Private Surf Lesson: Two Hours of Beginners Instruction in Kihei

The best part of this Kihei lesson is the private coaching. You are not placed in a large class and left to copy someone across the beach. The instructor can focus on your balance, timing, and comfort in the water, whether you are five years old, a first-time adult, or an experienced surfer polishing your technique.

I like that the price includes the surfboard, rash guard, and water booties, so you do not need to arrange your own equipment. I also like the clear first-wave promise: if you do not catch a wave, your next lesson is free. The main drawback is the price, $366.67 per person, which makes this a serious splurge unless you value private instruction or can use a group discount.

Key points to know before you book

• Private instruction: Your lesson is one-to-one or reserved for your private group, not mixed with unrelated participants.
• Two hours in Kihei: The session is long enough for an introduction to technique, water time, and repeated attempts without taking up an entire day.
• Gear is supplied: A surfboard, rash guard, water booties, and professional instruction are included.
• For ages five and up: Children may participate, but anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
• First-wave guarantee: If you do not catch a wave, the next lesson is free.
• Meet at 1976 S Kihei Road: Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and the activity finishes at the same meeting point.

Why private coaching matters for a first surf lesson

Surfing has a steep first learning curve. You are trying to read a wave, lie correctly on the board, push up at the right moment, and keep your balance, all while the water is moving under you. In a big group, an instructor has to spread attention around. Here, the lesson is built for you or your own small party.

That matters most if you are nervous. You can ask the same question twice, take a pause, or work on one small correction without feeling that you are holding up a class. If you already surf, the instructor can adjust the lesson rather than making you repeat a basic introduction.

The session is described as suitable for beginners, intermediate surfers, and advanced surfers. The strongest fit, though, is a beginner who wants more direct help than a standard group lesson provides. For a family, the private format also means the instructor can work at a child’s pace while an adult remains involved.

The provider is Surf Shack Maui. Max is one instructor associated with the experience, and his friendly, engaging approach helped make one first surfing attempt feel like a successful adventure. You should not assume Max will be your assigned instructor unless the company confirms it, but his name is useful when you contact the provider about the teaching style you want.

Meeting at 1976 S Kihei Road

You make your own way to 1976 S Kihei Road, Kihei, Hawaii. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of the package, so allow time to reach the meeting point and arrive ready for the scheduled start.

This arrangement keeps the experience simple and focused. You are not spending part of a two-hour lesson collecting people from several hotels. The tradeoff is that you need to handle your own transportation. The supplied details do not include a hotel shuttle, parking instructions, or a precise arrival time, so confirm those points when you book.

The activity both starts and finishes at the meeting point. That is useful if you have plans before or after the lesson, but leave some breathing room. The stated duration is about two hours, and water activities can take a little time to get everyone organized even when the formal lesson is finished.

Getting fitted with the included gear

Your package includes a surfboard, rash guard, water booties, and professional instruction. That is a meaningful saving in convenience. You do not need to rent a board separately or guess which equipment suits a first attempt.

A rash guard helps protect your skin while you paddle and practice. Water booties are also included, which can make the lesson more comfortable for anyone who would rather not go barefoot. The supplied information does not specify board sizes, bootie thickness, or whether other equipment is available, so ask about fit if you have special needs.

The phrase accommodation as per itinerary appears among the included items, but no lodging details are provided. I would not treat that as a hotel benefit without written confirmation. The practical inclusions you can count on are the board, rash guard, booties, and instruction.

The first part of the two-hour lesson

Expect the opening portion to focus on getting ready and understanding the basics. The exact sequence is not provided, so I would not promise a particular beach briefing or practice routine. You can expect the instructor to shape the lesson around your skill level, with beginners receiving an introduction and more experienced surfers working on the next stage of their technique.

For a first-timer, private instruction is valuable before you even reach a wave. Small errors in body position can make standing up much harder. A dedicated instructor can watch closely and offer immediate corrections instead of letting you repeat the same mistake.

Children need an adult with them. The minimum age is five, but the experience is described as suitable for any skill level. That gives families flexibility, although a young child’s comfort and ability to follow instructions will still determine how much they enjoy the session.

Practicing in the water and chasing the first wave

The heart of the lesson is time spent trying the skills in the water. You will be working toward the basic goal of catching a wave, with the instructor guiding you through the process. For many beginners, the first successful ride is less about athletic talent than timing and calm, steady practice.

The first-wave guarantee is one of the most useful details here. If you do not catch a wave, your next lesson is free. The policy makes the booking feel less risky for a complete beginner, though you should confirm how the free follow-up is arranged and what conditions apply.

