How we rank: Google rating, weighted so a 5.0 from six reviews doesn't outrank a 4.9 from a thousand. Schools can't pay to move up this list; a paid placement is labelled as one. Listings that share a phone number or website are marked as the same team.
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// Packing list
Most schools provide the board and wetsuit, so you can arrive with very little. These are the small things worth packing.
We may earn a small commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We only recommend gear we'd ride ourselves.
Rash guard (UV surf shirt)
Stops the wetsuit and board rubbing your chest raw, and covers your shoulders if the water is warm enough to skip the wetsuit.
See options on Amazon →Mineral (zinc) sunscreen
You will spend a couple of hours on open water. Zinc stays on your face better than spray and is easier on the reef.
See options on Amazon →Changing poncho or hooded towel
Gets you out of a wet wetsuit in a beach parking lot without the towel dance.
See options on Amazon →Waterproof phone pouch or dry bag
Keeps your phone, keys and car fob dry and sand-free while you are in the water.
See options on Amazon →Reef booties or water shoes
Only where the entry is rocky or reefy. Sandy beaches rarely need them, so ask the school first.
See options on Amazon →Surf hat with a chin strap
Shades your face during the beach briefing and in the water; the strap keeps it on when you fall off.
See options on Amazon →Full checklist, including what to leave at home: What to bring to surf lessons
Seasonal averages for Hawaii — not a live surf report for this beach. Hawaii surf seasons in full
// 18 Surf schools listed
Local instructors, real reviews, and how to reach each school direct.
Highest rated
Keep It Simple Hawaii Surf School & Private Tours5.0 from 450 reviews
Most reviewed
Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy612 Google reviews
Lowest published group price
Opelu Surf Schoolfrom $79 per person
// The Lineup
Ranked by rating confidence — review volume counts, not just the score.
// Free Surf Guide
The Beginner's Surf Guide
Wave basics, gear checklist, lesson tips — all free, delivered instantly.
18 schools on the map
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// The price check
Based on prices published by 12 of 18 schools · checked October 2026
The other 6 don't list prices on their websites, so they are not in these figures. Rates change with season, group size and what's included. Confirm with the school before you book.
What the schools say about their lessons
From each school's own website. Schools that don't say aren't counted as a no; confirm when you book.
// Side by side
| School | Rating | Group | Private | Kids | Lesson | Phone | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy | 4.9 (612) | $80/person | $125/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | 2 hours · 2-5 students · ages 9+Board + wetsuit included | +1 808-276-7873 | Book Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Keep It Simple Hawaii Surf School & Private Tours | 5.0 (450) | $125/person | $205/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | 2 hours · 3:1 surfer-to-instructor ratio · ages 5+Board + wetsuit included | +1 808-209-3535 | Book Keep It Simple Hawaii Surf School & Private Tours on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Rivers To The Sea, Maui Surf Lessons | 5.0 (329) | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | —Not stated | +1 808-280-8795 | — |
| Local Pros Maui Private Surf Lessons | 5.0 (258) | Price not published, ask the school | $220/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | 1.5 hours · 1-13 peopleBoard + wetsuit included | +1 808-870-2438 | Book Local Pros Maui Private Surf Lessons on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Sea Maui Surf | 5.0 (231) | $105/person | $205/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | 1.5 hours · ages 10+ | +1 808-732-6284 | Book Sea Maui Surf on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| LahAina Surf Shack | 4.8 (203) | $85/person | $160/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | 2 hours · ages 5+Board + wetsuit included | +1 808-661-2700 | Book LahAina Surf Shack on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Maui Waveriders Lahaina | 4.7 (198) | Price not published, ask the school | $89–$209/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | 1.5 hours · ages 8+ | +1 808-661-0003 | Book Maui Waveriders Lahaina on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Goofy Foot Surf School | 4.8 (176) | $125/person | $250/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | 2-hour · no more than 5 students per Instructor · ages 9+Board + wetsuit included | +1 808-244-9283 | Book Goofy Foot Surf School on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Island Style Adventures - Maui Surf School Kaanapali | 4.7 (112) | Price not published, ask the school | $89/lesson | $160/lesson | 1.5 hours · 1 instructor per 3 people · ages 7+ | +1 808-244-6858 | Book Island Style Adventures - Maui Surf School Kaanapali on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Bully's Surf School | 5.0 (70) | $150–$165/person | $200/lesson | $35/lesson | Board + wetsuit included | +1 808-727-9659 | Book Bully's Surf School on their website (opens in a new tab) |
Ask = not published on the school's website, so call or message to get a quote. Prices are the lowest each school lists. Lesson details are what each school states on its own website; a dash means not stated.
// Know before you book
Group lessons are the usual starting point: they cost less per person, and you share an instructor with typically 4 to 8 other students. Private lessons give you one-on-one attention and a faster start, which suits nervous beginners, anyone short on time, or surfers working on a specific skill, at a higher price per person. Semi-private sits in between, for two to three people who want to learn together. Class size and what is included vary by school, so confirm when you book.
You share an instructor with other students, typically 4 to 8 per instructor, for around 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Best for: First-timers on a budget and anyone who likes learning alongside others.
