Best Beginner Surf Spots in Maui: Ride Your First Wave
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Maui is a surfer’s paradise (even for brand new beginners), home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Hawaiian Islands. With its warm waters, breathtaking scenery, and a variety of surfable waves for all skill levels, it’s no surprise that people from around the world come here to ride the waves. While the north shore is famous for its big waves that attract advanced surfers, Maui also offers plenty of gentle waves and beginner surf breaks—making it an ideal destination for those just starting their surfing journey.
If you’re a new surfer, you might be wondering where to go for a good beginner surf spot that has easy access, mellow waves, and a safe learning environment. There are lots of beginner & kid friendly spots! Some beaches have shallow reef and strong currents, while others offer sandy beaches and consistent waves that are perfect for your first wave. The key is finding the best places where you can practice without worrying about big swells, long paddles, or large crowds.
The best surf spots for beginner surfers in Maui also have rental shops nearby, so you can easily grab the right gear, from soft-top boards to rash guards and reef-safe sunscreen. Many of these spots are also home to some of the best surf schools, where experienced instructors offer Maui surf lessons in private groups or group lessons. Whether you’re learning the basics, like popping up and paddling, or you’re working on catching long rides, these locations will set you up for success.
So, if you're looking for a great place to take your first surf lesson, or you're eager to test your skills and ride that perfect wave, check out these good beginner surf spots that offer the best waves for learning in Maui! 🌊🤙
Make sure to check out all the details on where to stay in Maui!
1. Lahaina Breakwall – One of Maui’s Best Beginner Surf Breaks
Location & Overview
Lahaina Breakwall is located on Maui’s west side, right next to Lahaina Harbor, making it one of the most convenient and accessible beginner surf spots on the island. This popular surf spot is protected from big swells, offering gentle waves that roll in consistently, making it a great place to practice your first wave. The area is ideal for beginner surfers, but on larger swells, it can also attract intermediate surfers looking for long rides.
While more experienced surfers tend to head to Maui’s north shore for bigger waves, Lahaina Breakwall remains a perfect spot for those looking for mellow waves, a low learning curve, and a better experience for their first surf session.
Since Lahaina has limited parking, it’s always a good idea to arrive early, especially if you have a group lesson booked.
Best Surf Schools at Lahaina Breakwall
If you’re a new surfer or it’s your first time in the water, taking a surfing lesson with a qualified instructor can make a huge difference in your progress. Fortunately, some of the best surf schools in Maui operate right at Lahaina Breakwall:
Maui Surfer Girls – A highly rated surf school offering private groups and group lessons. Their instructors are patient, knowledgeable, and great at teaching proper surf etiquette.
Goofy Foot Surf School – One of the best surf schools for beginners, they offer surfing lessons right at Breakwall and provide rental gear and video coaching.
Maui Wave Riders –They offer both group lessons and private surf lessons tailored for beginner surfers.
Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy – Known for their friendly instructors, they offer private and group surf lessons at Breakwall. Their shop is right next to the beach, making it easy to grab gear.
These surf schools provide the right gear, including soft-top surfboards, rash guards, and reef-safe sunscreen, ensuring you have the best and safest surfing experience possible.
Best Time to Surf at Lahaina Breakwall
Summer months (May – September) are the best time to surf here because the waves are gentler and the water temperature is warm.
Winter months (November – March) can bring bigger swells, which might be too challenging for beginner surfers, though some more experienced surfers might enjoy it.
Morning sessions are best, as low tide in the afternoon can expose more of the shallow reef, making it riskier.
Pros & Cons of Surfing at Lahaina Breakwall
✅ Pros:
Plenty of space to practice
Long rides for beginners
Rental shops nearby for easy access to gear
One of the best places to take maui surf lessons
Located near picnic tables, so you can relax post-session
❌ Cons:
Large crowds, especially during peak tourist season
Can have a shallow reef at low tide, so watch for sea urchins
Parking can be difficult, especially on weekends
If you’re looking for a good beginner surf spot with gentle waves, Lahaina Breakwall is one of the best surf spots in Maui. With ideal conditions for learning and some of the best surf schools, this popular surf spot is a perfect place to start your surfing journey! 🌊🏄♂️
2. Kalama Beach Park – Ideal Conditions for a Relaxed Surf Session
Location & Overview
Located in Kihei, on the south sides of Maui, Kalama Beach Park is one of the best surf spots for beginner surfers looking for a good place to learn. Unlike some of the popular surf spots on Maui’s west side, which can have reef breaks and shallow reef, Kalama Beach Park offers a sandy beach with mellow waves—perfect for new surfers who are just starting their surfing journey.
