Learning to surf can be strangely fast. This 3-day surf camp at Kalama Park in Kihei turns Maui ocean time into steady skill-building. I love that you get professional instruction plus the right setup from day one, and I also like that the teaching approach fits both new surfers and more experienced riders. One thing to plan for: hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, so you’ll need to get yourself to the meeting spot.

You’ll meet the Waves Hawaii Surf School crew at their van just a few minutes before you start, then work through a simple progression over three days. The vibe is family-friendly, and it’s a popular choice with kids and multigenerational groups. In the feedback I saw, instructors like San (with Elijah for photos) and Lucas are called out for being patient and getting people catching waves quickly.

Key highlights

• Kalama Park in Kihei: your surf sessions are based at a single Maui location, so the days feel organized.
• Three-day skill progression: you’ll start with basics and build toward better control.
• All surf gear included: rash guard, reef shoes, and a surfboard are provided.
• Small group size: up to 2 travelers means you get more attention than you’d expect from many camps.
• Kid-friendly energy: designed for all ages and all skill levels, which keeps learning stress low.
• Photo add-on available: souvenir photos aren’t included, but they’re offered for purchase.

Kalama Park in Kihei: a Maui surf session you can plan around

This camp is anchored at Kalama Park in Kihei, which is great for one simple reason: you’re not constantly driving around searching for the right beach. You show up, gear up, and focus on learning. For families, that steadiness matters.

Kalama Park also makes the camp easier to pair with your other Maui plans. You’re in Kihei, where it’s common to build a day around the beach, food, and a relaxed schedule. If you’re the kind of person who likes to keep your itinerary from turning into a taxi challenge, you’ll probably appreciate the clarity of one main location.

Your three days on the water: what “progression” really means

This isn’t a one-off lesson. It’s a 3-day camp built around getting you from basics toward better surfing skills. That matters because surfing is full of tiny cause-and-effect moments. Stand up a little differently, shift your weight sooner, paddle with a slightly better rhythm—those changes stick faster when you get repeated sessions.

You can also expect the instruction to match your level. The camp is described as perfect for all ages and skill levels, which is exactly what you want if you’re traveling with mixed experience (or if you’re bringing a kid who’s excited but not sure about balance yet). Even better: the camp format gives you time to practice instead of just receiving tips and sending you back into the water once.

Also, keep in mind the time estimate. The camp is listed as 3 days with an “about 2 hours” duration for the experience timing. Plan your days so you still have energy to process what you’re learning and not rush immediately into another big activity.

Meeting at Waves Hawaii: the 5-minute van window that keeps things smooth

You’ll meet at 1900 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753, and you’ll link up with the Waves Hawaii Surf School van. The key detail is the timing: arrive about 5 minutes before your lesson so you’re not sprinting with a wetsuit plan in your head.

For first-timers, that kind of lead time is more than convenience. It helps you get your gear handled, ask quick questions, and settle your nerves. Surfing is half timing and half confidence, and being ready before you hit the lineup reduces the usual first-day panic.

The camp also uses a mobile ticket, which is handy if you’re juggling multiple Maui bookings on your phone. Just make sure you can access it offline or at least quickly.

Finally, the group size is capped at 2 travelers. In practical terms, that means the instructor can give more focused feedback. In surf lessons, small adjustments matter, and you’ll feel that.

Gear included on Maui: you’ll likely pack less and stress less

This camp includes the big-ticket basics: rash guard, reef shoes, and a surfboard, plus a professional instructor. That’s a real value for Maui. Buying or renting individual pieces can eat into your budget fast, and it’s one more thing to coordinate when you’re already traveling.

Gear matters because it changes comfort and confidence. A rash guard helps you manage the feel of the ocean and sun exposure. Reef shoes protect you from the rocky bottom areas you might encounter near shore. And having a surfboard provided means you’re not guessing whether your board choice matches your needs.

There’s also a small but important distinction: souvenir photos are not included. Photos are available to purchase, though. If you know you’ll want proof you actually surfed Maui (you will), decide in advance if you want to budget for the photo option.

