Shout out to Mikey who was a great surf instructor for my husband and kids. They had a great time and Mikey was great from the dry land lessons to getting them out on the water and giving them tips and techniques to ensure they got up on their boards and got surfing! They were pretty tired when they got back but that just means they got to ride a lot of waves in! My daughter said surfing was one of her favorite activities of the trip. The company was easy to find in the parking lot and they offered the option to tip digitally which we appreciated. We also purchased the optional photo package so got some great photos of our group on the water. read more

Surf Shack Maui - Dry land practice - Paddleboarding Near Me - Kihei, Hawaii

We booked through Viator and for two people ( my husband and I) was $216.00. Pros: very responsive information sent by text including pictures of where to meet. We found the spot easily and the van. Once we checked in, we filled out the waiver, fitted with a sun shirt and water shoes. We were also given a mesh bag to put our belongings in and this was put in their van. We were in a group of 6 people total and our guide was Mikey. Mikey went over the basics and had us practice on dry land and then we were off. It was only waist deep and most of the ocean floor was sand, with a few rocks, so the water shoes came in handy. Mikey found a wonderful area for us to ride waves on Kalama Beach and was very encouraging and positive. He'd tell you exactly what to do and when to do it to successfully surf. I am the least athletic person and I stood up on my first wave. Best of all, we saw a lot of turtles! I could have stayed all day and just enjoyed the turtles. Surfing is exhausting and I had a hysterectomy 6 months ago. When I wanted to just cheer people on, there was no pressure to get back out there. It was at my own pace. I really appreciated that. There is also a photographer to purchase pictures and we bought those as well for $120.00. $90.00 for 1 person and $120.00 for two. It will be 48 hours or so until those come in digitally. Gratuity isn't included, so we brought cash. If you need to, there is also a digital way to tip your instructor. If you use this company, ask for Mikey. He's a great teacher and very enthusiastic with his small group. Con: on the Viator website it lists "light refreshments", which wasn't offered. If I had to do it again, I'd skip Viator and book directly with the company. If you book directly with the company it's $88.00 per person. read more

Surf Shack Maui - From the Viator website. There wasn't a light refreshment offered. - Paddleboarding Near Me - Kihei, Hawaii

Really positive experience. Went surfing with a family group of five, for most of whom it was the second time attempting surfing. We arrived a little late (went to the wrong location further south), but we were accommodated regardless. Manu (Manuel) who hails from Argentina was our instructor. He was super friendly and encouraging, remembered all our names after asking only once, and was just genuinely a really nice person. He offered each person individual feedback, and we all managed to eventually glide our way along without falling at least once! Even the fellow taking the photos was friendly and encouraging, it really made the morning. For $20 per person, the photos are made available digitally; the quality of the pics is totally worth it, lots of great action shots. Would go again, was just starting to get a feel for it! Great way to spend two hours, at $90 per person. All equipment is included, including long sleeve rash guard shirts and full water booties. The latter are essential because the practice area is very shallow and rocky. My cousin and I also happened to get jellyfish stings, so just be aware to watch the surface of the water for them, especially around full moon time (we went day of the full moon). Don't worry, it was about as bad as stinging nettle and only lasted a few hours. It's also pretty atypical, my first time getting stung despite coming to Maui for years. Just do it! You'll have fun no matter what. All ages and sizes were out learning to surf that day. I enjoyed watching others gain skill and confidence, and hearing people cheer their friends on. Best day we've had so far this trip. read more

Surf Shack made our surfing experience so fun, they were really welcoming to all beginners which made the experience amazing. It was really easy to learn with the help of our instructor, Mike. It is also a very kid friendly business and the instructors are always helping you learn. I promise you'll enjoy yourself at Surf Shack. We did lessons one day with our kids (the whole family) and the kids liked it so much that we came back the next day and rented boards from the owner Brandon and felt confident enough to surf on our own! read more

