What to Expect

Meet at the Ocean Experience Center inside Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea, where complimentary transportation then takes you about 10 minutes north to The Cove in Kihei. Towels and water are provided for the shuttle, so getting from the Wailea resort area to your surf lesson is easy.

At The Cove, your instructor starts on land with the fundamentals. Learn how to position yourself on the board, paddle, balance, and pop to your feet before heading into the water. The goal is to give you the mechanics first, so when a wave comes, you already know what to do.

Then it’s time to put it together. Paddle into The Cove’s gentle surf with your instructor nearby, working through wave after wave as you learn the timing of catching one, pushing up, finding your balance, and riding toward shore. Expect some wipeouts, they're part of learning, but also plenty of opportunities to get back on the board and make the next wave better than the last.

Your instructor continues coaching throughout the lesson, adjusting pointers to what you need as you gain confidence. Private, semi-private, and group options let you choose how much individual attention you want, from a social first-time lesson to one-on-one coaching focused completely on your surfing.

After the lesson, dry off and catch the included shuttle back to Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea, with a few new surf skills and your first Maui waves under your belt.

Included

• Land-based safety and technique instruction
• Soft-top surfboard and leash
• Rash guard and surf booties
• Surf instructor
• Towels and water
• Round-trip shuttle between Fairmont Kea Lani and The Cove

Lesson Options

Group Surf Lesson
Learn alongside other beginner surfers with up to five students per instructor. Guests age 11 and under cannot participate in the group lesson.

"Ohana" Semi-Private Surf Lesson
Get more personalized instruction for your party. One instructor is provided for up to four guests, with two instructors for five guests. Surfers age 6-10 require their own instructor for an additional charge.

Private Surf Lesson
Receive one-on-one instruction customized to your experience, comfort level, and goals. Private lessons are available for children ages 6+ and are especially useful for younger surfers or anyone wanting extra attention in the water.

Requirements

• Minimum age for private surf lessons: 6 years old
• Guests age 11 and under cannot participate in group lessons and require their own instructor for private or semi-private instruction
• Prior surfing experience is not required
• Strong swimming skills are not required; lessons take place in waist-deep water