Learn to surf in Maui with Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy, where first-time surfers and families can learn proper techniques and experience their first wave.
Overview
If learning to surf in Hawaii has always been on your vacation bucket list, adding Surf Lessons at Royal Hawaiian to your Maui itinerary is a fun way to make it happen. Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy offers group surf lessons, private surf lessons, and exclusive private group lessons in Lahaina, making it possible for first-time surfers to get comfortable on a surfboard while learning from experienced instructors.
The Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy has been Hawaiian-owned and operated since 1998 and describes itself as one of the oldest surf schools in Maui. Founder Kimo Kinimaka and his family have built the academy around their love of surfing, the ocean, and Hawaiian culture.
One of the things I like about beginner Maui surfing lessons is that you don’t have to arrive knowing what you’re doing. The instructors start with the basics on the sand before getting you into the water, and the necessary equipment is provided. Group lessons are designed for first-time surfers, so you can learn at your own skill level without needing previous experience.
Stephanie, Tricia, and Jennifer before lessons
Jennifer, Stephanie, and Tricia on the boards in the water!
History
Surfing is deeply connected to Hawaiian culture and history. In the 1800s, surfing was considered a prestigious sport associated with the Hawaiian aliʻi, or high-ranking chiefs. Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy carries that history into its own story, having been Hawaiian-owned and operated since 1998.
Founder Kimo Kinimaka and his family have continued that connection through the Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy. Kimo is also the nephew of big-wave surfer Titus Kinimaka, who helped establish the school.
The academy’s history also reaches back generations. Kimo’s great-great-grandfather, David Laleo Kinimaka, was a close friend and bodyguard of King David Kalākaua and participated in surfing during Hawaii’s monarchy.
That history makes a Maui surf lesson feel like more than simply checking an activity off your vacation list. Surfing is an ancient Hawaiian art and soulful sport, and taking a lesson gives visitors a chance to experience one small part of that tradition while learning from professional instructors.
Tricia, Stephanie, and Jennifer with one of the surf instructors
Stephanie catching a wave
Surf Lessons at Royal Hawaiian Plan
Whenever we visit Maui, we like to plan our days so we can experience as much of the island as possible instead of spending our entire time in one area. Since we were already planning to explore West Maui, I knew Surf Lessons at Royal Hawaiian needed to be one of our stops.
For us, taking a surf lesson was one of the best experiences to add to a Maui itinerary because it offered something completely different from sightseeing, hiking, or visiting beaches. We could spend a couple of hours learning to surf and then continue exploring the island.
And, I can now say, “I surfed Maui!”
Stephanie, Jennifer, and one of the surf instructors
Jennifer riding a wave
Getting There
Location
Maui is one of the major islands in the Hawaiian Islands and is known for its beaches, volcanic landscapes, tropical scenery, ocean activities, and outdoor adventures. West Maui is particularly popular with visitors because of its beaches, resorts, historic communities, and access to the Pacific Ocean.
Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy is based in Lahaina on Maui’s west side. The academy’s current location is at 545 Front Street, Lahaina, Hawaii 96761. The academy returned to Front Street in August 2026 after its Lahaina shop was destroyed in the 2023 wildfires.
The exact surf spot can vary depending on conditions. Historical booking information has associated lessons with the Launiupoko area around Mile Marker 19, also known as Guardrails, while the academy’s current information directs guests to follow their reservation instructions for the day’s location.
Best Time to Go
Maui is a year-round destination, so there isn’t necessarily one single best month for everyone. For a beginner surf lesson, the most important factor is having suitable ocean conditions rather than simply choosing a particular season.
The best beginner waves are generally the ones that allow you to concentrate on learning proper techniques rather than worrying about challenging conditions. Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy works with the conditions to provide an appropriate experience.
Morning can also be a great time to plan an ocean activity. Current lesson times include morning and afternoon options, giving you flexibility when building your Maui itinerary.
If you’re planning to surf during a busy Maui vacation, I would leave some flexibility in your schedule. That gives you time to enjoy the lesson without feeling like you have to rush through the experience to get to your next stop.
Stephanie with our surf instructor
Stephanie sitting on her board in the water
Surf Lessons at Royal Hawaiian
Who Can Go?
One of the best things about Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy is that you don’t need previous surfing experience to take a beginner lesson. Group surf lessons are designed for people learning the sport, and all necessary surfing equipment is provided.
The academy offers group lessons for small groups, as well as private surf lessons and exclusive private group lessons for people who want more personal attention. The current exclusive private group option is designed for 2–4 people.
For younger children, private instruction is required for safety reasons. The academy’s current group and private lesson pages use slightly different wording for the cutoff age, so families traveling with children around age 9 should confirm the current requirement when booking.
Private lessons can also be a good choice for first-time surfers who want more individualized instruction. The smaller group setting allows an instructor to provide hands-on guidance and tips throughout the lesson.
What You'll See
The biggest attraction during your lesson is, of course, the Maui waves!
