of the day to take a lesson. There were only a few locals out with Ricky and my boys. When they were finishing up their lesson there was a mass coming in from different surf shops and looks like it could get busy quick. Ricky was super personable and very engaging with my boys. It was the whole reason we went with this shop and Ricky was because when they stopped in a few days earlier Ricky was so fun and made the boys feel really comfortable with the idea of surfing as they were new to it and I had one who is a bit shy to the ocean as well. When they were done they said Ricky made the experience one of the highlights of their trip! Thanks Ricky and Lahaina Surf shop!! read more

Jodi C.

3 years ago

We booked surf lessons for our three boys; 12, 10 and 8 for our first day and first excursion in Maui. We arrived and everyone was so friendly and helpful. Our instructor, Kannon, greeted us and talked to the boys. He immediately made them feel excited and comfortable about surfing. We didn't have any real expectations at the start but just hoped the boys would have fun and maybe learn a little. Kannon exceeded our expectations. All three were out there paddling and catching waves. He spent 1:1 time with each of them, so they had an individualized experience. They left super happy, excited and wanting to go again. We booked another session for Thursday with Kannon and even I'm joining in this time. He made it look so fun! Definitely a must do when you're here. read more

Rachel F.

3 years ago

Jedi was an amazing instructor! He took our family of 5, ages 7-53, with zero previous experience and had us all up and feeling great. He was so uplifting and positive. He really made us all feel at ease. He was knowledgeable about surfing, the island and the waves. You could tell he loved teaching people to surf. He knew how to read the crowd. My 7 year old can be quite shy and have a low attention span and he reached him. My tween and teenage girls are a bit shy and hesitant and they were surfing in minutes. In my mind he went above and beyond during our lesson. Thanks for the memories!! Also the photos were an unexpected add but a definate plus!! read more

Josh C.

4 years ago

We had 3 great days of surfing with Lahaina Surf Shack. Trinity was super helpful coordinating all of our needs and constantly changing schedules! Our first day 7 of us took lessons with Jedi and Kannen and everyone got up for a few good rides. We had so much fun we came back a few days later for another run at it with Niko and Leo. My wife joined in this time (much better than me). We came back a 3rd time with my sons to just rent boards and the team was helpful setting us up with what we needed to try it on our own. I highly recommend them all! read more

Darlene B.

4 years ago

What a wonderful experience! Our kids had never surfed before and this could not have been a better way to start learning how. Upon arrival we were greeted by Frenchy. He was genuinely happy to see us. He introduced us to Cannon who was our instructor. Cannon was very patient and kind as he taught our kids to spot the waves, stand and surf. Could not be happier. Frenchy was able to snap some photos of both kids surfing that we will be printing and hanging on our wall. 5 stars all the way. Thank you for a great experience! read more

Rodney C.

4 years ago

Niko had us catching waves in the first 5 minutes of the lesson! His knowledge of the ocean, wave selection and the mechanics of surfing was extraordinary. We not only learned how to surf, but we got to meet an incredible human being. Thank you Niko! The Surf Shack online system to pay and sign their waiver was quick and efficient. The staff were friendly and made us feel like Ohana! Thank you for the phenomenal service and for creating a lifetime memory. Aloha my friends, until next time! Your Ohana from Bend, Oregon. read more

Tbone N.

3 years ago

If you're lucky enough to have Eddie as your instructor, you're lucky enough. Had a freakin amazing lesson yesterday. Eddie is a great coach...what he teaches you on the beach gives you all the confidence you need to pop up on the board and ride the waves in on your first try. All three of us (48 mom, 47 dad, 14 son) all got up on our first try and surfed with smiles on our faces with Eddie cheering us on from behind. He kept us safe out there and gave great pointers on each run. We will be back next year! read more

Nikki H.

3 years ago

What a great experience!!! From the minute we walked up the staff was so so friendly and welcoming. Definitely felt the aloha spirit. I could of sat and chatted all day. My husband instructor was Eddy and he was absolutely amazing. My husband got up at least 3 times and it was definitely because of they way Eddy showed and explained things. My husband is already talking about coming back and booking another lesson with Eddy. If you are on the fence about a lesson, do it!!! Mahalo Eddy and Lahaina Surf Shack!!! read more

Jennifer C.