Surf Shack is definitely reasonably priced. After the first lesson, our kids wanted to do it again so we booked them another lesson within the same week. Each instructor has up to 6 participants. Both times our instructors (Tobias and Nani) took care of our kids, maybe because they were the youngest in the group. With so many instructors and groups, it really looks chaotic however I would call it an organized mess. These instructors have a system and the participants know to regroup after each ride. They have professional photographers there as well. Both photographers we had were great. Our first photographer took lots of great pictures including an epic wipe out of our son. The other took amazing action shots. We don't have anything to compare this experience with since Surf Shack was our first. however next time we visit again, we will definitely go back. read more

Surf Shack Maui - Multiple groups - Paddleboarding Near Me - Kihei, Hawaii

I went last minute Monday morning to see if I could get in a late morning lesson and they were able to accommodate me right away. The staff were all super friendly, and it was one of the more affordable surf lessons option in the area. The lessons come with a group photographor as well which was a great perk. The instructor I had was Sophia, and she was amazing! Super chill but informative and taught me a ton. She was fun to be around. I highly recommend this place! read more

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They are way over priced. I used to come here all the time and pay $20 with Kaamaina. I haven't been since Feb or March but they charged me $50 today and that was really disappointing. I paid because I really wanted to get out on the water. I asked the guy later if they raised prices and he said 'yeah only $10' and then walked away. Pretty dismissive. But I paid for 2 hours and was only out for like 45 mins because I was uncomfortable with what I just paid. I cut my session early and dropped my board off and the guy said he would give me $10 back but I was pretty uncomfortable and didn't want to be 'that person' so I just left. Disappointed. Edit: I just looked at my camera roll, I started at 10:07 and ended at 10:41. I wasn't even out there a full hour and the guy only offered a $10 credit. I can't believe this is how they treat regulars of locals. read more

Awesome teachers that are very friendly. Everyone in the class was able to catch a wave despite all of us being beginners. Once you're a customer they try to help you out as much as possible. We came back to rent boards and they gave us a nice discount since we took their class earlier in the week. They give out rash guards so you don't get burns when moving on the board and told us exactly where to be to catch better waves. Awesome people, awesome time. I'd recommend just saving money and doing a group instead of a private lesson. You just need the basics and a few waves to get the hang of it. read more

Surf Shack Maui - Paddleboarding Near Me - Kihei, Hawaii

We had an amazing experience with Surf Shack! We got to learn from Mike and couldn't have asked for a better time- but the whole staff was so kind and helpful! Especially for anyone feeling nervous, they'll help you feel comfortable and confident out there. Plus they have a fantastic photographer that gets great photos throughout your lesson- so fun to have those memories! Highly recommend Surf Shack! read more

We originally went to the wrong surf shack that didn't have double kayaks or SUP. But we were directed to the correct ones connected to mana Kai Maui resort. It was a little tricky finding it but eventually we did. The dude at the rental shack was chill, informative, and nice. Unfortunately, the waves had grown and we struggled to get the kayak out. The same rental dude came out to assist us. We really appreciated his help. He also helped me to get the SUP out; luckily that didn't cause trouble. He offered to help us get back to shore and set a plan to help us. The waters were beautiful and so many people were either in the beach or in the water using kayaks, SUP, surfing, snorkeling, and swimming. It was so relaxing to be out at sea surrounded by peaceful skies and the warmth of the sun. Later the waves progressed to a concerning level. So we waited and carefully made our way back to shore. We made it back safely without an issues. We ended up not needing the rental dude's help but the offer was very kind. Once again, it was pretty embarrassing how we struggled to get the kayak out to sea haha but the worker at the rental went above and beyond to help us. We were very thankful for his help to ensure our safety & that we had a good experience. It's so convenient to have a rental place right by the water and by your housing. I think I would like to stay at a resort by the water next time. read more

