Kihei surf lessons can change fast. This 3-day surf camp at Kalama Park pairs you with a professional instructor and supplies the board and wetsuit-style basics so you can focus on learning instead of gear hunting. I like that it works for all ages and skill levels, and I like that it runs as a true progression over multiple days. One thing to consider: there’s no hotel pickup/drop-off, so you’ll need to get yourself to the meetup point.

You’ll meet the Waves Hawaii Surf School van about 5 minutes before your lesson, then spend your camp time in the water at Kalama Park in Kihei. The camp is family friendly and popular with kids, which usually means the vibe is patient and encouraging rather than intense and ego-heavy.

Finally, check the small-group setup: this activity has a maximum of 2 travelers. That can be great for attention, but it also means you’ll want to be ready at the appointed times and locations, since you may not be folded into a big crowd.

Key things I’d bet on before you book

• Three-day skill progression that focuses on learning basics first, then building to better surfing over the full camp.
• Kalama Park surfing in Kihei, so you’re practicing at a consistent spot instead of hopping around.
• Coaching from known instructors like San, Lucas, and photo-focused Elijah (names called out in past camp experiences).
• All surf gear included: rash guard, reef shoes, and a surfboard.
• Multiple departures during the day, which can help you match your Maui schedule.
• No hotel transport included, so you’ll plan your own ride to 1900 S Kihei Rd.

Where You’ll Surf: Kalama Park in Kihei

Kalama Park is the heart of this camp. The big practical win here is consistency. You’re not trying to learn surfing on day one in one place and then restart in a new surf spot on day two. Instead, you practice your stance, timing, and balance at the same location for the full 3-day progression, which is exactly what you want when your goal is better skills, not just a one-time thrill.

Kihei itself is also a smart base for families and beginners. It’s set up for day trips and short activities, and this camp follows that style: you meet, you gear up, and you get into the water without a lot of extra touring.

One more detail that matters: your meetup system is tied to the Waves Hawaii Surf School van. That reduces the confusion factor that can happen with surf lessons, where everyone shows up somewhere different and hopes for the best. You’ll be meeting in a specific place and then going from there.

The 3-Day Flow: Basics to Better Surfing

This camp is built as a three-day progression. Day one is about getting the fundamentals working—things like getting comfortable on the board, learning basic technique, and understanding how to read what’s happening in the water. By the time you’re on day two and day three, the focus shifts toward improving your results: cleaner takeoffs, better control, and more confident attempts at catching waves.

The camp description is straightforward: you’ll surf three days to better your skills. That sounds obvious, but it’s worth emphasizing because plenty of surf “taster” experiences last only a single session. Here, the multi-day structure gives you repeat practice time, and that repetition is what turns awkward arm flailing into something closer to surfing.

Also, the activity is listed as about 2 hours (with the whole camp spanning three days). That’s useful on Maui, where you’ll likely be mixing beach time, food, and sightseeing. Shorter sessions can keep your energy up and keep the learning productive instead of turning the day into a long, exhausting slog.

There’s only one named stop in the schedule—Waves Hawaii Surf School. In practice, that stop functions as your check-in point. After that, your real work happens at the water at Kalama Park during each day of the camp.

Waves Hawaii Surf School Coaching: What You Gain in the Water

The coaching is the core value here, and the camp is set up to deliver it through an instructor-guided progression. All sessions come with a professional instructor, and the gear is provided, so you’re not spending your lesson wrestling a fin box or trying to guess the right board size.

What I like most is that past camp experiences highlight instructors who are focused on teaching, not just showing up and hoping for the best. San is specifically credited as an awesome teacher, with results that sounded like fast progress—catching waves by the end of the camp. Lucas gets praised for being helpful and patient, especially for families learning together.

And there’s also Elijah, who was highlighted for photo work—capturing moments across all three days and then getting the pictures sent promptly after the camp. That matters more than you might think. Surf learning is physical and chaotic; it’s hard to remember what you did right or wrong. Having photos afterward can help you see your own progress and keep motivation high between sessions.

A quick note on expectations: you’ll be learning in a real ocean environment. That’s part of the magic, and it also means conditions can change. The best way to think about the camp is as structured practice with a pro watching you closely and adjusting your technique where it counts.

Price and Value: Does $502.56 Make Sense?

At $502.56 per person for a three-day camp, this isn’t a bargain-basement deal, and it also isn’t a luxury splurge. For me, the value comes from what’s included.

You get:

• A professional instructor
• All surf gear: rash guard, reef shoes, and a surfboard

That’s a big chunk of cost you’d otherwise pay for in individual lessons or rental packages. Surfboards and safety gear aren’t cheap, and going without the right basic setup can slow learning. Here, you start with the tools you need.

