“Our instructor was patient and fun — all four of us stood up and caught multiple waves!”
Verified Review
This beginner-friendly surf lesson takes place in the inviting waters of West Maui, where steady waves and expert instructors make for an ideal first-time experience. You'll start with a beach briefing, then paddle out for two hours of guided practice—catching waves and building confidence along the way. With a student-to-instructor ratio capped at five to one, everyone gets personalized support, making this a favorite for new surfers and returning ocean lovers alike. All gear is provided.
GUEST REQUIREMENTS
For ages 10+, group size limited to 5 guests.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Beginner friendly
WHAT TO BRING
Swimsuit, towel, sun protection
CANCELLATION POLICY
Changes or cancellations must be made 48 hours prior.
WHAT GUESTS ARE SAYING
4.9★ from 2,200+ reviews on TripAdvisor
Guests love the welcoming vibe of this surf school, especially first-timers and families who appreciate how patient and encouraging the instructors are. Reviews highlight the clear land briefing, small class sizes, and the way everyone gets individual attention in the water. Many say they stood up on their first try and felt safe and supported, even if they’d never touched a surfboard before. It’s not just a lesson — it’s a little two-hour window of feeling local.
Try one of Hawaii’s most popular watersports with our Lahaina surf lessons! Group lessons are a great, affordable way to learn surfing in the beautiful waters of Maui. Our experienced instructors are avid surfers who absolutely adore the sport and love passing their extensive knowledge on to new students. Our past students enjoy our lessons so much that they often come back for additional lessons year after year.
Spend the first part of your lesson on the sand getting suited up and acquainted with your gear and learning a few surfing basics. Then, our awesome instructors are ready to get you right into the water and up on some waves.
Almost anybody can learn to surf, and we love to see our students stand up and ride those waves all the way into the beach! Try surfing with us!
What To Bring:
Towel
Sunscreen
Water
Bathing suit (we recommend boardshorts for girls, too)
Gratuities appreciated!
Please note: Group lessons must have two students minimum, and a maximum of five students. In the unlikely event of only one student confirmed into a group lesson, we will try to reschedule that student into another group lesson time slot, or the student can choose to pay an extra fee for a private class instead.Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy is a beloved local surf school based in Lahaina, Maui. Founded by lifelong watermen and champion surfers, the crew believes surfing should feel accessible, safe, and a little bit playful for everyone — whether you’re paddling out for the first time or riding your first green wave. Their group lessons keep things small and friendly, blending genuine instruction with stories that make the ocean feel familiar. Students say they leave with more than new skills — they leave feeling like part of the surf ohana.
Location: Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy, 133 Prison Street, Lahaina, Maui, HI 96761
Check-In: Arrive 15 minutes early to check in, get your rash guard and reef shoes, and meet your instructor before heading to the beach.Customers will receive a full refund with 48 hours notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund in case of operator cancellation due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances, such as medical or an emergency with presenting required documents. Contact us via phone or email to inquire about a cancellation/rescheduled reservation. No-shows will be charged the full amount of the scheduled reservation.
You’ll remember the moment you stood up, but more than that, you’ll remember how it made you feel—capable, weightless, wide open.
And then, that first wave. Wobbly, brief, perfect. You look back and see others just like you, grinning with the kind of joy that only happens when you're fully present.
West Maui is full of polished experiences, but this one strips it all down. You, the board, the sea—and the thrill of standing up for the first time.