Surf Shack Maui - Paddleboarding Near Me - Kihei, Hawaii

Good teachers, efficient flow from check-in, waivers, getting gear (rash guards and booties), storing our items, and grabbing boards. We walked our boards over as a group across the street to the grassy park before the water, where our instructor basically talked us through the paddling and standing up portions. We didn't take turns practicing or anything, he just demonstrated for us, which felt... incomplete? We headed down a slippery rock slope/ramp and had to be very careful. The ground under the water was very rocky - thankfully we all had wetsuit booties on. Unfortunately despite this, we were still surfing in shallow enough water that when my boyfriend fell off, he used his hand to break his fall and sliced it on a rock under water. Despite seemingly insufficient instruction, it wasn't hard to paddle and get up. The instructor mostly helped us catch waves with a little extra push, and mother nature was on our side, sending us many waves (there was a short 10 minute lull at one point). Biggest plus, which earned the 4th star for this review, was that we were surrounded by sea turtles, which made my little heart SO happy! As other reviewers have noted, they do take photos, but will then charge you for the digitals. I really just wish it was built into the package, as I feel it should be. Would recommend with the fair warning that instruction is limited, pictures are not cheap, and rocks under the water, but it was close to our AirBnB, had great waves, and sea turtles galore. read more

Our instructor was awesome! He was very detailed, patient and friendly! I am an educator and he was able to understand our weaknesses and he worked with each member in our group and help all of us get up on the board within the first couple of waves! This is the second time I have surfed and this group was by far the better teachers! read more

Such a wonderfully friendly team and they pointed us in the direction of a dive suit store a few doors down to rent a wetsuit . Husband had a blast surfing on his own for a few hours before our departure . read more

Surf Shack Maui - Beautiful longboard rental - Paddleboarding Near Me - Kihei, Hawaii

Super friendly instructors. I appreciate that they let you book solo. Many places require 2 reservations minimum.

Buyer beware... Surf lesson and experience was fantastic! Michael is a great instructor and my son and I had an amazing experience. The photographer who takes the pictures and sells them as part of the experience is a sham. While it does capture you surfing, the quality was poor and the price is high. They charged $35 per person which come to $70 for the two. I recommend the surfing, I discourage the picture. An iPhone can capture better quality pictures. I requested a partial refund out or principal and was told, sorry but no. Very disappointed if that response. See pictures and you decide. read more

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We had the best time surfing with Mike. He was a great coach...patient, positive and made the day so fun for us. Highly recommend and can't wait to go do it again! read more

Not respectful of the local surf spots. They literally marched 10 people across the reef as they crossed the surf break at the Cove today. They told their students get off of their boards and to walk through the surf zone with their boards! Meanwhile, no one else can catch a wave a that time as the line of people cut across the surf break. They then parked all of them in a group on the break that we were surfing. They basically ran us off of our spot. Not pono!! read more

The school instructor, Sofia, is very patently to new learners. The school located near the main road and easily to park. After a lesson, all of our six-learners can stand on the board. It's worth. read more

Great place to learn how to surf! I took my two kids here for there first ever surfing lessons, ages 12 and 23. Mareono was their instructor. He gave them such great instructions that they were able to get up and ride a wave on their first try. They rode wave after wave for two hours and had the time of their life. They can't wait to come back to Hawaii again to surf. Make sure to bring some cash to tip your instructor. They also have a photographer in the ocean so at the end you can purchase a professional photo package. He took some great photos. I am over the moon happy. read more

Surf Shack Maui - First wave - Paddleboarding Near Me - Kihei, Hawaii

This was a great, streamlined and fun experience! Our surf coach (Sofia) was so kind and considerate! She was great with our whole family! We ended up as a group of four (our family of 3 and a teen on her own) and our family had a blast! We all ended up standing and surfing multiple waves in the nice, just long enough, two hour lesson. I'm 40 and a cancer survivor, so I was definitely proud of myself for going out there and was grateful for our super sweet and helpful instructor. Also, Jessica was a great photographer! read more

