Business Details
Maui's Premier Surf & Paddleboard Lessons
Big Kahuna Adventures has been Maui's premier surf school for over three decades, offering personalized ocean experiences that blend safety, expertise, and the spirit of aloha. Founded as a family-owned operation, we specialize in surf and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) lessons tailored to all skill levels, from first-time beginners to seasoned enthusiasts. Our team of CPR-certified instructors combines hands-on teaching with local knowledge, ensuring students develop both technical skills and ocean awareness. We prioritize small-group settings and customized private sessions to maximize individual attention while fostering a joyful, inclusive environment.Located at Kalama Beach Park in Kihei, our lessons take advantage of Maui's calm morning conditions, providing ideal opportunities to learn in warm, clear waters teeming with marine life. As part of the Maui Sports Unlimited 'Ohana Hui, we uphold rigorous teaching standards while supporting local businesses and preserving Maui's surf culture. Every lesson emphasizes safety, sustainability, and creating lasting memories through personalized coaching and professional in-water photography services.
Services
Group Surfing Lessons
Private Surfing Lessons
Paddleboard Lessons
Board Rentals
In-Water Photography
Highlights and features
- Family-owned with three decades of Maui ocean expertise
- CPR-certified instructors prioritize your safety
- Small-group lessons ensure personalized attention
- Professional photography captures your ocean milestones
- Morning sessions guarantee optimal water conditions
What people say
Excellent instructor
Best day of our vacation
Great experience
Amazing instructors
Unforgettable memories
Services
Group Surfing Lessons
Our group surfing lessons cater to beginners and intermediate surfers aged 11+. Sessions include land-based coaching followed by guided water practice. With a maximum of 6 students per instructor, you'll develop proper technique while sharing the stoke of catching waves with fellow enthusiasts. All equipment and safety-certified instruction included.
Private Surfing Lessons
Tailored private surf instruction available for individuals or families. Perfect for all ages, including children under 8, our 1.5-hour sessions focus on personalized skill development. Expert instructors adapt to your pace, ensuring confidence-building progress from basic stance to wave riding techniques in Maui's ideal learning conditions.
Paddleboard Lessons
Stand-up paddleboarding lessons teach balance and stroke techniques in calm Kihei waters. Morning sessions include equipment rental and safety instruction. Ideal for all ages, these 1.5-hour lessons combine low-impact exercise with opportunities to spot sea turtles and enjoy Maui's coastal beauty from a unique perspective.
Board Rentals
Quality surf and paddleboard rentals available for experienced ocean users. Our fleet includes soft-top surfboards and stable paddleboards suitable for various skill levels. Rentals include necessary safety gear and local knowledge about optimal paddling locations and current ocean conditions.
In-Water Photography
Professional photo documentation of your surfing or paddleboarding experience. Skilled photographers capture key moments from water-level perspectives, including unexpected wildlife encounters. Packages available as add-ons to lessons, providing lasting visual memories of your Maui ocean adventure.
Questions
What age requirements exist for surf lessons?
Group lessons require participants to be at least 11 years old. Private lessons accommodate younger children, with family sessions available for ages 9 and under.
What's included in a surf lesson?
All lessons include equipment rental, safety instruction, land-based coaching, and guided water practice with certified instructors. Photography packages available as add-ons.
Where do lessons take place?
Lessons meet at Kalama Beach Park in Kihei, Maui (known as 'The Cove'). Exact meetup details with parking information are provided after booking confirmation.
How long are lesson sessions?
Group lessons last 1.5 hours. Private lessons are also 1.5 hours, with flexible scheduling options available at 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM daily.
What safety certifications do instructors have?
All instructors maintain current CPR and First Aid certifications. They receive specialized training in our step-by-step teaching method and ocean safety protocols.
Can families participate together?
Yes! Families enjoy learning together. Private sessions work best for mixed-age groups, while older children (11+) can join group lessons with parental supervision.
Reviews (6)
James Corbett
Dec 19, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Jeffrey and Jesse were very accommodating for me and my partner. We rented surf boards and had a blast for hours. Jeffrey is honest and trustworthy and Jesse was quick to get us our gear and give us some local knowledge about the area.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Jeffrey and Jesse were very accommodating for me and my partner. We rented surf boards and had a blast for hours. Jeffrey is honest and trustworthy and Jesse was quick to get us our gear and give us some local knowledge about the area.
Phoebe Amberg
Oct 25, 2021
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I reserved the lesson for my husband only. I wasnt interested. Jeffrey convinced me to join the lesson and I was pleasantly surprised at how much fun the lesson was. Jesse was a great instructor and David took some great photos. He even made sure to get some pics of the sea turtles for me. The waves were perfect for a beginner and both my husband and I were able to ride the waves.
Phillip Dilallo
May 08, 2021
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So much fun. Jesse was awesome. He gives personalized instructions on based on what he sees you doing. Listen to him and you will be riding waves in no time.
Kristy Card
Nov 29, 2019
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FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE!!!
NOTE: They are open for business in the parking lot across from their old shop! Look for the Big Kahuna truck.
Awesome folks and instruction! (They even furnish your rash guard - shirt - and sturdy water shoes.) I was nervous and am not a water-baby by any stretch. Our instructor, Jesse, and the owner, Jeff, were really awesome: friendly, encouraging, patient, super knowledgeable, and FUN! If you're new to surfing (or even experienced!) these are the folks for you! I noticed other surf schools didn't spend NEAR as much time with the land lesson first, and I KNOW that extra
NOTE: They are open for business in the parking lot across from their old shop! Look for the Big Kahuna truck.
Awesome folks and instruction! (They even furnish your rash guard - shirt - and sturdy water shoes.) I was nervous and am not a water-baby by any stretch. Our instructor, Jesse, and the owner, Jeff, were really awesome: friendly, encouraging, patient, super knowledgeable, and FUN! If you're new to surfing (or even experienced!) these are the folks for you! I noticed other surf schools didn't spend NEAR as much time with the land lesson first, and I KNOW that extra
Connie Leal
Oct 30, 2019
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Jeffrey and Jessie went above and beyond to make our experience the best ever! All 5 of us got up and were able to surf (including the little 9 year old girl in our group). They have excellent and sanitary equipment. Would use again
Shannon Hansell
Oct 15, 2019
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The surfing lessons here are a great experience you can enjoy with your family or even alone. Everyone makes you feel very included and the instructors give you one on one help even if you are in a group lesson. Very personable experience I would take again if I ever came back to Maui.
