Great time surfing! Kyle was a great instructor, very personable, and very safety conscious. Would absolutely book again with Kyle!

Great experience surfing, patient and helpful instructor. Surfed in a safer area. Highly recommend!

Pros: 1. Instructor was at the location on time. 2. He brought surf boards & rash guards. Cons: 1. Rocky beach with shallow wave break, your group will have to be careful to "fall shallow" off your board or you may get cut up by the rocks/coral below. 2. Instructor was short on some needed gear (no water shoes for me in standard US Size 10). Surfboards were beat up with dents in the front and duck tape on parts of the board. 3. Instructor was not the best at coaching/communicating, had a bad attitude at times (probably the biggest issue we had with this lesson). The Whole Picture: After signing up we received an automated email with the time and location of the surf lesson. Was surprised that it was actually 20 minutes south of Lahaina at a ROCKY ENTRY north of Ukumehame Beach Park. On 04/24/2026, the day of our 10AM surf lesson, we pulled off the highway next to the instructor's truck which had a cone on the hood of it. We did quick introductions and the instructor gave us rash guards and boards. He then asked us our shoe sizes as this location required water shoes given it was so rocky. Unfortunately, he only brought one pair of size 10 water shoes, and with two people in our group who wear size 10, I had to wear size 11 which was too big and made it hard to balance (not ideal when trying to surf). He then provided some basic surfing instructions on the beach and then had us follow him into the water. His vibe up until this point was just okay, not super positive, sort of just like he was just going through the motions, but at least he was calm - this changed once we started trying to catch our first waves. He didn't tell us to start to ride in any particular order, or for only one person to go at a time, so once we paddled out we all started trying to catch a wave the first time he said "here's a wave to go for" (we were about 20 feet apart from each other). We thought we did well when two of the three of us caught our first wave attempt and each had a nice safe ride, but the happy moment quickly ended when we paddled back out to have him yell at the two us "what are you guys doing?!? You can't take off so close to each other or close to me like that!!" He went on to say that we could potentially hit each other if we are too close, while this is potentially a fair critique to make as an instructor, its also something that he should have communicated to us before we even paddled out. The bad/tense situation could have been avoided if he had just instructed us properly in advance saying "now once we get out there I want you guys to only try a wave one at a time, or to be at least 50 feet apart", but he didn't. Also when we paddled back out he could have just coached us in a positive way saying "hey guys good job on your first wave, but next time go one at a time because you could potentially run into each other", but again he chose to yell and be snarky, not a great approach for an instructor. Basically in addition to more water shoes, our instructor needed a positive coaching reminder (remember your aloha brother)! read more

Kyle was our instructor, and he AND our experience was amazing! My daughter and my husband and I did a lesson together. I would request Kyle if you are looking for an unforgettable experience!!! read more

See all

Kyle was a great teacher and very personable. Our whole family was first timers and we all stood up on our first ride. He taught us on the sand and we moved right into the water with no time to second guess ourselves. He gave great instruction and was very encouraging. We had an awesome time and will be taking this up as a family activity when we get home! read more

Staff was super friendly including our instructor. He coached us very well and pushed me and my partner to catch a wave every time! They take incredible photos of you and I really recommend trying them out if you're staying for a couple days!! read more

Maui Waveriders Lahaina - My boyfriend riding a wave. - Surfing Near Me - Lahaina, Hawaii

See all

our family had such a wonderful and magical experien taking surf lessons with Maui Wave Riders. Kahala was patient and so encouraging. This was the first time our 12 year old, 10year old and 8 year old tried surfing and they got up with the help of Kahala. Since the lesson, our kids have not stopped tasking about how much fun they had. They left wanting to try again! As if that was not enough, we were given the option of taking pictures and videos of the kids while catching the waves from a camera attached to the front of the board! What magical memories that were able to be captured! Can not recommend Maui Wave Riders enough! Thank you for the memories and magic! read more

Amazing experience. Great professional instruction. Timely, we caught a few waves and learned a ton about the Maui Ocean.