5 years ago

WOW! Highly recommend. Our kids had Connor as their instructor, could not have been a better experience. Connor was/is an incredibly knowledgeable and passionate surfer which was infectious to all of us! Thank you Connor and Surf Shack for making this experience one of our most memorable on Maui. I also recommend getting your surfing photos taken by Frenchy on the beach. My husband and I thought we would be able to capture them ourselves but they were to far out to get any good shots so for $25 well worth it! read more

Brynne T.

4 years ago

So awesome! My family had surf lessons this morning. 4 of us with one instructor (Ricky), and my youngest had a private lesson with Benny. These guys know their stuff and they got all of us up on our boards riding the waves! It was so much fun! I highly recommend them if you are looking to learn the basics and get yourself actually up on the board surfing. I cannot say enough good things about Ricky and Benny. They took such good care of us, and we all left having had the best time. Thank you so much!!!!! read more

William F.

3 years ago

We had wonderful experience today at Lahaina Surf Shack!! Our teen girl had a surf lesson with Eddie and they had so much fun!! He helped put them at ease and they got up surfing in no time, thanks to his great instructions. We also enjoyed a delicious breakfast and coffee before their lesson at the cute cafe next door to their shack. Billy was very friendly as we were shopping for merchandise after the lesson as well! Thank you all for making our day so fun and giving us more amazing Maui memories!! read more

Emily G.

3 years ago

My husband and I had a spur of the moment decision to take a surfing lesson and had a BLAST. The staff were very friendly and our instructor, Jed/Jedi, was really fun, had great energy, provided good helpful feedback during the lesson, and shared some lovely knowledge about the island and its ocean. Never would have thought I'd go surfing but these folks helped me catch the bug! If you're in doubt, give it a try! The water was beautiful and not overwhelming for a first timer. read more

Robyn J.

4 years ago

The LahAina surf shack was the best. We were in Maui during record swells. They were very attentive to the wave size and called us to rebook a different day that would be safer. They kept in contact with us letting us know if we were good to go or needed to cancel. The instructors were amazing and the whole family was able to surf! We had to children 10 and 12 and the instructors made sure to keep everybody safe the whole time with non-stop surfing fun! read more

Dena E.

4 years ago

My kids wanted to learn to surf when we were at a stop from a cruise ship. The location was less than a 5 min walk from where our tour dropped us off in Lahaina. The kids had Bigfoot as their instructor and loved him, both got up and were able to surf. He was a great instructor and the kids had a lot of fun with him. Both my kids are pretty athletic and 2 hours didn't seem like a long time but they were pretty wiped out by the time they were done. read more

Leslie T.

4 years ago

We just had the most fun, amazing, exhausting and exhilarating first-time-on-surfboards experience. "Big Foot," our instructor, was just great - 72% surf instructor, 28% psychoanalyst. He had us up on the boards almost right away, and was a great cheerleader. I would absolutely highly recommend him and this entire operation. Very well run and very fun. And if two 60-year old women can say this, well, you can only imagine how well they treat you!!! read more

Christie M.

4 years ago

We had a great family experience with Lahaina Surf Shack and the whole team. This was our first trip to Hawaii and my kids 7 &10 first time in the ocean. Tricky Ricky made my kids feel confident and took it really slow with them. He explained everything and made this overthinking mamma relax and have a great time and actually catch some waves! The entire team was so nice, personable and encouraging. I would highly recommend doing lessons with them! read more

Virginia M.

3 years ago

My granddaughter took a 2 hour private surf lesson with Surf Shack on July 9th 2023, her instructor was Eddie. She had a blast. I highly recommend a private lesson. My granddaughter had numerous times on the surf board riding the waves since she was the only student in the class. She couldn't say enough good things about Eddie. He made her feel at ease and gave her the confidence boast she needed. Thank you, Surf Shack and especially Eddie! read more

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