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Wailea-Makena Surfing Lessons
Wailea-Makena Surfing Lessons - What to Know
Wailea surf lessons are built for first-timers and beginners. You don't need any surfing experience – just a sense of adventure and, for most lessons, comfort swimming in the ocean. Outfitters are based near the Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea and run a complimentary shuttle to The Cove at Kalama Beach Park in Kihei, so there's no need to rent a car or find parking if you're staying at that resort. The Cove's small, consistent waves and shallow, sandy bottom give beginners the best possible chance of standing up on their first day.
Every lesson runs about 2 hours. It starts with 15 to 20 minutes on the sand, where your instructor covers paddling, balance, ocean safety, and the pop-up – the move from lying on the board to standing. Then you head into waist-deep water, where your instructor helps you pick waves, gives you a push at the right moment, and coaches you through each ride. Lessons use soft-top surfboards, which are wide, stable, and soft if you fall.
There are three lesson formats: one-on-one private lessons, ʻOhana (family) lessons for your own group, and small group lessons with other beginners. Outfitters are locally owned, beginner-friendly, and experienced with kids as young as 6. Photo packages are available from most outfitters if you'd like pictures of your first waves.
Why Choose Wailea-Makena Surfing Lessons
Maui's South Shore sits on the island's drier, sunnier leeward side, so lesson mornings are often bright and calm. The Cove is sheltered and shallow, with small waves that roll in slowly instead of crashing, and it's where many of South Maui's surf schools teach. Water temperatures range from about 75°F (24°C) in winter to about 80°F (27°C) in summer, so a rash guard is usually all you need.
For travelers staying in Wailea or Makena, the free shuttle is a big plus. Instead of driving to the North Shore or West Maui and hoping for beginner-sized surf, you're picked up near your resort and taken to one of the most reliable learning spots on the island. Wailea's own beaches are usually too calm for lessons, and Makena's Big Beach has a dangerous shorebreak, which is why Maui Makena surf lessons start at The Cove.
Where to Go: Wailea-Makena Surfing Lessons
Surf lessons Maui Wailea outfitters run all meet at the resort and shuttle to the same beginner beach. The Cove is about 10 minutes north of Wailea, and the whole lesson takes place in its calm, waist-deep teaching zone. Here's what to expect at each stop:
- Fairmont Kea Lani (Wailea) – The pickup point for the complimentary shuttle. Guests at the Grand Wailea, Four Seasons, and other Wailea resorts can ask about pickup times when booking.
- The Cove at Kalama Beach Park (Kihei) – Where every lesson takes place. Small, gentle waves break into shallow, waist-deep water over a mostly sandy bottom, making it one of Maui's best beginner breaks. It's popular with local surf schools, so expect friendly company in the lineup.
- Makena & Big Beach (South Maui) – Makena is a beautiful place to stay, but Big Beach's powerful shorebreak is for experts only. Makena guests get the same free shuttle to The Cove for their lesson.
Types of Wailea-Makena Surfing Lessons
Maui surf lessons Wailea outfitters offer come in three formats, so you can choose based on your group, your age, and how much one-on-one coaching you want:
Private Surf Lessons
A private lesson pairs you with your own instructor for the full 2 hours. Your instructor watches every pop-up, picks waves that match your ability, and adjusts the pace to you. It's the best choice for anyone who wants undivided attention, for children ages 6 to 10, and for non-swimmers, since life jackets are available.
ʻOhana (Family) Surf Lessons
ʻOhana means family in Hawaiian, and these lessons are private to your group – you won't be paired with strangers. One instructor coaches up to 4 people, and a second joins for a group of 5. It's a great value for couples, siblings, and multi-generation families. Children 10 and under can join but need their own dedicated instructor, which carries an extra charge.
Group Surf Lessons
Group lessons are the most affordable option and a fun, social way to learn alongside other beginners. They keep a small 5-to-1 student-to-instructor ratio, and larger groups are split between instructors. Group lessons are for ages 12 and up, and you need to be comfortable swimming in the ocean without help.
Benefits of Wailea-Makena Surfing Lessons
A lesson is the fastest and safest way to learn to surf. Your instructor reads the ocean, chooses the right waves, and gives you real-time feedback on your paddling, timing, and pop-up – details that are hard to figure out alone. They also teach ocean safety and surf etiquette, so you know how to share the lineup and handle falls. With the board, shuttle, and coaching all included, makena surf lessons Wailea guests book take the guesswork out of your first day in the water.
