Help Your Child Discover the Joy of Surfing
Give your child the opportunity to experience the ocean, learn the fundamentals of surfing, and build confidence in the water with a personalized kids surf lesson from Makai Surf Club. Our kids surf lessons are designed for young surfers who are ready to learn in a supportive and encouraging environment. Whether your child is trying surfing for the first time or already has some experience, lessons can be adapted around their comfort level, ability, and confidence in the water. Located at Ukumehame Beach on Maui’s West Side, Makai Surf Club offers a relaxed setting where children can learn, practice, and enjoy their time in the ocean.
Kids Surf Lessons Designed Around Your Child
Learning to surf should be exciting, encouraging, and comfortable for young surfers.
At Makai Surf Club, each kids surf lesson is adapted around the child’s age, experience, comfort level, and ability in the water. Your instructor will introduce the fundamentals in a clear and approachable way while providing guidance and encouragement throughout the session.
Children can learn important surfing skills including board positioning, paddling, pop-up technique, balance, wave awareness, positioning, and basic surf safety.
The goal is to help your child become more comfortable in the ocean while enjoying the experience and building confidence one wave at a time.
Why Choose Kids Surf Lessons?
For many children, their first surf lesson is their first real experience learning how to move with the ocean. Our lessons introduce surfing in a supportive environment where children can learn the fundamentals, ask questions, practice their skills, and become more comfortable in the water.
Each lesson is designed to help young surfers enjoy the experience while building confidence, developing new skills, and becoming more comfortable in the ocean.
A Positive Introduction to Surfing
Children can learn the fundamentals of surfing in a supportive environment where they can ask questions, practice their skills, and become more comfortable in the water. The goal is to make their introduction to surfing enjoyable while helping them understand how to move with the ocean.
Personalized Instruction for Young Surfers
Every child learns differently. Your instructor can adjust the pace and guidance based on your child’s experience, comfort level, balance, and ability in the water. Whether your child is completely new to surfing or has already spent time on a board, the lesson can be adapted to their individual needs.
Build Confidence in the Water
Surfing gives children an opportunity to develop confidence while learning a new skill. As they practice paddling, balancing, standing, and understanding the waves, they can become more comfortable making decisions and moving through the water with their instructor’s support.
Ukumehame Beach provides a beautiful West Maui setting where children can learn, explore, and enjoy the ocean.
Book Your Kids Surf Lesson ↗If Everyone in Your Group Is 13 or Older
If everyone in your group is 13 or older, you can book a semi-private surf lesson and enjoy learning together with personalized instruction.
Semi-private lessons are a great choice for couples, friends, siblings, or family members who want to share the experience while receiving guidance suited to each surfer.
Your instructor can adjust the lesson around different experience levels, comfort in the ocean, and individual surfing goals.
Private Surf Lessons for Under-13 Surfers
If anyone in your group is under 13, that surfer will need to book a private surf lesson. A private lesson gives the instructor more individual attention to tailor the experience around the child's age, comfort level, swimming ability, and experience in the ocean.
Tandem Surfing May Be Available
Younger children can still enjoy a fun introduction to surfing through a private lesson. For children who are new to surfing, tandem surfing may be available depending on the child's size, swimming ability, and comfort in the ocean.
During a tandem lesson, the child rides on the front of the instructor's board while the instructor remains behind and controls the board. The child must be able to swim comfortably and feel comfortable in the ocean.
A life jacket or water wings may be used only during tandem surfing when appropriate, allowing the child to experience the water with close support from the instructor.
The right lesson setup helps every surfer feel comfortable, supported, and ready to enjoy the water.
Choose the Surf Lesson
That Fits Your Family
Choose the surf lesson that best fits your family, group size, and experience. Whether your child is learning one-on-one, with another surfer, or as part of a larger group, Makai Surf Club offers supportive instruction designed to help young surfers feel comfortable and confident in the water.
Private Surf Lessons
Personalized instruction
Give your child a personalized surf experience with one-on-one
instruction designed around their individual comfort, experience,
and goals.
A private lesson gives your child the opportunity to receive
focused guidance throughout the session while learning the
fundamentals and becoming more comfortable in the water.
Semi-Private Surf Lessons
Personalized support for two
Want your child to learn alongside a sibling, friend, or family
member?
A semi-private lesson allows two surfers to share the experience
while receiving personalized guidance based on each surfer’s
individual ability, experience, and comfort level in the water.
Private Group Surf Lessons
Made for your group
For families or larger groups, private group surf lessons provide
a fun way for children and adults to experience surfing together.
