Learn to Surf in South Maui with Makai Surf Club
Ready to experience surfing on Maui’s sunny South Side? Makai Surf Club offers personalized South Maui surf lessons for beginners and developing surfers looking to build confidence, learn proper technique, and enjoy the ocean with experienced local guidance. Whether you’re staying in Kihei, Wailea, Makena, or exploring South Maui with family or friends, our private and small-group surf lessons give you the opportunity to learn at a comfortable pace while experiencing the beauty of Maui from the water.
surf together.Make MEMORIES
Learning to surf takes practice, patience, and the right guidance. At Makai Surf Club, you’ll get hands-on instruction in a supportive environment designed to help you feel comfortable in the ocean. Take your time, build your skills, and enjoy the experience of learning to surf in Maui.
South Maui Surf Lessons at Ukumehame Beach
Makai Surf Club is based at Ukumehame Beach on Maui’s West Side, offering a convenient surf location for visitors staying throughout South Maui and the surrounding resort areas.
Ukumehame is known for its beginner-friendly waves and more open, uncrowded setting, giving new surfers room to focus on learning and practicing without feeling overwhelmed by a busy lineup. With the West Maui Mountains creating a stunning backdrop, your surf lesson becomes an opportunity to experience one of Maui’s most beautiful coastal settings while learning from experienced local guidance.
Beginner-Friendly Waves
Ukumehame offers beginner-friendly waves that give new surfers room to focus on learning and practicing.
Open, Uncrowded Setting
The more open setting gives beginners space to learn without feeling overwhelmed by a busy lineup.
West Maui Mountain Views
Enjoy one of Maui’s most beautiful coastal settings with the West Maui Mountains creating a stunning backdrop.
Our location is approximately 20–25 minutes south of Lahaina and the Ka’anapali Resorts, roughly 25 minutes from Kihei, Makena, and Wailea Resorts, and about 45 minutes from Paia, Haiku, and Maui’s North Shore areas.
Book Your Surf Lesson ↗
Surf Lessons
Designed Around You
Every surfer learns differently, which is why Makai Surf Club offers private and small-group surf lessons that can be tailored to your experience, comfort level, and goals.
Private Surf Lessons
One-on-one instruction
Enjoy personalized one-on-one instruction focused entirely on your individual needs. Your instructor can adjust the pace, coaching, and approach throughout the session to help you feel comfortable and make meaningful progress in the water.
Semi-Private Surf Lessons
Learn together
Learn alongside a partner, friend, or family member while still receiving personalized instruction and support. Semi-private lessons are a great way to share the experience while having plenty of time to practice and work toward catching waves.
Private Group Lessons
Made for your group
For families and larger groups, private group lessons provide a fun way to experience surfing together. Group options allow everyone to learn in a supportive environment while receiving guidance from an experienced instructor.
Your surf experience
starts here.
Choose the lesson that fits you best and get ready to experience South Maui from the water.
What to Expect From Your Surf Lesson
Your first surfing experience should feel exciting, supportive, and easy to understand. At Makai Surf Club, you’ll be guided through each step so you know what to expect before heading into the water.
Meet Your Instructor
Meet your experienced Maui surf instructor, get comfortable, and prepare for your session. This is your opportunity to ask questions and get familiar with what your lesson will involve.
Learn the Fundamentals
Start with the essential foundations of surfing, including board positioning, paddling, pop-up technique, ocean awareness, and surf safety.
Practice in the Water
Take what you’ve learned into the ocean with friendly in-water guidance. Your instructor will help you understand positioning, timing, and how to work with the waves.
Catch Your First Wave
Put your new skills together and work toward standing up, finding your balance, and enjoying your first rides on a surfboard.
Quality longboards, UPF 50 rash guards, and booties are provided, along with a safety briefing, towels, drinks, snacks, and in-water support to make your experience comfortable from start to finish.
Why Learn to Surf
in South Maui?
A Beginner-Friendly Maui Surf Experience
South Maui is a favorite destination for visitors looking to enjoy Maui’s beaches, warm water, and beautiful coastal scenery. For first-time surfers, the experience is even better when you have the right environment to learn.
