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
// 10 Surf schools listed
Local instructors, real reviews, and how to reach each school direct.
Highest rated
Maui Surfer Girls5.0 from 876 reviews
Lowest published group price
Maui Surfer Girlsfrom $109 per person
Kids-friendly
Soul Surfing MauiTagged kid-friendly from student reviews
// 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.
10 schools on the map
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// The price check
Based on prices published by 4 of 10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maui Surfer Girls | 5.0 (876) | $109/person | $219/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | 2 hours · 4:1 Student:Instructor Max Ratio · ages 5+Board + wetsuit included | +1 808-214-0606 | Book Maui Surfer Girls on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Soul Surfing Maui | 5.0 (116) | $110–$120/person | $220/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | 1.5 hours · ages 5+Board + wetsuit included | +1 808-870-7873 | Book Soul Surfing Maui on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Maui Island Surf and Snorkel | 5.0 (114) | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | —Not stated | +1 808-283-0653 | — |
| Maui Surf Clinics | 4.8 (57) | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | Board + wetsuit included | +1 808-244-7873 | Book Maui Surf Clinics on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Aloha Surf School Maui | 5.0 (12) | Price not published, ask the school | $199/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | 2 hours · 1-6 students and 1 instructor | +1 808-633-2800 | Book Aloha Surf School Maui on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Maui Surf lessons Pro | 5.0 (7) | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | —Not stated | +1 808-757-5135 | — |
| Nancy Emerson Surf Clinics on Maui | 5.0 (5) | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | —Not stated | +61 413 380 933 | — |
| Mauitruenorthsurflesson | 5.0 (2) | $125/person | $200/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | 1 studentBoard + wetsuit included | +1 808-295-6724 | Book Mauitruenorthsurflesson on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Hawaiian Style Surf School | 5.0 (2) | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | —Not stated | +1 808-874-0110 | — |
| Kingdom Riders Maui | 5.0 (2) | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | —Not stated | +1 808-468-6941 | — |
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 Maui Surfer Girls: “2 hours, 4:1 Student:Instructor Max Ratio, starting at $109 + tax and booking fee.”
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 Maui Surfer Girls: “2 hours, 3:1 Student:Instructor Max Ratio, starting at $155 + tax and booking fee.”
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 Maui Surfer Girls: “2 hours, 1:1 Student:Instructor Max Ratio, starting at $219 + tax and booking fee.”
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.
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 Maui, 4 of 10 schools say board and wetsuit are included on their own websites.
// The Local Report
Maui is one island with very different north, south and west shores. 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.
For fiscal year 2026, Maui County lists surf-lesson permits at the north end of Kalama Beach Park (Kihei), Ukumehame Beach Park and Wailea Beach Park. County rules don't allow commercial ocean recreation, lessons included, at several popular parks, among them Cove Park, Kamaole I, II and III, Launiupoko, Puamana, Hanakao'o, Baldwin and Ho'okipa. Permitted lessons need at least one instructor for every six students, no more than 14 people per permit, and don't run on Sundays or holidays. The county's lifeguarded beaches are Kamaole I, II and III on the south side, Hanakao'o on the west side, Kanaha, Baldwin and Ho'okipa on the north shore, and Hana Bay in the east. County ocean-safety advice: waves can break in shallow water and throw swimmers onto shore with great force, so never turn your back to the ocean.
Which shore you surf matters. Hawaii Ocean Safety expects extremely high surf at many north- and west-shore beaches in winter (November to April), large swells on south shores in summer (May to October), and rough trade-wind waves on east shores in both seasons. 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 Maui Surfer Girls for their patient, helpful instructors, effective teaching methods, and ability to create a fun and successful surfing experience for all skill levels.
Group lessons from
$109/person
Gear included · Group lessons · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise Brian and his team for their exceptional instruction, personalized approach, and ability to create a fun, comfortable, and successful first-time surfing experience.
Group lessons from
$110/person
Group lessons · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise the friendly and patient instructors, particularly Nick and Spice, for providing fun, seamless, and highly recommended surfing and snorkeling experiences for all skill levels.
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Group lessons · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise Aloha Surf School for its fun, engaging lessons and tours led by knowledgeable and enthusiastic instructors, resulting in memorable experiences with wildlife sightings and cultural insights.
Private lessons from
$199/lesson
Private lessons · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Private lessons · Beginner friendly
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Beginner friendly
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Gear included · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Group lessons from
$125/person
Gear included · Group lessons · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise the instructors, including Dante, Conan, and Ethan, for their expertise, friendliness, and ability to create fun, safe, and successful surfing experiences for all ages.
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