Top Tips for Wailea-Makena Surfing Lessons
- Pick the right lesson for your swimming ability. Group and ʻOhana lessons require you to be comfortable swimming in the ocean on your own. If you're not a strong swimmer, book a private lesson and tell your instructor ahead of time – life jackets are available.
- Book the right format for young kids. Children ages 6 to 10 need their own instructor, so book a private lesson or add an instructor to your ʻOhana lesson.
- Wear a rash guard. A snug rash guard or surf shirt protects your skin from board rash and the sun. Check the listing to see whether rash guards are provided.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen. Hawaii bans sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate. Choose a waterproof, non-nano mineral sunscreen and cover your face, ears, and the backs of your legs.
- Hydrate and eat beforehand. Paddling in the sun is more tiring than it looks. Drink water before your lesson, have a light breakfast, and bring a water bottle.
- Leave valuables behind. Bring only what you need on the shuttle. Ask your outfitter about secure storage for keys and phones during the lesson.
- Expect to fall – a lot. Falling is part of learning. Fall flat and away from your board, cover your head when you come up, and climb back on with a smile.
- Give wildlife space. Green sea turtles often swim near The Cove. Stay at least 10 ft (3 m) away and let them pass.
- Plan something easy for afterward. Two hours of paddling works your shoulders and core. Plan a relaxed afternoon, and grab a meal at one of the cafés in Kihei or back in Wailea.
To learn more, explore these TripOutside stories:
- Ultimate Guide to Surfing in Hawaii – Explore Hawaii’s best surf areas, wave conditions, seasons, etiquette, and tips to help you choose where and when to paddle out with your Maui surfboard rental.
- The 10 Best Surfing Beaches in the US – Discover standout surf beaches across the country, including Maui favorites, with details on wave quality, skill level, and what makes each break worth riding.
Other Maui Adventures
Once you've caught your first wave, the South Shore has plenty more to explore, from Turtle Town's reefs to Molokini Crater offshore, with Haleakalā rising behind the coast. Here are other adventures in and around Wailea and Makena:
- Surfboard Rentals – Keep practicing on your own with Wailea surfboard rentals delivered to your resort.
- Stand-Up Paddleboarding – Learn on calm water with Wailea SUP lessons, or explore Turtle Town on Wailea and Makena SUP tours.
- Kayaking & Outrigger Canoeing – Paddle to Turtle Town on Wailea and Makena kayaking tours or with Wailea kayak rentals, or try a traditional outrigger canoe tour.
- Snorkeling & Scuba Diving – Explore the reef on Wailea and Makena snorkeling tours, visit Molokini Crater snorkeling tours, or try Wailea and Makena scuba diving tours.
- Hiking – Explore lava coastlines and Haleakalā's volcanic landscapes on Maui hiking tours.
- Mountain Biking & Electric Biking – Ride the slopes above the coast on Maui mountain biking tours or with Maui electric bike tours and rentals.
Trusted Local Expertise, Verified by TripOutside
All information on this page has been carefully verified and curated by the TripOutside content team in collaboration with our vetted local outfitters, guides, and service providers. Our partners run these tours, lessons and rentals every day and provide firsthand details about the routes, terrain, conditions, safety practices, and what to expect on your adventure.
Before featuring any provider, TripOutside reviews customer feedback, ratings, certifications, and local expertise to ensure accuracy and quality. This means every recommendation reflects genuine, on-the-ground experience and up-to-date information from trusted local experts. If you spot anything that needs an update or correction, please reach out to our team at stoke@tripoutside.com - we're always improving our guides with help from our community of adventurers.
Our goal is to help you explore confidently, knowing every adventure is backed by real local knowledge, verified data, and a commitment to sustainable, human-powered travel. Adventure Better – TripOutside.
What Wailea surf lesson is best for me?
It depends on who's surfing and how much coaching you want.
A private lesson gives you your own instructor and is the best fit for young kids, non-swimmers, and anyone who wants undivided attention.
An ʻOhana lesson is private to your family or friends and is great value for groups of up to 5.
A group lesson is the most affordable and fun if you're 12 or older and comfortable swimming in the ocean.