3 stars because the instructor, Sebastien, was great and very friendly! He explained how to stand up in a way that was easy to understand and was super supportive of all of our wipe outs. Taking away two stars because they have people taking photos of you while you surf, which seems innocuous until they send you the pictures and then try to guilt you into paying almost $100 for them after they've already given them to you. We were told we'd be sent images with watermarks and that if we wanted the ones without we could ask for them and pay, which we were prepared to do. However, we were sent images that apparently did not have a watermark and then an extremely rude text about how we were being dishonest even though they sent us the images! Just be careful about the photographers and their bait and switch scheme. read more

What fun we had surfing with Church and James! Never surfed before and James did a great job making it fun and relaxing. He explained the safety and how to very clearly. We were a group of four and before we hit the beach he had pretty much given each of us a fun nickname and out on the water we got individual instruction and encouragement. While I would not say I am a surfer girl and there is so much more to learn this was a great way to learn I want to do it again. No way I would have thought I would surf with Church the dog on my board on my fourth wave... but I did! Church is an excellent surfer and all I knew was I didn't want to let him down and spoil a wave for him. So totally awesome! Thanks James and Church! Virginia and Turtle read more

This was the icing on our amazing Maui vacation. We absolutely loved our surf lessons and had a blast. They were well organized and easy to work with and our instructor was fun and encouraging. We loved the pictures that were offered and felt like it was good value for money but there is no obligation to buy them for anyone who feels otherwise. read more

Amazing experience! Our 16 & 18 year olds took lessons and loved it! They were able to successfully surf. The instructors were very helpful and encouraging. The photographer was able to capture the experience with a series of pictures. Two days later the girls returned to rent surf boards. Highly recommend this great company! read more

Took my kids here for a surf lesson a couple weeks ago. Although the lesson itself was fine, the instructor who gave the lesson was extremely unsafe, COVID wise. He kept taking off his mask, was coughing and complaining about physical ailments and telling my kids, while he's in the water with them, maskless and not distanced, that his wife had COVID. When my kids finished the lesson, they were shaken and told me that they felt very unsafe because of the instructor. I called and spoke with the manager, Brian, a day later. All he did was offer excuses and tell me that if I'm worried about COVID, I shouldn't sign my kids up for activities. This is UNTRUE. We did a lot of activities while in Maui and found every other place to be very conscientious about COVID precautions. He told me he would talk to the instructor to see if he has been tested and call me back. Guess what? He never did. There are a lot of surf shops in Maui that offer lessons. I would recommend not going to this one. If they can't be safe about COVID, why would you trust your well-being or that of your kids to them? Mahalo! read more

We had a fantastic experience at Surf Shack. Keanu was so kind and accommodating to my mom and I. We reserved a 2 person kayak for 3/18. He let us know the winds were looking to pick up and that if we wanted to change to 3/19 it would be no problem. We decided to give it a go any ways. Sure enough the wind got very strong we had to cut our rental short and head back. Keanu was all about the aloha, not the $$ and still gave us credit for the next day. We had an amazing paddle with some great whale encounters the next day. Guys with this much integrity and kindness are hard to find in the tourist industry. Thanks Keanu for showing so much aloha. We'll see you next time. Cannot thank you enough. read more

Surf Shack Maui - Paddleboarding Near Me - Kihei, Hawaii

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It was ok. First time ever trying to surf. I'm older and did get up and surfed out a couple waves. The instructor was very patient. The area where you surf is very rocky and being a beginner, fell many times and got lots of cuts and scrapes which is fine but would be much more enjoyable on a sandy beach. I'm glad I did it and the pics were good even though I had some issues getting them after paying. read more

I did this with my family. My sisters and I have never surfed before, and my parents have had one lesson somewhere else in the past where they barely learned to stand up. Because of this, my expectations were low, but they ended up being pleasantly exceeded. Our instructors, Mike and Nico, were fantastic and helpful. I am proud to say that I can surf now, and so can everyone else in my family. I also, while surfing, surfed extremely close to a sea turtle, which caught me by surprise. The photography was high quality as well. Overall, if you want to learn to surf, go here! read more

We have a lot of fun. Since we got there they were super friendly and nice. Also the instructors are very patient with kids. And some adults like me . The photographer is really, really nice. Always with a smile. I will go back there every time. read more

Surf Shack Maui - Paddleboarding Near Me - Kihei, Hawaii

Awesome instruction. Fun group. Both kids loved it. I would recommend this surfing co. to anyone.

