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Private South Maui Stand Up Paddleboarding Lesson
Pricing
Price is per 1 person
Price is per 2 people
Price is per 3 people
Description
Private South Maui SUP Lesson at Makena Bay
Duration of Lesson
- 2 Hours
Location / Where to Meet
- Check in/Departure Address: Makena Landing Beach Park, 5083 Makena Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
- Makena Landing is a small boat ramp and beach park located in South Maui, approximately 10 miles (16 km) south of central Kihei. Public restrooms are available at the park.
- There is a small parking lot at Makena Landing — arrive early as it fills quickly, especially on busy mornings. Street parking is available along Makena Road nearby.
Ages & Requirements
- Minimum Age: Guests must be at least 5 years old.
- Open to all experience levels! This lesson is designed for complete beginners!
- Guests must be able to paddle with some degree of physical exertion; easy-to-moderate fitness level recommended
- Must be comfortable in the ocean
- All lessons are COMPLETELY private. It will be you or your party only paired with a SUP instructor. We will never mix you with other people or groups.
- The outfitter does not list an official weight limit, but paddleboards can often support up to 300 lbs (136 kg); guests closer to 250 lbs (113 kg) or under may have the most stable and comfortable experience in ocean conditions.
What's Included
- Private SUP lesson (your group only)
- Stand up paddleboard, paddle, and personal floatation device (PFD)
- Comprehensive instruction
- Certified naturalist guide
- Complimentary digital photo package
Not Included
- Gratuity - Never expected but if you have a great experience, please consider gifting 10-25% to your instructor!
- Reef-safe sunscreen (bring your own)
- Wetsuit or rash guard (bring your own if desired)
What to Bring / Wear
- Swimsuit & Towel
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen
- Extra layers of clothing - sweatshirts and warm hats
- Dry bag
- Snacks & Water
- Required paperwork - Signed medical form if required, waivers, etc.
- Waterproof Camera - The company is not responsible for any damaged or lost items.
- Seasickness medications - If you are prone to seasickness, it is recommended to take sea sickness medication at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before the scheduled boat time. It is too late to take the medication if you are already seasick on the boat.
- Please remove any jewelry, watches, or anything that can get damaged by water or you don’t want to lose.
Wildlife Guidelines
Turtles, rays, sharks, seals, and dolphins are all protected species in Hawaii. You are not allowed to chase, harass, feed, or TOUCH any of the marine species. Please enjoy their company if they approach from a distance and calmly move away from them if in their path. Please also be respectful of the fact that coral is a living organism and any standing, touching, or knocking over will irreparably damage the organism that takes a very long time to grow and is essential to our marine reefs.
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Maui SUP Adventures
FAQs
What wildlife can I see during my lesson?
Hawaiian green sea turtles are commonly spotted on lessons and tours from Makena Landing. Other wildlife you may encounter includes colorful reef fish, spotted eagle rays, and Hawaiian monk seals (rare but possible). From December through April, humpback whales are frequently seen in the nearby Au'au Channel.
What makes paddleboarding in South Maui special?
South Maui's Makena coastline is one of the most ecologically rich stretches of coastline in all of Hawaii. The area — often called "Turtle Town" — is renowned for its large resident population of Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu), pristine coral reef systems, lava formations, and crystal-clear visibility. Learning to paddleboard here means your classroom is also one of the most scenic and wildlife-rich spots on the island.
Are the lessons private?
Yes — all lessons are fully private. Your group will be the only participants with your instructor, and the session will be entirely tailored to your experience level, goals, and pace.
What sunscreen should I use?
Please use only reef-safe sunscreen — chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, found in many common sunscreens, are harmful to coral reefs and marine life. Look for non-nano mineral formulas free of oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens. UV-protective rash guards are an excellent alternative.
I've never stand up paddleboarded before — can I really do this?
Absolutely. This lesson is specifically designed for first-timers. Your instructor will spend time on land walking you through everything before you enter the water. Most guests are standing and paddling on their own within the first 30 minutes. The calm, protected waters of Makena Bay make it one of the best learning environments on Maui.
What will I actually learn during the lesson?
Your instructor will cover proper stance and balance, how to hold and use the paddle, basic forward and turning strokes, and how to safely fall and reboard the board. Once you're comfortable on the water, you'll explore the nearby coastline at a relaxed pace, with your instructor sharing information about the local marine environment, geology, and Hawaiian history.
Is a SUP lesson a good idea before booking a tour?
If you have no prior SUP experience and are interested in the Coastal Sightseeing or SUP & Snorkel tour, a private lesson is a great way to build your confidence and technique first. That said, the tours are also open to complete beginners — your guide will provide instruction before every tour as well.
Cancellation Policy
A full refund is available up to 24 hours prior to the trip. Due to the fact that our tours sell out on a daily basis, no refund will be granted for a cancellation within 24 hours of the trip. Reservations booked within 24 hours are non-refundable. Maui SUP Adventures reserves the right to cancel, reschedule or adjust the trip due to dangerous weather conditions.
Availability
Reviews
Location
Address
5110 Makena Rd
Kihei, HI, 96753
US
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