Do not read the guarantee as a promise that you will become a surfer in two hours. It is better understood as a commitment from the provider to give you another chance if the first session does not produce a wave. You still need to participate, listen, and accept that ocean conditions and individual comfort can affect the lesson.

The session is private, so you can make steady attempts without competing for the instructor’s attention. That is especially helpful when you need several tries to feel comfortable standing on the board. I would also expect the instructor to adjust the pace if you are tired or unsure, but confirm the safety procedures directly if that is a major concern for you.

What the private format means for families and groups

This is not simply a one-person lesson. The instruction may be one-to-one or dedicated to a private group, and group discounts are listed as available. That makes the price worth comparing for families or friends who want to learn together.

The value depends heavily on how many people are included in your booking and how the per-person rate changes with a group discount. At the listed price of $366.67 per person, one private lesson for a single participant is costly. For a group that can share the private setting and receive a discount, the cost may feel more reasonable, especially when you consider the included board and clothing.

Ask exactly how the instructor divides attention among your group. Private does not always mean every person gets uninterrupted one-to-one coaching for the full two hours. The information allows for a private group, but it does not state the maximum group size.

For a parent and child, the arrangement has a clear advantage: you can take part in the same activity rather than sending the child into a separate class. Children must be accompanied by an adult, so plan on being present even if the adult is not the main student.

The value of $366.67 per person

At $366.67 per person, this is not a casual add-on to a budget Maui day. The cost needs to be judged against the privacy, equipment, professional instruction, and first-wave guarantee.

I see the strongest value for three kinds of people. First, a nervous beginner may benefit from personal attention enough to justify the premium. Second, a family or group may reduce the effective cost through the stated group discount. Third, an intermediate or advanced surfer may prefer a lesson built around a specific goal instead of a basic group class.

The value is weaker if you simply want to try surfing once at the lowest possible cost. A group lesson would usually be the type of option to compare, though no group lesson price is supplied here. You should also compare the total cost of your day, since transportation to Kihei is not included.

The gear matters, but it should not be the only reason to book. A board and basic clothing are useful benefits, yet the real purchase is the instructor’s attention. If the lesson helps you catch a first wave or gives you a solid base for future surfing, the higher rate may feel worthwhile.

Who should choose this Kihei lesson

I would recommend this experience to a first-time surfer who wants a private, patient introduction. It also makes sense for a child age five or older, provided an adult attends and the child is ready to follow instructions.

It suits families and friends who want a shared activity without joining strangers. The private setting can also help if one person is a beginner and another already has surfing experience, since the instructor can adapt the session.

Intermediate and advanced surfers can book it too, but I would contact Surf Shack Maui first with a clear goal. The description promises instruction for all skill levels, but it does not list specialized coaching topics. Tell the provider what you want to improve so the lesson can be planned around that aim.

I would be less enthusiastic if you are mainly searching for the cheapest way to stand on a board. The price is high, and the lack of hotel transport adds another task. This is a focused instruction purchase, not a bargain beach activity.

Booking details that matter

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum age is five. Most people can participate, but the available information does not spell out specific physical, medical, or swimming requirements, so raise any concerns before paying.

The activity is offered in English. Only your group participates, which gives you a quieter and more personal lesson than a shared class.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Canceling or changing the booking less than 24 hours before the start means you will not receive a refund, and late changes are not accepted. That policy is fairly clear, but it makes it important to check your family’s schedule before booking.

Should you book this private Kihei surf lesson?

Book it if personal coaching is your priority and the price fits your Maui budget. The private format, supplied equipment, English instruction, and first-wave guarantee give beginners a stronger safety net than a bare-bones rental or large class.

I would especially consider it for a family with a child five or older, a nervous adult beginner, or a small group that can use the discount. Ask about the exact group pricing, assigned instructor, meeting instructions, and the conditions of the free follow-up before you confirm.

Skip it if you only want the least expensive surfing introduction or if hotel transportation is essential. For everyone else, this is a short, focused lesson with a clear goal: give you direct help, plenty of personal attention, and a fair second chance if your first attempt does not produce a wave.

FAQ

Where does the surf lesson start?

The lesson starts at 1976 S Kihei Road, Kihei, HI 96753, USA.

Where does the activity finish?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the lesson last?

The lesson lasts approximately two hours.

What equipment is included?

A surfboard, rash guard, and water booties are included, along with professional instruction.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is five years old. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted and are not refunded.