Here are a few more ideas of fun and free things to do in Maui, check this out! Surfing is cheap, but lessons are not!
The surfable waves here are gentle and forgiving, and because it’s a beginner surf break, it tends to be less intimidating than spots like Lahaina Breakwall. If you're not quite ready for your first wave on your own, there are several Maui surf lessons offered right at the beach, making it a perfect spot for group lessons or private groups.
Since it’s a public park, there are also picnic tables, grassy areas, and a playground nearby, making it a great place to spend a few hours—whether you’re catching waves or watching from the shore.
Best Parking for Kalama Beach Park
One of the best things about Kalama Beach Park is its easy access and plenty of space for parking. Unlike some of the more crowded beaches in Lahaina, finding a parking spot here is usually not a problem.
Kalama Park Public Parking Lot – Located right at the park, this is your best bet for free and convenient parking.
Street Parking on South Kihei Road – If the lot fills up, you can usually find a spot along South Kihei Road, just a short walk from the beach.
Nearby Surf Shops – Some rental shops offer parking for customers renting boards or booking surfing lessons.
Because dirty water can be an issue here after heavy rain, it’s a good idea to check local conditions before heading out.
Best Surf Schools at Kalama Beach Park
Since Kalama Beach Park is one of the best places to learn to surf in Kihei, you’ll find some of the best surf schools in Maui operating here. These schools offer rental gear, Maui surf lessons, and expert instruction on proper surf etiquette.
Maui Wave Riders – Kihei – One of the most popular surf schools in the area, they offer group lessons, private surf lessons, and all the right gear for beginners.
Surf Club Maui – They specialize in beginner surfers and provide small group lessons and private groups.
Hawaiian Paddle Sports – While they offer a variety of water activities, they also have surfing lessons at Kalama Beach Park, with a strong focus on reef-safe sunscreen and ocean conservation.
If you don’t have your own board, most of these schools also offer rental shops where you can pick up a soft-top beginner board for the day.
Best Time to Surf at Kalama Beach Park
Morning hours are the best time to surf here because the wind picks up later in the day, making conditions choppy.
Summer months (May – September) generally have consistent waves, making it a good beginner surf spot.
Winter months can sometimes bring in larger swells, which might make it trickier for beginners.
Pros & Cons of Surfing at Kalama Beach Park
✅ Pros:
Mellow waves that are perfect for beginners
Sandy bottom means no shallow reef or sea urchins to worry about
Plenty of surf shops nearby for rental gear
Picnic tables and shaded areas for a post-surf break
Easy access and plenty of space for parking
❌ Cons:
Dirty water can be an issue after heavy rain
Afternoon winds can make conditions choppy
Not as many long rides compared to other best surf spots
If you’re looking for one of the best beginner surf spots in South Maui, Kalama Beach Park is a perfect place to get comfortable in the water and enjoy a relaxed surf session. Whether you’re taking Maui surf lessons or just renting a board and heading out on your own, this great spot will give you a better experience for your first time on the waves! 🌊🤙
3. Kāʻanapali Beach – A Perfect Spot for Beginners
Location & Overview
Located on Maui’s west side, Kāʻanapali Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Hawaiian Islands and a great spot for beginner surfers looking to catch their first wave. Stretching for nearly three miles, this golden sand beach is home to surfable waves that vary in difficulty depending on the section of the beach.
While the north shore of Maui is known for big swells that attract advanced surfers, Kāʻanapali Beach has gentle waves in some areas, making it a good beginner surf spot. However, the reef break is farther out, so be prepared for a long paddle to get to the waves.
If you’re not comfortable paddling out alone or you’re a new surfer, taking a surfing lesson from one of the many Maui surf schools in the area is a good idea. Most schools here provide the right gear, including soft-top boards, rash guards, and reef-safe sunscreen, ensuring you have a better experience in the water.
Best Parking for Kāʻanapali Beach
Because Kāʻanapali Beach is lined with luxury resorts and hotels, parking can be tricky. Here are the best spots to park:
Whalers Village Parking Garage – Located near the center of Kāʻanapali Beach, this parking lot offers easy access to the sand and is a good place to park if you’re taking a surfing lesson. The first hour is free with validation from nearby shops or restaurants.
Hanakaoʻo Beach Park (Canoe Beach) – This public beach park just south of Kāʻanapali has free parking and is a better place if you want to avoid resort congestion. It’s about a 10-minute walk to the main surfing areas.
Limited street parking – Some areas along Honoapiʻilani Highway (Highway 30) have mile markers with pull-off areas where you can park, though spots fill up fast.