Awesome crew at the Surf Shack made it an amazing day for our first-time surfers! Leyla taught them the basics in about 15min, James helped the kids catch waves with Church on board and Kylee took priceless photos from the water! Fully recommend this experience to all! Enjoy! read more

Surf Shack Maui - Hang Loose, Baby! - Paddleboarding Near Me - Kihei, Hawaii

My instructor, Andrew, was so patient and had so many helpful tips. He gave very simple and quick explanations before going out. Once we were out there, he would help me set up on a wave then give me a few pointers on positioning to change for the next one. I highly recommend this place. They were all very welcoming and easy to work with ‍ read more

We loved the crew and the tour to Molokini . They were knowledgeable about the sea life we encountered and were always willing to answer questions . The turtles were beautiful and the fish were amazing . With climate change a lot of the coral was bleached . I grew up in Hawaii so remember the days 30 years ago of beautiful coral reefs . I really enjoyed this tour and so did my boyfriend. We both used scopolamine patches to help with seasickness. Many on the boat felt sick . read more

Perfect location, great pricing and the staff is so friendly. We took our teenage son for group surf lessons and he had such a great time we ended up renting boards for 2 days. Super inexpensive. Love these guys. read more

They were very organized for checkin and got us all situated quickly. Our trainer was really good, plus fun, and everyone in our party got up on the board to surf some waves. They captured photos of each of us, so we bought the photo package at end. A fun experience for sure, and even Dad said it was the best thing we did in Hawaii! Very memorable! Thank you! read more

This was probably the most fun I've had in my life. I had Nikko and Mike as instructors and they were both so kind and encouraging and personable. They made learning to surf easy and accessible and fun. I would absolutely recommend this place to anyone and hope to come back soon. read more

We booked surf lessons on our honeymoon and I'm so glad we did. Mike was our instructor and he was the nicest guy and so supportive, even with me being the most afraid person out there. The time of the session was the perfect amount of time and I was really excited to find out that they provided a gallery of photos at the end- for purchase, but worth it! I would absolutely recommend surf shack for anybody wanting to try surfing for the first time. We loved it and even stood up on our boards! read more

Prompt and friendly service from Church the surfing dog. Photos show us making a deal on a 8'0 board rental. Good discount if you rent for 4 or more days. I recommend this shop. Call ahead for a specific board as the selection is large but they are popular. read more

Surf Shack Maui - Paddleboarding Near Me - Kihei, Hawaii

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This place is awesome! My very first time out on a surfboard and our instructor Kaio was amazing! He coached everyone in our little group so well that we all caught some waves! He even got me to do a headstand on the board! They provided everything we needed for our lesson: surfboard, rash guard, and booties. They also have a professional photographer capturing all your action shots! Dope experience, can't wait to try surfing again soon! read more

This place is right across the street from where a ton of beginner surfers practice (Cove Beach , Kihei). While the group lessons are great, I'd recommend a private lesson ($130 for 2 hours).....which is a great value. You'll get your own dedicated instructor and will be surfing within 15 mins. Our instructor was great and everything is provided ...board, surf shoes, etc.... Side note: make sure you use the surf/sand shoes while in the wate, not bare feet. While risk is low, you don't want to step on a coral/rock with a Sea Urchin by accident. Food tip near Surf shack-best quality/value is the "daily fish plate at Cafe Olei" or a sandwhich at moons natural foods. read more