Do I need experience for a surf lesson in Wailea?
Not at all. Every surf lesson Wailea outfitters run is designed for first-timers and beginners. You'll start on the sand learning to paddle, balance, and pop up, then practice in waist-deep water with your instructor beside you. Most beginners stand up at least once during their first lesson.
Where do Makena surf lessons take place?
Lessons for Wailea and Makena guests take place at The Cove at Kalama Beach Park in Kihei, about 10 minutes north of Wailea. Its small, gentle waves and shallow, waist-deep water make it one of the best beginner breaks on Maui. Makena's own beaches, including Big Beach, aren't suitable for lessons, so Makena surf lessons Maui outfitters run all use The Cove.
Is there a shuttle for Wailea Makena surfing lessons?
Yes. Outfitters offer a complimentary shuttle from their base near the Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea to The Cove and back. That means you don't need a rental car or to find parking in Kihei if you are located at the resort. Ask about pickup times and locations when you book, especially if you're staying farther south in Makena.
Can Grand Wailea guests book Grand Wailea surf lessons with a shuttle?
Yes. If you're staying at the Grand Wailea, the Fairmont Kea Lani shuttle pickup is about a mile away, a short walk along the Wailea Beach Path or a quick drive. Some outfitters may be able to pick up at other Wailea resorts – ask when you book.
How long are Makena beach surf lessons?
Lessons run about 2 hours. The first 15 to 20 minutes are on the sand, covering paddling, balance, ocean safety, and the pop-up. The rest of the time you're in the water, catching waves with your instructor's help. Plan a little extra time for the shuttle ride each way.
How much do Wailea surf lessons cost?
Group lessons start around $149 per person, ʻOhana (family) lessons start around $169 per person, and private one-on-one lessons start around $299. Every lesson includes the surfboard, instruction, and the free shuttle. Children 10 and under need their own instructor, which carries an extra charge. Check each listing for current rates.
What's the difference between private and ʻOhana makena surf lessons Hawaii outfitters offer?
A private lesson is one-on-one with your own instructor. An ʻOhana lesson is private to your group of family or friends, with one instructor coaching up to 4 people and a second joining for a group of 5. ʻOhana lessons cost less per person than private lessons while still keeping strangers out of your session, which makes them a favorite for families.
How big are group surf lessons Maui Wailea outfitters run?
Group lessons keep a 5-to-1 student-to-instructor ratio, so you still get personal coaching while learning alongside other beginners. If a large group books, it's split between multiple instructors to keep the ratio small. It's a social, upbeat way to learn, and you'll cheer each other on.
Can kids take Wailea surf lessons?
Yes, kids as young as 6 can learn. Children ages 6 to 10 need their own dedicated instructor, so they can take private lessons or join an ʻOhana lesson with an added instructor.
Kids 12 and up can join group lessons. Instructors are experienced with children and focus on safety, patience, and fun in calm, shallow water.
Can I take maui makena surf lessons if I'm not a strong swimmer?
Yes, but book a private lesson and let your instructor know ahead of time. Private lessons take place in waist-deep water with your instructor right beside you, and life jackets are available. Group and ʻOhana lessons require you to be comfortable swimming in the ocean without assistance.
What surfboards are used for surf board lessons Wailea outfitters teach?
Lessons use soft-top surfboards, which are wide, stable, and padded on top. They float well, make it easier to balance and stand up, and are much softer than hard boards if you fall. If surfing isn't the right fit, some outfitters can provide a stand-up paddleboard instead.
What should I bring to makena surf lessons beach maui outfitters run?
Wear a swimsuit and bring a rash guard, reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, and a water bottle. Leave valuables at your resort if you can, and ask your outfitter about storage for keys and phones. The surfboard and instruction are included, and you can check the listing to see whether rash guards are provided.
When is the best time of year for makena surf lessons wailea guests book?
Lessons run all year. The Cove usually has small, beginner-friendly waves most days, though very flat or very large days can happen. Summer brings more consistent South Shore swells, while winter tends to be smaller and gentler. The water stays warm year-round, so any season works for a first lesson.
Can I get photos of my Wailea surf lessons?
Yes, most outfitters offer photo packages for purchase. It's a great way to capture your first wave without worrying about a camera in the water. Mention it when you book or at check-in, and check the listing for photo pricing and what's included.