About this tour
When Alex from our team pitched up at Kalama Park in Kihei for three days with Waves Hawaii, we found ourselves in the thick of Maui's surf scene — a laid-back stretch of beach where locals and visitors alike chase swells. The outfit runs private camps (just you, or you plus mates and family) with instructors who actually know their stuff. Three days means real progression: you start wobbly, you finish reading waves. The whole point is getting you comfortable enough to actually enjoy surfing rather than just survive it. All gear's included, the vibe's relaxed, and the ocean's genuinely magic when you're not fighting it.
Highlights
- Instructors dial in to your actual level — no herding everyone together
- Three full days lets progression stick, not just one-off tricks
- Kalama Park breaks suit beginners and improvers equally well
- Gear sorted (board, rash guard, reef shoes) — bring nothing
- Private group means your mates or family set the pace
- Accessible facilities and shallow starter zones nearby
- Ocean conditions reliably workable; morning swells gentler
What to expect
Your first morning you'll wade in shallow, get the pop-up dialled, and probably eat a few faces — that's normal. Alex's crew spent the first session just getting comfortable lying on the board and reading how the water moves. By day two you're actually catching waves, riding them shoreward, and starting to feel like you're with the ocean rather than against it. Day three is where it clicks: you're spotting peaks, paddling into sets, and getting proper rides. Pacing's steady but not rushed. You finish each session pretty knackered but buzzing.
Kihei's warm, the water's clear, and there's a real mix of people in the water — families, gap-year kids, older couples giving it a go. Mornings tend calmer; afternoons pick up. The instructors keep an eye on conditions and rotate you between spots if needed. No sitting around watching; everyone's in the water.
Good to know
Three days is genuinely long enough to build real muscle memory, not just memories. Private groups mean no ego battles or strangers ruining your flow. Instructors are patient and skilled. Accessibility is solid across the board — wheelchair accessible areas, shallow entry points, stroller-friendly. Suitable for most fitness levels; age isn't the barrier, but cardiovascular issues and pregnancy aren't compatible with the physical demand.
You're paying for instruction and gear but not hotel transport — organise your own way to Kalama Park. Photos are available but cost extra. Tips aren't included in the quoted rate. Kihei can get busy midday, especially in winter swells. You'll be sore if you're not used to paddling. You must lock in your three preferred dates upfront or the whole thing cancels.
Sunscreen (reef-safe), a towel, water bottle, and something dry to change into. Wear the provided rash guard. Board shorts or swimmers underneath.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.