Business Details
27 Years
experience
Learn to Surf in Maui with Expert Instructors
Waves Hawaii Surf School has specialized in personalized surf instruction for over 25 years. As a family-owned business operating in Kihei's Kalama Park, we prioritize safety and fun through experienced instructors trained in CPR, First Aid, and advanced surf techniques. Our small class sizes and tailored coaching ensure guests of all agesfrom toddlers to seasoned surfersdevelop skills while experiencing Maui's ocean culture. By combining local expertise with professional instruction, we create memorable, progress-focused experiences that reflect our commitment to ocean safety and lifelong surfing enjoyment. 
Services
Surf Lessons
Surf Coaching
Private Lessons
Group Classes
Baby Surf Experience
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- 25+ years providing surf instruction in Maui
- Instructors trained in CPR and First Aid certifications
- Family-run business with personalized attention
- Custom surf adventures for all skill levels
- World-class instructors with local knowledge
What people say
World famous instructors
Cherish for a lifetime
Photography package recommended
Patient and helpful
Perfect first Maui surf lesson
Services
Surf Lessons
Learn surfing fundamentals with certified instructors at Kalama Park's gentle waves. Our beginner lessons include equipment and safety training for ages 4+. Small group sizes ensure personalized attention while developing foundational skills. Professional coaching emphasizes ocean awareness and confidence building for first-time surfers.
Surf Coaching
Personalized surf coaching for intermediate to advanced surfers. Two-hour sessions with expert instructors focus on technique refinement and local surf exploration. Tailored instruction adapts to individual goals, whether improving turns or navigating Maui's advanced surf spots. Includes equipment and location flexibility.
Baby Surf Experience
Specialized surf instruction for young children with safety-focused instructors. One-hour sessions introduce ocean basics through playful, gentle instruction. Parents can participate while professionals ensure water safety. Designed for toddlers aged 2-5 to create family-friendly wave experiences.
People
Val Frey
Owner/Instructor
Val Frey, a professional Billabong surfer and Maui native, leads surf instruction with 25 years of experience. Her expertise in ocean safety and family-friendly lessons makes her ideal for teaching all ages. Val's local knowledge enhances every lesson while maintaining safety standards. She oversees daily operations and instructor training.
Lucas Vieira
Instructor
Brazilian big wave specialist Lucas Vieira brings international competition experience to Maui's waters. Certified in CPR and First Aid, he teaches advanced techniques to experienced surfers. His expertise includes wave selection and performance training. Lucas adapts instruction for various skill levels while emphasizing safety.
Questions
What types of surf lessons are available?
We offer group, semi-private, private, and baby surf lessons plus multi-day surf camps and guided local surf adventures.
Are lessons suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, our beginner lessons at Kalama Park include equipment, safety training, and personalized instruction for first-time surfers ages 4+.
Can experienced surfers benefit from lessons?
Yes, our Surf with a Local program offers 2-hour private coaching sessions focused on technique refinement and advanced wave navigation.
Is equipment provided?
Yes, all lessons include surfboard, reef shoes, and rash guard. Private sessions allow equipment customization based on skill level.
How long are the lessons?
Group lessons last 2 hours. Semi-private and private sessions also 2 hours. Baby surf lessons are 1 hour max. Multi-day camps span three days.
What safety measures are taken?
All instructors have CPR/First Aid certifications. Maximum group sizes ensure personalized attention. Pre-lesson safety briefings cover ocean conditions and equipment use.
Reviews (7)
Ariel Yoffie
Jan 06, 2022
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So much fun! Learned a lot in the lesson and feel confident in renting a board from them ($26!!) to practice catching waves on my own
Photos and video are worth the $50 per person. Ive been to several surf places, and this is the only one that got close enough to see my face!
Photos and video are worth the $50 per person. Ive been to several surf places, and this is the only one that got close enough to see my face!
Kathleen Buckley Us
Dec 28, 2021
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My cheeks still hurt from smiling for two straight hours! We were up and surfing in no time. Carlos, our instructor was awesome, he knew just how to coach us so we had confidence and success. We did a semi-private lesson for three adults, two beginners and one with some experience. Easy to book, very professional, and just great people overall. Jon's pictures were incredible, we've already shared with family and friends. Would highly recommend. Even if you think you can't surf, you will with Waves Hawaii Surf School!
John LaBarre
Dec 23, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality
We've surfed with Waves Hawaii several years in a row. Their instructors are nice and extremely patient. Great for kids and families. My daughter started at age 5 and now (age 9) is surfing on her own.
We've surfed with Waves Hawaii several years in a row. Their instructors are nice and extremely patient. Great for kids and families. My daughter started at age 5 and now (age 9) is surfing on her own.
Max Velo
Jul 17, 2021
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This is an excellent experience with highly trained and capable instructors who are really focused on making sure everyone progresses into budding surfers in the first lesson and they quickly adapt the lesson to the changing skills of the people in your party. They provide water shoes, rash guards, and leggings for those in bikinis if desired. The location is great for this as well as very convenient and stunning. Id highly recommend Waves for your introductory surf lesson/s!
Keith Hurvitz
Jul 04, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
Eddie and Epp rock. A truly great experience for us all. They were so attentive and just plain fun. They will definitely get you up and surfing. Waves surf in Kihei is the best. Cannot recommend them enough!
Eddie and Epp rock. A truly great experience for us all. They were so attentive and just plain fun. They will definitely get you up and surfing. Waves surf in Kihei is the best. Cannot recommend them enough!
Daniel Shelton
Apr 15, 2021
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Great experience, learning to surf at Waves Hawaii Surf School! I signed up to help give my daughters the courage to do so. I think we caught 20 waves each. We signed up for the semi private lesson, which allowed the three of us to share one instructor. The instructor would launch us off, and we rode the wave. As we paddled back out, the next surfer was up and surfing by. The instructor would provide great feed back, elevating our performance. The organization was very positive, they kept a great eye out. They provided rash guards, pants, shoes, boards, everything to have a great experience. All
Brian Hall
Apr 07, 2021
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Can't overstate how much we would recommend Waves Hawaii for your surfing lessons!! It was a fun experience, Val was great with my kids (8 & 9 yrs) and provided a fun experience for our whole family. Bit of background...our hotel concierge unknowingly had cancelled our reservation (a whole other story) with Waves Hawaii. We were out of bed early for our lessons, arrived on time, only to be informed that our reservations had been cancelled. Val was incredibly accommodating and although all of the instructors were booked she hopped in the water and helped us herself!! There was no obligation on