We had a semi private lesson booked with Kyle and Kahala. Kyle called me the day before to move it earlier to have better surf conditions and it couldn't have been more perfect. He was easy to find and the lesson was with Kahala who was amazing with my kids/adults (22,21,19 and 15). They had the best time and she was such a fun instructor. They all came back with huge smiles on their faces. They talked about the lesson all day. I can't recommend Maui Waveriders enough! I also forgot to add affordable! read more

Maui wave riders is the best. Kyle is absolutely one of the most patient kind souls on this planet. Excellent instruction and equipment. My sons and I had a blast. If you're in Maui you HAVE to book lessons with MWR. read more

Maui Waveriders Lahaina - Surfing - Surfing Near Me - Lahaina, Hawaii

Lessons are being taught at Ukemehame Park and they are great. Kyle is a great, chill instructor. It was so much fun, I went back a second day! read more

We enjoyed our group surfing lesson! There were 2 in our party but only 6 in the group, a good size and all of us were beginners. Location and parking were easy to find. The checkin process was simple and quick, I do recommend getting there 15min early to find your shoe and rash guard size (I sized down but had to try on a few to find the right fit). We attended the 845 class and definitely wouldn't want to be any later in the day because of the sun. Overall, everyone was very chill and friendly. We were both successful surfers and would do it again! Ps. They capture pictures while you're surfing as well, which we didn't know until getting there. We decided to do it since it was our first time and are so glad we have them! read more

Maui Waveriders Lahaina - Hat with lesson plus certificate of completion - Surfing Near Me - Lahaina, Hawaii

See all

Kyle was relaxed, informative and fun! He taught my husband, myself, and my 8 year old daughter how to surf in an hour! My daughter took to it so quickly and we all enjoyed our experience! Highly recommend! read more

Great time learning to surf. Instructor Waiola (spelling?) was great! Check-In was super easy, find a rash guard and booties was also easy. They provide a small locker for you to lock up small stuff. They stressed hydrating before we walked over to the van with all the boards. Nice cold filtered water to drink. Quick beach safety and surf lesson and into water. My wife and youngest son were not surfing and they provided them chairs for the beach. After was a "surf" shower, rinse rash guard and booties; they provide a basic surf certificate for fun. Great experience! Highly recommend and don't forget to tip your instructor read more

See all

We had signed up my son for a surf lesson with MWR and when we got there we were greeted with hugs and smiles from staff. My son was assigned to Kepa. Kepa was down to earth and a overall great and positive person. He looked at my little boy and told me he'll be riding and shredding waves in no time. We made the trek over to Breakwall and Kepa sat my boy down gave him a 20 minute lesson. My baby daughter was so enthralled by Kepa that she was copying everything him and my son were doing. Once they finished, they were out in the waves and 5-10 minutes later, my boy was surfing. They were out there for a good hour and 45 minutes. They came back and my boy was dead tired but had the time of his life. Though he didn't do the full 2 hour session we got lucky since it was a one-on-one session and my boy didn't have to wait for Kepa to help others. They just surfed and had fun. Once we finished we walked back to the shop and him and Kepa talked like they have known each other for years. Back at the shop he took photos with Kepa and he got a hat that he hasn't stopped wearing. He's hoping to have another surf lesson with Kepa again when we come back. Great instructor and my son said he made it easy for him. A 5 star recommendation from us! Thank you MWR and Kepa for introducing my son to surfing. read more

We had a semi private lesson booked at 8 am for the Lahaina location with Kyle and Kahala. We met the instructors at the beach. Our two sons, 18 & and 14, were to have their very first surf leasons! The instructor walked them through some techniques on land and prepared them for what to expect in the water. The amazing lady instructor, Kahala, guided the boys in the water on their boards. Her command of the water, and the boys was phenomenal! The boys were up on their boards and surfing small waves within the hour. Definitely money well spent with MWR! Would recommend 100%! read more

See all

So much fun!! Highly recommend Wai as an instructor :) super knowledgeable and made the experience enjoyable as a beginner

Met Mason who turned us on to this surf shop/school. Awesome honest people who want to ensure you have a good and safe time out in the water. Whether it is your first time, need a refresher, or you're a seasoned wave-rider, these are your people. Connected with the associate (originally from Chico) who was salt of the earth. Highly recommend Maui Waveriders! read more

