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Private & Semi-Private Stand Up Paddle Boarding Lessons in Kihei, Maui

Lesson
See all paddle board lessons in Kihei
Kid Friendly
Locally Owned
Beginner Friendly
Free Cancellation
Private
On the Water
Instant Book
Duration: 1.5 hours

Pricing

Private SUP Lesson

1 student per instructor

$150
Semi-Private SUP Lesson

2 to 6 students per instructor

$105

All Prices

Private SUP Lesson

1 student per instructor

$150
Semi-Private SUP Lesson

2 to 6 students per instructor

$105

Description

Paddle the Maui Coast: SUP Lessons for All Levels!

Stand up paddleboarding is one of the best ways to explore the calm, clear waters of South Maui — and Kihei is the perfect place to learn. With its sheltered coastline and gentle conditions, The Cove offers an ideal setting for first-time paddlers and those looking to refine their technique alike. Your local instructors make the experience accessible to all ages and skill levels, from young kids taking their very first strokes to adults looking to get comfortable on the water.
Every SUP lesson begins on the sand with approximately 15 minutes of instruction focused on paddling fundamentals, stance, balance, and water safety. From there, you'll head into the ocean with your instructor by your side to practice catching small waves and gliding across the surface. The goal is not just to stay upright — it's to build the skills and confidence to paddle on your own.
Two lesson formats are available: a Private Lesson (1 student per instructor) offers full one-on-one attention, making it the best choice for young children, nervous beginners, or anyone seeking focused technique coaching; a Semi-Private Lesson (2–6 students from your group with one private instructor) is ideal for couples, families, or friend groups who want to share the experience while still receiving personalized guidance. In either case, your instructor is exclusively yours — you will not share them with guests outside your party.
All gear is provided, including soft-top paddleboards, rash guards, and surf shoes. The shop is steps from The Cove, so setup is quick and easy — just show up ready to paddle!

Duration

  1. Total Experience: 1.5 Hours (including land instruction and check-in)
  2. Active Lesson Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
  3. After your lesson, boards and gear are available to continue using until shop close (~3:30 PM) at no extra charge!

Location / Where to Meet

  1. Check in/Departure Address: 2021 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
  2. The shop is located on South Kihei Road across the street from Kalama Park, on the corner of Auhana Road and Kihei Road, next to HiTec Surf Shop.
  3. SUP lessons take place at The Cove in Kihei, directly in front of the shop.
  4. Street parking is available along South Kihei Road and in the Kalama Park lot across the street.
  5. Restrooms are available at Kalama Park.

Ages & Requirements

  1. Minimum age: 4 years old
  2. Kid-friendly — children as young as 4 are welcome; Private Lessons are strongly recommended for young children!
  3. No prior paddleboarding experience required — all skill levels welcome!
  4. Participants should be comfortable in the water
  5. Guests must be able to participate without requiring physical assistance beyond normal instruction
  6. The outfitter does not publish an official weight limit for these SUP lessons, but most stand-up paddleboards of similar size typically support around 230–300 lbs (104–136 kg) depending on water conditions and rider experience.

What's Included

  1. Professional SUP instruction — approximately 15-minute land lesson plus in-water coaching!
  2. Soft-Top Stand Up Paddleboard & Paddle
  3. Private lessons offer advanced techniques and personalized attention, making them perfect for skill enhancement or for those taking their first strokes, including young children.
  4. Semi-Private SUP Lessons for an intimate experience, accommodating 2-6 students from your party with a private instructor.
  5. Dive into the basics of stand-up paddling with a fifteen-minute land lesson, emphasizing water safety, before hitting the water!
  6. Rash guard
  7. Surf shoes
  8. Safety fins
  9. Use of gear and boards for the remainder of the day after your lesson (until ~3:30 PM)

Not Included

  1. Gratuity — Never expected, but if you had a great experience, please consider gifting 10–25% to your instructor!

What to Bring / Wear

  1. Swimsuit & Towel
  2. Reef-Safe Sunscreen
  3. Reusable Water Bottle
  4. Dry Bag for valuables
  5. Snacks
  6. Extra layers — mornings can be cool on the water
  7. Required paperwork — signed waivers and any forms required at check-in
  8. Please remove any jewelry, watches, or anything that could get damaged by the water or lost in the surf!

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Maui Wave Riders- Kihei

FAQs

Do I need prior experience for a SUP lesson?

No prior experience is required. Your instructor starts with a thorough land lesson covering everything from how to hold the paddle and stand on the board to basic strokes and staying balanced. By the time you hit the water, you'll have the foundation you need.

What is the difference between a Private and a Semi-Private SUP lesson?

A Private Lesson is 1 student per instructor, giving you the most focused, individualized attention possible — ideal for young children or anyone who wants a fully custom experience.

A Semi-Private Lesson has 2–6 students from your group with one dedicated instructor. You do not share the instructor with anyone outside your party, making it a great value for couples, families, or small groups.

What should I wear for my SUP lesson?

A swimsuit works perfectly — your rash guard and surf shoes are provided. Apply reef-safe sunscreen before you arrive. Mornings can be breezy on the water, so consider a light layer for the drive over. Avoid cotton clothing as it doesn't dry quickly.

What sunscreen can I use and why does it matter?

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.'

Is stand up paddleboarding hard to learn?

SUP is one of the more accessible water sports for beginners — many people find their balance within the first few minutes. The calm, shallow conditions at The Cove in Kihei are forgiving and ideal for learning. Your instructor will be in the water alongside you throughout the lesson, so you'll have support at every step.

What fitness level is required?

Basic swimming comfort and a moderate level of physical activity are recommended. You'll be balancing, paddling, and occasionally stepping back onto the board after falling off — all manageable for most fitness levels. If you have specific physical concerns, contact the outfitter ahead of time.

Cancellation Policy

Please notify Maui Waveriders immediately of any changes or cancellations to your reservation. Reservations not cancelled within 24 hours of the scheduled lesson time will be subject to payment. The credit card used to guarantee your reservation will be charged 100% of the total price.

To change or cancel a confirmed reservation and obtain a cancellation confirmation, please call us.

Should you be delayed due to travel you must inform us before 3pm local time the date before your lesson so your reservation is not considered a “no-show.” The lesson may possibly be rescheduled for another time or date with a rescheduling fee if you call the day before the lesson. Should you cancel the lesson without rescheduling, a 100% charge of the total will occur.

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Availability

October 2026

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Reviews

Location

Address

2021 South Kihei Road

Kihei, HI, 96753

US

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