Best Surf Schools at Kāʻanapali Beach
Since Kāʻanapali Beach is one of the best places to learn how to surf in West Maui, there are several surf schools that operate directly on the beach or nearby:
Rivers to the Sea – Never been on a surfboard before? No problem! Our friendly surf instructors will patiently teach you everything you need to know to get on the board and start catching waves.2.
Maui Surfer Girls – Known for their supportive and encouraging instructors, they run lessons at multiple locations, including Kāʻanapali Beach and Lahaina Breakwall.
If you’re staying at one of the Kāʻanapali resorts, check with the concierge, as many offer private surf lessons right from the hotel beach area.
Best Time to Surf at Kāʻanapali Beach
Summer months (May – September) offer gentler waves, making it the best time for beginner surfers.
Winter months (November – March) can bring in big waves, which may not be ideal for first-time surfers but can be great for intermediate surfers looking for more of a challenge.
Mornings are the best time to go out, as the wind picks up in the afternoon, making the waves choppier.
Pros & Cons of Surfing at Kāʻanapali Beach
✅ Pros:
Warm waters year-round
Right gear is easy to rent from nearby surf shops
Plenty of space along the beach
Close to resorts, restaurants, and vacation rentals
A perfect place for a relaxed surf session
❌ Cons:
Large crowds, especially near the resorts
Some areas have strong currents, so proper surf etiquette and safety awareness are important
The long paddle out to the waves can be tiring for new surfers
If you’re staying on Maui’s west side and looking for a good beginner surf spot with gentle waves and easy access to surfing lessons, Kāʻanapali Beach is a perfect spot to kick off your surfing experience. Whether you’re catching your first wave or working on improving your balance, this great place is an excellent starting point for your wave sliding adventure in Maui! 🌊🏄♀️
4. Launiupoko Beach Park – Great Waves with a Relaxed Vibe
For a more laid-back surfing experience, Launiupoko Beach Park in West Maui is a great place to practice. This popular surf spot offers gentle waves perfect for beginner surfers, plus plenty of picnic tables and shade to relax after your surf session.
Best time: Morning before the winds pick up
Skill level: Beginner
Pros: Plenty of space, great waves, easy access from Honoapiilani Highway
Cons: Can have sea urchins in the shallow water
5. Cove Park – A Good Place for Learning with Small Waves
Right next to Kalama Beach Park, Cove Park is another good beginner surf spot in Kihei. The waves here are smaller and less powerful than other areas, making it one of the best places for beginner surfers who want to build confidence on their board.
Best time: Low tide for easier rides
Skill level: Beginner
Pros: Easy access, gentle waves, maui’s beautiful ocean scenery
Cons: Can be crowded during peak hours
6. Kahului Harbor – Best Surf Spots for Those Who Want to Challenge Themselves
If you’re starting to feel comfortable and want to try a better experience, Kahului Harbor has good swell and long rides. While it's not as protected as other beginner surf breaks, it’s still a great spot for new surfers who are gaining confidence. Just be cautious of strong currents and large channels.
Best time: Winter months, when the waves are more consistent
Skill level: Intermediate surfers
Pros: Long rides, great waves, less crowded than other areas
Cons: Big swells can make it challenging, watch out for reef break
7. Honolua Bay – A Better Place for When You’re Ready for More
While Honolua Bay is usually known for big waves and advanced surfers, there are days when it offers surfable waves for those progressing in their surfing journey. If you’re looking for a perfect wave with fewer people, this could be your ideal conditions—just make sure to check the Maui surf report before heading out.
Best time: Winter months for big swells, summer months for smaller waves
Skill level: More experienced surfers
Pros: Good day conditions offer long rides, perfect spot for progressing surfers
Cons: Reef break, shallow reef, not always suitable for beginners
Best Ways to Prepare for Your First Surfing Experience
Wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect Maui’s marine life
Book a lesson with Maui surfer girls or one of the best surf schools
Rent the right gear from a rental shop nearby
Check the Maui surf report before heading out
Respect proper surf etiquette—don’t drop in on someone else’s wave
Watch out for sea urchins in shallow water
Maui is one of the best places in the world for beginner surfers, with gentle waves, easy access, and plenty of good beginner surf spots. Whether you’re paddling out at Lahaina Breakwall, catching your first wave at Kalama Beach Park, or pushing your skill level at Kahului Harbor, Maui’s warm waters and perfect waves make it an unforgettable surfing experience.
So grab your board, book a lesson, and start your wave sliding journey in the island of Maui! 🌊🤙