Group lessons can be arranged for families, friends, and other
groups visiting Maui together, creating a supportive environment
where everyone can enjoy time in the water.
Your family's surf experience
starts here.
Choose the lesson that fits your family best and get ready to experience Maui from the water together.
What to Expect From Your Child’s Surf Lesson
Your child’s surf lesson should feel exciting, supportive, and easy to understand. At Makai Surf Club, your child will be guided through each step at a comfortable pace while learning the fundamentals of surfing and becoming more confident in the water.
Meet Your Instructor
Meet your experienced Maui surf instructor and help your child get comfortable before the lesson begins. Your instructor will talk through what to expect, answer questions, and make sure your child understands the basics before heading into the water.
Learn the Surfing Fundamentals
Your child will learn the essential foundations of surfing, including board positioning, paddling, pop-up technique, balance, wave awareness, positioning, and basic surf safety. The fundamentals are introduced in a simple and approachable way so young surfers can understand what they are doing and why it matters.
Practice in the Water
Once your child is comfortable with the basics, they’ll take their skills into the ocean with their instructor. They’ll practice positioning, paddling, balance, timing, and working with the waves while receiving friendly in-water guidance throughout the lesson.
Work Toward Their First Waves
The exciting part is putting everything together and working toward catching waves. Whether your child catches their first wave, improves their balance, or simply becomes more comfortable in the ocean, the goal is to create a positive experience that encourages them to keep learning.
Makai Surf Club provides quality longboards, UPF 50 rash guards, and booties. Towels, refreshments, a safety briefing, and in-water support are also included to help make your child’s surf experience comfortable from start to finish.
More Than a Surf Lesson An Elevated Maui Experience
At Makai Surf Club, every lesson is designed to feel like more than time in the water. From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, every detail is thoughtfully considered to create a personalized, comfortable, and elevated surf experience.
Enjoy quality surf equipment, personalized instruction, towels, refreshing drinks, snacks, and dedicated in-water support — all thoughtfully provided so you can focus on enjoying your time in the ocean.
It’s a more intentional way to experience surfing in Maui, with personal attention and thoughtful touches from start to finish.
Personalized Instruction
Coaching tailored to your experience level, comfort, and goals in the water.
Quality Surf Equipment
Quality longboards, rash guards, and booties are provided for a comfortable experience in the water.
Towels & Refreshments
Towels, refreshing drinks, and snacks are thoughtfully provided as part of your surf experience.
Dedicated In-Water Support
Friendly, attentive support in the water helps you feel comfortable, confident, and supported throughout your lesson.
Thoughtful From Start to Finish
Every detail is designed to make your time with Makai feel personal, effortless, and memorable.
Why Learn With Makai Surf Club?
A supportive surf experience designed to help young surfers learn the fundamentals, build confidence, and become more comfortable in the ocean.
A Supportive Start to Your Child’s Surfing Journey
Makai Surf Club creates a friendly and supportive environment where children can learn the fundamentals of surfing at a comfortable pace.
Lessons are designed around each child’s comfort level, experience, balance, and ability in the water, helping them understand the basics while developing confidence in the ocean.
From their first introduction to surfing to working toward catching their own waves, the goal is to make the experience positive, encouraging, and enjoyable.
Why Learn With Makai Surf Club?
Learn with guidance from a Maui local and experienced waterwoman who understands the ocean and the local environment.
No previous surfing experience is required for regular kids surf lessons, making it easy for young surfers to get started.
Lessons can be adapted around your child’s comfort level, experience, balance, and ability in the water.
Children are encouraged to learn, ask questions, practice, and become more comfortable in the ocean.
Your child will learn important ocean awareness, positioning, and basic surf safety throughout the experience.
Quality longboards are provided so children can focus on learning and practicing their surfing skills.
Essential equipment is provided to help keep your child comfortable during the lesson.
Towels and refreshments are provided as part of your child’s surf experience.
Your child will receive guidance and encouragement from their instructor while practicing in the ocean.
For younger children, a tandem surf session may be available as a private lesson depending on the child’s size, swimming ability, and comfort in the ocean.
Surf at Ukumehame Beach on Maui’s West Side while enjoying the surrounding ocean and mountain scenery.
A positive first experience can make all the difference — helping your child learn, build confidence, and enjoy the water.
Kids Surf Lessons Maui — FAQs
Everything you need to know about kids surf lessons with Makai Surf Club. From age requirements and lesson options to equipment, location, and what your child can expect in the water, we're here to make their Maui surf experience simple, supportive, and enjoyable.
