Beginner Group Surfing Lesson in Kihei, Maui

Not at all. Our lessons are designed for first-timers and beginners — you'll learn everything from paddling technique and ocean safety to popping up on the board, with your instructor alongside you the whole way.

Group lessons keep a ratio of 5 students per instructor, so you get personal coaching while learning alongside other new surfers. Larger groups are split between multiple instructors.

Each lesson starts with a 15–20 minute land session covering paddling, balance, ocean safety, and popping up. Then you'll head into the water for hands-on instruction as you practice catching waves.

While our ocean adventures launch from Polo Beach in Wailea, our surf lessons take place about 10 minutes away at The Cove at Kalama Beach Park in Kihei — one of the best beginner surf spots on Maui. It offers consistently gentle waves and safe, shallow conditions, which gives you the best possible chance of standing up and having fun. Our complimentary shuttle takes you there and back from the resort.

Group lessons are for ages 12 and up. For younger children, we recommend a Private Surf Lesson (ages 6+) or an Ohana lesson with your family, where kids 10 and under surf with their own instructor.

You'll need to be comfortable swimming in the ocean without assistance or a life jacket for group lessons. If you're not, a private one-on-one lesson is the best fit.

Yes, secure lockers are available for your belongings during the lesson.

We use high-quality soft-top surfboards that are stable and beginner-friendly — ideal for learning to pop up and catch waves safely. A stand-up paddleboard can be provided instead if it suits you better.

There is the option to add on a photo package! Photo packages are available for purchase. Ask your instructor or let us know at check-in if you'd like your surf moments captured.

All of our experiences check in at the Ocean Experience Center at the Fairmont Kea Lani resort, 4100 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI 96753. Our paddle, kayak, and scuba activities launch directly from Polo Beach, just steps from check-in. Surf lessons include a shuttle from the resort to the surf break in Kihei, so please always check in with us at the resort rather than meeting at the beach.

You can valet your vehicle at the Fairmont Kea Lani for a fee (we do not validate parking), or park for free at the public Polo Beach Park lot and walk to your right along the beachfront path to reach us.

No — our experiences are open to everyone. Fairmont Kea Lani guests do have a shorter cancellation window, which is noted in the Cancellation Policy on each listing.

Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled start time to check in, sign waivers, and get fitted for gear. Activities begin promptly so you get your full time on the water.

Our team includes PADI-certified dive professionals and experienced local watermen, and our guides and instructors are trained in CPR and first aid. We keep high training standards, run safety checks, and maintain careful instructor-to-guest ratios.

Time on the ocean can trigger motion sickness for some people. If you're prone to it, consider taking your preferred motion sickness medication about 30 minutes before your activity.

Common sunscreens contain chemicals that can harm coral reefs, as the particles are small enough to be absorbed by corals, causing toxicity and coral bleaching. Reef-friendly sunscreens are formulated without these harmful chemicals. Reef-SAFE sunscreens go a step further by using non-nano particles, which are too large for corals to ingest, helping to preserve marine ecosystems. Please avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens. Consider wearing sun-protective clothing, like long-sleeve rash guards, as an alternative to sunscreen. If you choose a mineral-based sunscreen, ensure it is labeled 'non-nano.'