You’ll spend the first part of the lesson learning about your surfboard, getting comfortable with your equipment, and practicing basic techniques on the sand. Then it’s time to head into the water and put those skills to work.
For first-time surfers, one of the most exciting moments is standing up on a board and riding your first wave toward shore. You might catch the perfect wave quickly, or it might take a little practice. Either way, the process is part of the fun.
You’ll also enjoy views of the Maui coastline and Pacific Ocean while spending time in the water. Depending on your surf location and conditions, you may also have opportunities to notice marine life such as sea turtles and tropical fish, although wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
For avid surfers and advanced surfers, the academy also offers its Surfari, a longer private experience designed around finding waves and exploring different surf spots.
What to Bring & Wear
Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy provides the major equipment you’ll need for a surf lesson. Current group and private lessons include a surfboard, long-sleeve UV rash guards, and reef shoes.
You’ll want to bring a few personal items to make your day more comfortable:
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Bathing suit
- Boardshorts if preferred
- Gratuity for your instructors
You don’t need to rent surf boards or surf shoes separately when taking one of the academy’s lessons because the required equipment is included.
I would also arrive ready to get wet and spend time in the sun. A waterproof phone pouch can be useful if you want to keep your phone nearby, but leave valuables somewhere secure while you’re in the water.
Where to Go
Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy currently lists its shop and school at 545 Front Street in Lahaina.
However, don’t assume that the shop address is necessarily the exact place where you’ll enter the water. Surf lesson locations can depend on ocean and wave conditions, so check your reservation information for the meeting instructions.
The academy has historically operated surf lessons in the Launiupoko area near Mile Marker 19, also known as Guardrails Surf Spot, just south of Lahaina.
If you’re staying around Kaanapali Beach, Lahaina, or another part of West Maui, allow yourself extra time for driving, parking, and getting situated before your lesson.
How Long Does it Take?
The standard group surf lesson is 2 hours, giving you enough time to learn the basics on land and then spend plenty of time practicing in the water.
Private surf lessons and exclusive private group lessons are also 2 hours. Current lesson times include 7:45 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m., and 1:30 p.m.
For more experienced surfers, the Surfari provides a longer private adventure. Current options include 4-hour and 6- to 8-hour experiences, with the instructor helping you search for some of Maui’s best waves and surf spots.
For most families and first-time surfers, I think a two-hour lesson fits nicely into a Maui itinerary. You get a real surfing experience without giving up your entire day of sightseeing.
Cost
Prices can change, so check Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy’s current booking information before making your reservation.
At the time of this update, the academy lists group surf lessons from $115 per person for 2 hours.
Current private lesson pricing is:
- Private Surf Lesson: $250 for 2 hours
- Exclusive Private Group Lesson for 2–4 people: from $150 for 2 hours
- Surfari: $475 for 4 hours
- Surfari: $675 for 6–8 hours
- Additional Surfari participant: $125
The standard surf lessons include the surfboard, long-sleeve UV rash guard, and reef shoes.
The Surfari also includes beach chairs and snacks and drinks, making it a different type of experience from the shorter beginner lessons.
Tips for Surf Lessons at Royal Hawaiian
- Book ahead of time. Surf lessons can be a popular Maui vacation activity, especially during busy travel periods.
- Check your meeting location. The Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy shop is on Front Street, but your actual surf location may depend on ocean conditions.
- Arrive prepared to get wet. Wear a comfortable swimsuit and bring a towel, sunscreen, and water.
- Don't worry if you've never surfed before. Group lessons are designed for beginners, and no previous experience is required.
- Consider a private lesson for younger children. Children around the academy's minimum age should be checked with the academy when booking because its current pages differ slightly on the exact age cutoff.
- Take advantage of small groups. Smaller class sizes and private instruction can provide more personal attention, especially for first-time surfers.
- Give yourself extra time. Allow time for driving, parking, checking in, and getting situated before your lesson.
- Listen to your instructor. Learning ocean safety and proper techniques is just as important as learning how to stand on the board.
- Don't get discouraged. Standing up on your first wave might happen immediately—or it might take some practice. Enjoy the process.
- Choose the lesson that fits your skill level. Beginners can start with group lessons, while experienced or advanced surfers can consider the longer Surfari.
- Plan something nearby afterward. Since you're already in West Maui, leave time to explore Lahaina and other nearby attractions.
- Keep your Maui itinerary flexible. Ocean conditions can affect where your lesson takes place.
- Don't spend your entire time worrying about the perfect wave. Learning to surf is about enjoying the experience and building confidence.
- Take pictures before and after your lesson. Once you're in the water, your attention should be on your instructor and the waves rather than your phone.
- Enjoy the experience. Catching your first wave in Hawaii is one of those Maui vacation memories you'll probably talk about long after you leave the island.
- Consider SUP lessons if surfing isn't your thing. Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy also offers stand-up paddle boarding lessons for beginners and families.
- Remember that surfing is part of Hawaiian culture. Take a moment to appreciate the history behind the sport rather than treating your lesson as simply another tourist activity.