At Ukumehame Beach, beginner-friendly waves and a less crowded setting give you more space to concentrate on your technique, gain confidence, and enjoy the learning process. The surrounding West Maui Mountains create an incredible backdrop, making your time in the water feel like much more than a traditional surf lesson.
Whether you’re staying in Kihei, Wailea, Makena, Kaanapali, or another part of South Maui, a personalized surf lesson is a memorable way to experience the island from the ocean.
Learn From Someone Who Knows the Ocean
Local knowledge, water experience, and personalized instruction come together to help you feel more confident in the ocean.
Learn From Someone Who Knows the Ocean
Makai Surf Club was founded by Maui local Karlie Thoma, an experienced waterwoman with a lifelong connection to the ocean.
With experience in surfing, kiteboarding, winging, and foiling, Karlie brings extensive water knowledge and a genuine passion for helping others become more comfortable and confident in the ocean.
Whether you’re taking your first surf lesson or looking to improve your existing skills, instruction is built around the individual surfer rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Why Learn With Makai Surf Club?
Local experience meets personalized instruction — so you can enjoy more of your time in the water.
South Maui Surf Lessons — FAQs
Everything you need to know before your South Maui surf lesson with Makai Surf Club. From beginner questions and lesson options to equipment and location, we're here to make your Maui surf experience simple, comfortable, and enjoyable.
No. Our South Maui surf lessons are designed for first-time surfers as well as those looking to build confidence and improve their surfing fundamentals.
Makai Surf Club is based at Ukumehame Beach on Maui’s West Side. The location is approximately 20–25 minutes south of Lahaina and the Ka’anapali Resorts, roughly 25 minutes from Kihei, Makena, and Wailea Resorts, and about 45 minutes from Paia, Haiku, and Maui’s North Shore areas.
Yes. Ukumehame Beach offers beginner-friendly waves and a more uncrowded setting, giving new surfers room to focus on learning, practicing their technique, and becoming comfortable in the water. The beautiful West Maui Mountains also provide an incredible backdrop for your surf experience.
All Makai Surf Club surf lessons are 2 hours long, giving you enough time to learn the fundamentals, practice in the water, and work toward catching waves.
Yes. Private lessons provide one-on-one instruction tailored to your experience, comfort level, and individual surfing goals.
Yes. Our semi-private option is designed for two surfers and is a great choice for couples, friends, or family members who want to experience surfing together.
Yes. Private group lessons are available for families and larger groups who want to learn and enjoy the experience together.
You’ll learn essential surfing skills including board positioning, paddling, getting through waves, pop-up technique, balance, wave awareness, positioning, and basic surf safety.
Makai Surf Club provides quality longboards, UPF 50 rash guards, and booties. Towels, drinks, and snacks are also provided, along with in-water support throughout your lesson.
Yes. Ukumehame Beach is approximately 25 minutes from Kihei, Makena, and Wailea Resorts, making it a convenient option for visitors staying in South Maui who want to add a surf lesson to their vacation.
Makai Surf Club’s location is also approximately 20–25 minutes south of Lahaina and the Ka’anapali Resorts and about 45 minutes from Paia, Haiku, and Maui’s North Shore areas. This makes the lesson location convenient for visitors exploring different parts of the island.
Your First Wave Starts Here.
Build confidence, learn the fundamentals, and experience surfing on Maui with personalized instruction at Ukumehame Beach.
Use these exact views to help you identify the surf lesson meeting point when you arrive.
Conveniently Located for Maui Visitors
Makai Surf Club is based at Ukumehame Beach on Maui’s West Side, making it a convenient surf destination for visitors staying in many of Maui’s popular resort areas.
We’re approximately 20–25 minutes south of Lahaina and the Ka’anapali Resorts, roughly 25 minutes from Kihei, Makena, and Wailea Resorts, and about 45 minutes from Paia, Haiku, and Maui’s North Shore areas.
This convenient location makes it easy to fit a personalized surf lesson into your Maui vacation, whether you’re staying on the West Side, South Maui, or exploring the island from the North Shore.
Our surf lessons take place at Ukumehame Beach. A relaxed West Maui setting with space to learn, practice, and enjoy the ocean.
Ready to Learn to Surf in South Maui?
Experience the ocean, learn the fundamentals, and build your confidence with a personalized surf lesson from Makai Surf Club.