This was a highlight of our trip! Staff was very friendly and helpful for our group, myself (42) and three of our kids 18 YR, 16YR and 13YR. None of us had done anything like this before so we knew nothing. Our instructor Wai was absolutely fantastic (I'd highly recommend him), he did a great job teaching us the fundamentals and getting us all surfing. Great company with great employees that made it great from beginning to end! read more

See all

A huge shout out to MWR and especially Kahala. My nieces had the time of their lives with her. She's an excellent instructor. She got them right in the water got them up and surfing ‍ in no time what so ever. We also purchased the photo package and gave zero regrets. They gave us a large collection of pictures of all action shots. Thank you all for making the girls first trip memorable. I'd recommend you to anyone and everyone ‍ read more

Amazing experience for my 7-year-old daughter and husband both surfing for the first time with MWR! Loved the whole team and lesson -- especially, Star, who was super patient, encouraging and they both had a great time. Highly recommend! read more

Best experience! Best service! We will definitely come back for board rentals, which also includes booties and a rash guard - both highly recommended if you didn't pack yours. Everyone was so helpful, they even packed the boards in the rental car for me. A tourist from another country had a bad beach experience it had absolutely nothing to do with this company their stuff and been stolen at the beach and the employees rushed to help her call the bank, police, and stayed with her and comforted her, they were very kind. I rented 3 soft tops for my daughter and her friends and all of us took turns paddling out, we had an amazing time! Thank you for all your help read more

See all

Thinking of you all. MWR was one of the highlights of my trip to Maui a couple of years ago. The staff was welcoming and we really enjoyed our time there. Praying that all the staff and their families are OK. read more

Relaxing, exciting experience with Starr as our instructor. My two boys had lots of fun and many reps catching waves for the first time. Shop has everything you need to surf for the first time. Very experienced and encouraging instructors. Wish we could have been out and about on the water for exactly two hours, but it was still a great time. read more

Thank you for a wonderful afternoon. Our instructor was awesome and taught my kids well, they caught some waves and had the time of their lives. I highly recommend Maui Waveriders, if you want to surf just book it! Mahalo! read more

Family lesson for 5!!! Check. A great instructor, check. We had Renten for two hours and everyone had a great time. Everyone caught waves again and again. Maui Waveriders was recommended to us, and we recommend them to you. Our kids ranging from 9-14 have been talking about it nonstop ever since. Book early so you get your choice of times!!! read more

Maui Waveriders Lahaina - First wave ever! Thanks RenX and MWR! - Surfing Near Me - Lahaina, Hawaii

The people at Maui Waveriders are very nice and friendly. My husband and 2 boys really enjoyed their instructor Calvin. He was full of energy and got each of them up and surfing! My boys didn't think they would be able to surf, but they were so excited to find out they can! Thank you so much! My one suggestion would be to update the boards used to teach. The boards worked, but had wear and tear. With that being said we would go to Maui Waveriders again! read more

See all

Had to come back to do my favorite paddle-boarding company. We had a blast and saw so many turtles. I highly recommend using Maui Waveriders in Lahaina read more

See all

I booked this for my husband. He enjoyed the whole lesson session and he believes that his paddle skills have improved. We are satisfied with the service! read more

My kids were super excited for surfing lessons. We were assigned Renton as an instructor. He was NOT kid-friendly at all. My son was getting very anxious during the instructional period on the beach and the instructor seemed really impatient. He used instructional methods/analogies that my kids didn't really understand and made an inappropriate sexual comment towards me in front of all 3 of my kids. Most of his lesson consisted of him making references to 'dating' and 'going steady' with your surf board, which my 9 year old daughter did not need to hear. When she tried to use his surfboard to steady herself, he told her not to touch his board. My daughters did get up and surf for awhile, so overall, the lesson was pretty successful... just didn't think he was well-suited to be working with children. read more