Yes. Children under 13 can take a private surf lesson designed around their individual age, comfort level, swimming ability, and experience in the ocean. A private lesson allows the instructor to provide more individual attention throughout the experience.
Yes. If everyone in the group is 13 or older, you can book a semi-private surf lesson. This is a great option for friends, siblings, couples, or family members who want to learn and surf together while still receiving personalized instruction.
If anyone in your group is under 13, that surfer will need to book a private surf lesson. This gives the instructor the opportunity to focus more closely on the child's individual comfort level, experience, swimming ability, and needs in the water.
No. Previous surfing experience is not required for kids surf lessons. Your child's lesson will be introduced at a comfortable pace, with simple instruction and friendly guidance designed to help them learn the fundamentals and become more comfortable in the ocean.
Children participating in surf lessons need to be able to swim comfortably. Swimming ability is an important part of helping your child feel comfortable and confident while participating in an ocean-based activity.
Children can learn essential surfing skills including board positioning, paddling, pop-up technique, balance, wave awareness, positioning, ocean awareness, and basic surf safety. Instruction is adapted to their experience and comfort level.
The standard surf lesson is 2 hours long, giving your child time to learn the fundamentals, practice in the water, and work toward catching waves while receiving guidance from their instructor.
Makai Surf Club provides quality longboards, UPF 50 rash guards, and booties. Towels and refreshments are also provided, along with a safety briefing and in-water support throughout the lesson.
For younger children, a tandem surf session may be available as part of a private lesson, depending on the child's size, swimming ability, comfort in the ocean, and overall suitability for tandem surfing. During tandem, the child rides on the front of the instructor's board while the instructor remains behind and controls the board.
A life jacket or water wings may be used only during tandem surfing when appropriate. Any equipment used will depend on the child's individual circumstances and the instructor's assessment for the session.
Kids surf lessons take place at Ukumehame Beach on Maui's West Side. The location provides a relaxed ocean setting where children can learn, practice, and become more comfortable in the water.
Yes. Ukumehame Beach is approximately 20–25 minutes south of Lahaina and the Kaanapali Resorts. Lahaina and Kaanapali are both located on Maui's West Side, making Ukumehame Beach a convenient option for visitors staying in those areas.
Yes. Kihei is about 15 minutes away, approximately 10–12 miles, while Wailea is about 20 minutes away, approximately 14–16 miles. Both Kihei and Wailea are located on Maui's South Side.
Yes, as long as everyone participating is 13 or older, they can book a semi-private surf lesson and learn together. If anyone in the group is under 13, that surfer will need a private surf lesson.
Yes. Private group surf lessons can be arranged for larger families and groups. The appropriate lesson setup will depend on the ages of the surfers in your group. Surfers who are 13 or older can participate in semi-private lessons, while surfers under 13 will need private lessons.
Yes. Photo and video can be arranged in advance for an additional fee. Please email makaisurfclub@gmail.com prior to the lesson to arrange photo or video coverage.
Start Their Surfing Journey.
Give your child a supportive introduction to surfing and help them build confidence while enjoying the ocean at Ukumehame Beach.
Use these exact views to help you identify the Makai Surf Club West Maui meeting point when you arrive.
Conveniently Located in West Maui
Makai Surf Club is based at Ukumehame Beach in West Maui, offering a convenient and relaxed surf lesson location for visitors throughout Maui.
Our West Maui surf location is easy to reach from nearby West Maui areas, South Maui communities, and the North Shore.
Whether you are staying in West Maui or visiting from another part of the island, Ukumehame Beach provides a convenient setting to meet your instructor, get comfortable in the water, and enjoy a personalized surf lesson.
Our surf lessons take place at Ukumehame Beach in west Maui — a relaxed West Side setting with space to learn, practice, and enjoy the ocean.
Permitted and Insured
Makai Surf Club is permitted and insured to run surf lessons at Ukumehame, meeting the requirements set by the State of Hawaii. We take your safety and experience seriously, which is why we’re proud to operate with the proper permits and insurance for our surf lessons.
We’re also locally owned and women-owned, bringing genuine Maui knowledge, personal attention, and a love for surfing to every lesson.
State Permitted & Insured
Meeting Hawaii’s requirements for providing surf lessons.
Locally Owned & Women-Owned
Proudly rooted in Maui and locally operated.
Give Your Child a Wave to Remember
Introduce your child to the ocean, help them build confidence, and give them the opportunity to experience the excitement of surfing in Maui. With personalized instruction, friendly in-water support, and a beautiful West Maui location, Makai Surf Club makes learning to surf an experience your child can enjoy and remember.