Published by Keep It Simple Hawaii Surf School & Private Tours: “2hr, 3-1 Group Surf Lesson, Up to 12 guests, 3:1 student-to-instructor ratio, For ages 10+”
A small group of two to three people with one instructor, often friends or family booking together.
Best for: Couples, friends and families who want more attention than a group without the private price.
Published by Keep It Simple Hawaii Surf School & Private Tours: “2hr, 2:1 Semi-Private Surf Lesson, For ages 10+”
One instructor, one student (or one family). The pace and focus are yours to set.
Best for: Nervous beginners, short trips, and surfers working on a specific skill.
Published by Keep It Simple Hawaii Surf School & Private Tours: “2hr, 1:1 Private lesson, Required for children aged 5-9 years old”
Lessons run for younger surfers, usually in smaller groups with a lower instructor-to-student ratio. Minimum ages vary by school.
Best for: Children and teens. Ask the school about age limits and whether parents can stay on the beach.
Published by Island Style Adventures - Maui Surf School Kaanapali: “Non-swimmers lesson for kids at $160.”
Multi-day programs, from a few days to a week or more, mixing lessons, practice sessions and surf theory.
Best for: Visitors staying a while and anyone who wants to progress past the first stand-up.
Board and wetsuit are usually included in a lesson price. Confirm when booking, because policies differ between schools. In Lahaina, 9 of 18 schools say board and wetsuit are included on their own websites.
// The Local Report
Lahaina is on Maui's west shore. A lesson with a local school is the safest way to start: an instructor chooses where to go based on that day's swell, tide and wind.
Lahaina was devastated by the August 2023 wildfire. Since May 2025 the county has opened recreational, non-commercial shoreline access at the north and south ends of Lahaina Harbor, including for surfers heading to the Breakwall, while Kamehameha Iki Park remains closed. Limited commercial boat operations resumed at the harbor in December 2025, but we haven't found an official statement that commercial surf lessons have resumed in Lahaina town, and the county's fiscal 2026 list of surf-lesson permits has none here. The nearest permitted west-side lesson site on that list is Ukumehame Beach Park. Ask any school where it currently teaches before you book.
Hawaii Ocean Safety expects extremely high surf at many west-shore beaches in winter (November to April), and notes that swells from the north can wrap around to create high surf on west shores in summer too. Conditions change day to day. Check the National Weather Service Honolulu surf forecast (weather.gov/hfo), and ask the lifeguard on duty or your school before going in.
Hawaii Ocean Safety's advice applies to every session: swim near a lifeguard and check with them about conditions first; watch for sharp rocks, coral and sea creatures on the ocean floor; remember that even gentle, shallow water can quickly become powerful; and don't dive in headfirst where you haven't checked the depth. Tell your instructor honestly how well you swim.
Gear included · Group lessons · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise the friendly, professional, and encouraging instructors who create fun, easy-to-follow lessons perfect for beginners, ensuring everyone catches waves and enjoys a memorable surfing experience.
Group lessons from
$125/person
Group lessons · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers rave about the excellent surf instruction, especially from instructors like Sharky and Kain, which enables beginners and all levels to quickly catch waves and have a fun, safe, and memorable experience.
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Gear included · Group lessons · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise the instructors' patience and skill, especially with children, leading to a fun and successful surfing experience.
Private lessons from
$220/lesson
Group lessons · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise the instructors, especially Sky, Devon, and Christian, for their knowledge, patience, and ability to provide a fun and successful first-time surfing experience for all ages.
Group lessons from
$105/person
Gear included · Group lessons · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise the surf school's knowledgeable and patient instructors, who create a fun and successful first-time surfing experience for both children and adults.
Group lessons from
$150/person
Group lessons · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers rave about the exceptional, personalized instruction from expert surfers like Zane and Matty, leading to unforgettable and successful surfing experiences for all skill levels.
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Gear included · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise the friendly, knowledgeable, and patient instructors who provide excellent surf lessons and create a fun, high-quality experience.
Group lessons from
$80/person
Gear included · Group lessons · Beginner friendly
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Gear included · Group lessons · Beginner friendly
Group lessons from
$79/person
Group lessons · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Private lessons from
$210/lesson
Gear included · Group lessons · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers rave about the excellent and patient surf instructors, like Eddie, Jedi, Kannon and Walter, who provide fun, supportive lessons and ensure a fantastic experience for beginners.
Group lessons from
$85/person
Gear included · Group lessons · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise Goofy Foot Surf School for providing excellent, beginner-friendly surf lessons with professional and kind staff, ensuring a fun and successful experience for all ages.
Group lessons from
$125/person
Gear included · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Group lessons · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers appreciate the engaging and kid-friendly shore fishing excursions led by Nick and Marco, while some paddle boarding students found Matt's instruction lacking in safety guidance and support for beginners.
Private lessons from
$89/lesson
Private lessons · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers highly recommend Maui Waveriders Lahaina, particularly praising instructors like Freddie and Kahala for their experience, focus on…
Private lessons from
$89/lesson
Group lessons · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise the instructors, especially Connor, Tyler, and Shaka Sean, for their patience, encouragement, and professionalism, resulting in fun and successful surfing experiences, even for first-timers.
Group lessons from
$199/person