SURF LESSON: My group of 7 took the surf lesson that included getting a paddle board out on the sand to do on land practicing with the instructor in front of you demonstrating. He has you practice a bunch of times so you have it in your muscle memory. Then he shows you where to wait in the water by a buoy to wait for the instructor to take you on a wave. They tell you when to paddle your arms and when to pop UP! They are behind you to give you an extra push into the wave which really helps. You're in a paddle board so it's wider and easier to balance on. Definite confident booster for beginners. PHOTO: Photographer uses a good quality camera and takes photos and gets your attention to smile at him and do a hang loose sign. He also takes model shots close up of you. GEAR: They have everything except for towels. Included are water shoes, surf long sleeve shirt(you'll want to wear to protect yourself from the board and so the photographer knows you're part of the group), water to keep you hydrated at the shop for before and after. Showers by the ocean and a shower back at the shop to rinse off. END: Surf certificate makes you feel giddy like you got a gold star in kindergarten. Cool trucker style hat to help advertise for them and look stylish at the same time. The photographer shows the slideshow and you can't help but want the photos so pay for them and enjoy. Bring a USB flash drive of your own to save $5 buying one. OVERALL: I recommend this place. They also give you a code for free drink at the pizza place next door. They were professional and fun at the same time. read more

See all

My daughters instructor Star was amazing!! in fact everyone was so warm and welcoming. read more

we had an amazing experience at Maui waveriders. Everyone was kind and helpful. Our surf instructor Renton was very knowledgeable and extremely helpful in aiding us to learn a new sport. we had fun learned the basics and I had no trouble as a first time surfer and first time out in the ocean catching multiple waves. this was a surprise as I am a beginner swimmer and Renton made sure that we all felt comfortable and knew what to do when we were in the water. We felt cared for he definitely cared about us, the sport, and his home. read more

Kahala is an amazing instructor who loves her job and had fun on the waves with us!!! . perfect for our two teens firat time on a board. my daughter caught a wave the first try. Excelent instruction and instruction to honor the ocean and listen to what it has to teach you as you begin to surf. Kahala was so inspirational and attentive read more

Aloha! We had 4 kids, ages 11,12,13,17 participate in surf lessons and Willy was their instructor. Willy was AAHHMAZING!!! His knowledge, patience & aloha shined! He worked with them with the surf board on land then moved into the water. They each had a fabulous experience and all got up and surf several waves and they can't wait to do it again. The process of booking was easy and they were prompt and flexible with rescheduling due to the historic storm that hit Maui. Safety and the best water conditions were their concern. We highly recommend taking lessons here and ask for Willy, he was fabulous. He is local and k ow athe water and it seemed it knew everyone in town too! ‍ Mahalo read more

We had an amazing experience with MWR! The entire staff ensured us a great time. I had gotten lost trying to locate the building and our group was running late - I was worried that we would be canceled but the super friendly staff reassured me that it was all good. They got us checked in and paperwork completed very efficiently and didn't rush us whatsoever. They have great amenities - lockers to store our valuables, a clean bathroom, a water dispenser, and water shoes and rash guards of various sizes to try on. There's also a shower available outside the building where you can hose down afterwards. I highly recommend purchasing the photos - we had over 300 photos of our kids that we otherwise would not been able to capture from shore. Big thanks to our instructors Josh and Manu who were super friendly, gave a great lesson while emphasizing safety (so important to me as a mom)! They especially paid close attention to my over enthusiastic 10yr old. Josh is a wonderful kid friendly instructor, and it melted my heart how he interacted with my little guy the whole time - like a big brother! I highly recommend MWR for any first time surfers, and families with young children. It was one of the highlights of our vacation by far! read more

We enjoyed it and can now say we have surfed in Hawaii. Our teacher was a cool guy and we made it up on our feet a few times. Main reason for the 4 not 5 stars is just the beach. There is a good amount of coral and rocks and we both got some bumps, bruises and cuts. read more

What an excellent outfit to surf with!! Great crew to learn surfing with for the first time - just a super team!! Husband opted for a private lesson and was paired with Ren - great experience and exceptional teacher!! They offer everything you need to hit the waves and even have a photographer so your loved ones can just enjoy watching and cheering you on giving you the option to purchase photos after (super reasonable). Plan on visiting again on next Maui trip! read more

Maui Waveriders Lahaina - Surfing Near Me - Lahaina, Hawaii

See all

Fantastic place to learn to surf! Our coach Freddy was phenomenal- he had us up and ridding the waves on our first try. Plus he taught us how to pay attention to the currents and behavior of the ocean. read more

Our family of 5 all learned to surf thanks to Lisa! Her patience along with being a great teacher is what made her incredible! The entire team here is incredible! read more

See all