Family-friendly surfing: why kids do well here

The camp is built to be family friendly, and it’s specifically noted as a popular choice with kids. That usually means the teaching approach stays clear and patient, because kids don’t have the same “let me think about this technique for 20 minutes” tolerance adults sometimes do.

In the feedback linked to this school, the names that keep coming up are San, Elijah, and Lucas. The positive notes highlight instruction that moves quickly without losing patience. One camper shared that after three days they were catching waves by themselves—credit given to San as an awesome teacher. Another mentioned Lucas as incredibly helpful and patient while teaching a family of four. Elijah was also praised for getting photos from all three days sent promptly.

I read that as a sign of a camp that balances momentum with support. That’s exactly what kids need: progress you can feel, plus guidance that doesn’t make them feel like they’re failing.

Price and value: what $502.56 buys you in Maui time

At $502.56 per person for a 3-day camp, this isn’t a bargain-basement activity. But value in Maui surf camps usually comes down to two things: instruction quality and what’s bundled.

Here, the bundle is strong. You’re paying for a professional instructor, and you’re not paying extra for the main gear—rash guard, reef shoes, surfboard are included. You’re also getting a small group limit of 2 travelers, which often means less waiting and more direct feedback. That can be the difference between “I rode a wave” and “I learned what to repeat.”

Now, the consideration: no hotel pickup and drop-off. That doesn’t make the price bad, but it can affect your total cost if you need a driver or rideshare to reach the meeting point at 1900 S Kihei Rd. If you’re already staying in or near Kihei, this may barely register. If you’re farther out, factor in the extra transportation time and cost.

Also, souvenir photos aren’t included. If photos matter to you, the final spend might be a bit higher. Still, it’s nice that photos are optional—you’re not forced into buying them to “complete the experience.”

Who this surf camp is best for (and who might want something else)

If you’re bringing kids, or if you’re a family with mixed skill levels, this camp is a smart match. It’s listed as suitable for all ages and all skill levels, and the small-group setup helps the instructor tailor guidance.

First-time surfers should feel comfortable here too, because the whole format is about starting with basics and moving forward across multiple days. The feedback about catching waves by yourself after three days suggests the instruction is built to help you reach a real milestone, not just get wet.

If you’re an advanced surfer looking for heavy advanced coaching, you might find the camp too introductory or time-limited. The data we have emphasizes learning the basics and bettering skills rather than advanced training. Also, since the group is tiny (max 2), you’re not getting a big competitive or social surf vibe.

One more practical fit note: because pickup and drop-off aren’t included, you’ll want an easy way to get to the meeting address. If you can handle that, the rest of the experience is straightforward.

FAQ

FAQ

Where do I meet for the surf camp?

You meet at 1900 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753, USA. The surf school van pickup happens about 5 minutes before your lesson.

What’s included in the price?

The camp includes a professional instructor and all surf gear, including a rash guard, reef shoes, and a surfboard.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

How do I choose my dates for the 3-day camp?

After booking, you must notify the supplier of your 3 preferred dates in the Special Requirements field at checkout. If you don’t provide that information, the booking can be canceled.

How big is the group?

This activity has a maximum of 2 travelers, so it’s set up for a small-group experience.

Are souvenir photos included?

No. Souvenir photos are available to purchase, but they’re not included in the camp.

What’s the cancellation policy if plans change?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund.

Should you book this 3-day Maui surf camp at Kalama Park?

If you want Maui surfing lessons that feel organized, gear-provided, and focused on real improvement over three days, this camp is a strong pick. The small group size and included gear help keep the experience low-stress, which matters a lot when you’re learning something as technical as surfing.

I’d especially consider booking if you’re traveling with kids or a mix of skill levels, since the camp is explicitly designed for all ages and all skill levels. If you’re staying somewhere that makes getting to 1900 S Kihei Rd easy, the overall value works well. If not, plan your transportation early so the lack of pickup doesn’t turn into a hassle.

Bottom line: for learning to surf in Maui without complicated logistics, this setup is practical, well-tuned, and built for steady progress.