What you don’t get:

• Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

If you’re staying somewhere with easy access to 1900 S Kihei Rd (your meetup point), the lack of pickup is manageable. If you’re relying on rides from a hotel area far from Kihei’s main roads, you’ll want to factor that in. In other words, the price feels fair when you can show up easily and use the included gear and instruction fully.

Also, remember the camp is booked on average about 42 days in advance. That’s a sign the schedule can fill. The camp structure is limited by availability and date selection, so planning ahead usually makes your trip smoother.

Getting There: 1900 S Kihei Rd and the Van Check-In

Your meetup point is 1900 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753. The camp tells you to arrive about 5 minutes before your lesson to meet the Waves Hawaii Surf School van. That’s a small window, so I’d treat it like a real appointment, not a casual suggestion.

Why this matters: surfing lessons often have multiple start times. This camp also mentions several departures throughout the day, which is great because you can match your schedule. But it also means you can’t arrive late and expect the group to wait. Show up early and you’ll get started with less stress.

The listing also says the area is near public transportation. I can’t promise every bus route works perfectly for your schedule, but it does suggest you may have more than one way to get there if you’re trying to keep costs under control.

What’s Included (and What’s Not) for a Smooth Camp

Here’s the practical setup. The camp includes the gear you need for learning:

• Rash guard
• Reef shoes
• Surfboard

That’s a relief on Maui. If you’ve surfed elsewhere, you know how much time gets wasted on wrong sizes, missing pieces, and last-minute rentals. With this camp, you should be able to walk in and get into the lesson quickly.

Not included:

• Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

From past camp experiences, instructors may take photos throughout the days, and the photo follow-up can be fast. Even if the souvenirs cost extra, it’s nice to know you’ll likely have images of your progress rather than just memories.

One more detail: this camp uses a mobile ticket. That’s simple, but it does mean your phone battery matters. I always like to keep a quick offline copy or make sure I have service when I show up.

Who This Maui Surf Camp Is Best For

This camp is described as family friendly and suitable for all ages and skill levels, including complete beginners. If your group includes kids (or adults who have never stood up on a board), that’s a big green flag. It’s harder to keep a positive learning vibe when everyone learns at the same pace—so a structured progression and patient instruction are exactly what you want.

It’s also a good fit for people who want real coaching, not a quick photo-op. The camp’s whole point is that you surf three days specifically to improve. If you’re the type who gets frustrated after one session, the multi-day approach helps because you’re not resetting from scratch each day.

The small group format is another factor. With a maximum of 2 travelers, you can expect more attention than you’d get in a packed lesson. That can be especially valuable when you’re learning balance and technique and you need correction quickly.

If you’re traveling as a larger group, you may need multiple bookings. That’s not stated as a rule, but the maximum traveler limit means it’s worth checking availability early if your party is more than two people.

My Decision Checklist: Should You Book This Camp?

I’d book this camp if you want:

• A real learning progression over three days
• Instruction plus gear included, so you can focus on surfing
• A Kihei-based setup at Kalama Park with multiple departure times
• A lesson format that’s typically friendly for kids and beginners
• A small-group experience where attention is more likely to land where it matters

I’d hesitate if:

• You don’t have an easy way to reach 1900 S Kihei Rd and don’t want to arrange your own transport
• You’re hoping for hotel convenience beyond the pickup/drop-off that isn’t included
• You’re mainly after a one-session taste of surfing (because the camp value is in the three-day progression)

If you’re asking whether this is a solid use of time on Maui, my answer is yes—especially if your goal is to leave with more than one shaky ride. The combination of included gear, pro instruction, and a multi-day progression gives you a realistic path to improving fast.

FAQ

FAQ

What is the location for the 3-day surf camp?

You’ll surf at Kalama Park in Kihei, Maui. The start point for meeting is 1900 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753.

How long is the experience?

It’s listed as 3 days with an approximate 2 hours duration.

How much does the camp cost?

The price is $502.56 per person.

What’s included in the surf camp?

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

What is not included?

Souvenir photos are not included (they’re available to purchase), and there is no hotel pickup and drop-off.

Where do I meet the instructors?

Meet at the Waves Hawaii Surf School van about 5 minutes before your lesson. The meeting point is 1900 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753.

Are there different departure times during the day?

Yes. The camp offers several departures throughout the day.

Do I need to choose dates after booking?

Yes. You must provide three preferred dates in the Special Requirements field at checkout. If you don’t, the booking can be canceled.

When will I receive confirmation?

You’ll receive confirmation within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

What’s the maximum group size?

This activity has a maximum of 2 travelers.

What are the cancellation terms?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time for a full refund.