Top Maui Surfing Spots

Surfers come to Hawaii to catch some impressive surf breaks. And naturally the pristine beaches of Maui are pretty famous for surf and stand-up paddleboard spots, excellent both for those who want to learn to surf in Maui and others who want to test to the full their surfing skills. So whether you’ve just had your first Maui surf lesson or you’re an experienced surfer, you’ll want to take note of these unforgettable Maui surfing beaches.

At Hawaiian Surf Style, we often take our beginning Maui surf or SUP guests either to Ukuhame Beach Park in West Maui or Kalama Beach Park in South Maui. These beaches both offer dependable, easy peaks of knee high to head high waves that are great for beginners and longboard Maui surfers. These Maui surfing spots are good for morning Maui surf lessons when the winds are generally calmer and the waves are nice and smooth. Kalama Beach Park also has a great well-landscaped park area that’s perfect for having a picnic after finishing your Maui surfing lessons.
 
While you’re in South Maui, you can also check out the great waves at Cove Beach Park. Just off of South Kihei Road, Cove Park is a hotspot for longboard surfers. It’s also a nice surfing beach for beginners and Maui stand-up paddle board enthusiasts with its calm waves rolling in. There’s also a nice park area here too for those who just like to admire the surfers and have a picnic.

Ho’okipa Beach on the North Shore just outside of Paia is recognized as the “windsurfing capital of the world” and is also a popular place for the experienced Maui surfer. This well-known surfing area boasts at times exceptionally large waves and strong winds, (especially in winter) causing it to attract world-class surfers, but due to this fact also, this location is not typically best for those just learning to surf. But you can sure enjoy watching pro surfers battle these commanding waves at a lookout point just above the popular surfing break known as “Pavilions,” which is the break furthest to the east.

Nearby Ho’okipa Beach lies another famous surfing location – Jaws – or Pe’ahi, Maui – about three miles east of Paia. This legendary Maui surfing break is where some of the best surfers in the world come to challenge, maybe not even each other, but some of the largest waves in the world. These massive waves can reach upwards of 4 stories during the winter. Often it becomes too dangerous for Maui surfers to paddle out to the break so they must use the “tow-in” surfing method where pro surfers are towed to the waves by water crafts and dropped off.

Several ‘Big Wave’ surfing competions have been held here including the Red Bull Jaws contest. Of course, these Maui surf waves are only attempted by professional surfers, and they can be very risky even for them. But there are nice lookout areas on the cliffs overlooking Jaws where photographers and other fans gather to watch these spectacular surfing breaks.

If you want a little less demanding surfing experience, Lahaina Harbor in West Maui is another a great spot for beginners and intermediate surfers with its steady waves. You can paddle out from the beach next to the marina and catch both left-handed and right-handed breaks.  After surfing you can shuffle over to historic Front Street in Lahaina and do some sightseeing or eat at one of the town’s tasty restaurants.

So after your Maui surf lesson with Hawaiian Style Surf, check out some of these awesome Maui surfing spots along the beautiful Valley Isle coasts, where novice and pro come out to perfect their Maui surfing techniques.

Maui Ocean Sports Top Gear - Surfboards and GoPro Cameras

Surfing and stand-up paddle claims some of the coolest gear of all the Maui ocean sports. Carrying these colorful and artistically-designed boards across Maui’s shorelines can immediately create a feeling of excitement and thrill as to what the day in the Maui surf might bring. They are the instrument of a surfer’s symphony on the water. They can enrich the skill of the surfer. Over the years, surfboards have stood out as a symbol of this cherished Maui ocean sport.

You might be interested to learn you may want to know what kinds of surf and SUP boards Maui surfers use most to develop their surf skills…Well, Hawaiian Style began their Maui surf lessons using a type of surfboard called a softop, made by Surftech, an innovative surfboard manufacturer 25 years. These surfboards are great for beginner surfers. Over the years, they’ve proven to be durable, very stable, as well as forgiving to new surfers. Surftech softop boards feature a soft EVA deck and rails for easy use and safety.

For our Maui surf lessons, we often recommend using 9 to 10 ft. boards for children and petite adults and 11 to 12 ft. boards for other surfers. This year we’re also using surfboards from the Maunalua board company for our Maui surf lessons. These surfboards that feature wide-bodied designs are also well-constructed, stable boards that are excellent for beginner surfers and those progressing to more difficult breaks.

For our Maui SUP lessons, we use paddleboards from Naish, which makes a good diversity of stand-up paddleboards for cruising, racing, wide-style waves, touring, and fitness as well as SUP paddles and gear. Naish also makes kiteboarding and windsurfing gear as well. Naish’s softop Mana series SUP boards have an excellent design and stability about them that works well both for beginners and experienced Maui stand-up paddleboarding enthusiasts.

Along with these amazing surfboards and SUP boards, we also offer GoPro cameras for our customers to record all of their Maui surfing adventures up close and personal. We use the GoPro HERO3+ Silver edition camera for both videos and still photography of our surfing lessons. The waterproof GoPro HERO3+ Silver features video resolutions up to 1080p60 and 10MP photos up to 10 frames per second with enhanced low-light performance and built-in WiFi.

These unbelievably handy video cameras can either be mounted on the surfboards or handheld. The quality of video these cameras take is really awesome, and our clients love the awesome footage this cameras takes of their personal Maui surf lesson. See how the GoPro camera captures the Hawaiian Style Surf adventure!


Those taking our Maui surf or SUP lessons can also use Hawaiian Style rash guards and booties o ensure they have a safe and fun surfing experience.

Our surfboards and surfing gear are all part of a tradition of Maui ocean sports that deliver an unforgettable experience to island explorers.

While we can say that learning to surf in Maui is epic and exhilarating, you’ll need to experience it first-hand to really see what makes Maui surfing so unforgettable.

5 Places to Grab A Bite in Kihei After A Hawaiian Style Surf Lesson

We often take people to Kalama Beach Park in Kihei for their Maui surf lessons. It has a beautiful beach and good waves for everyone from beginners and children to more progressive surfers. There’s also an accommodating park area by the beach that makes a nice spot for a picnic.

So after their surfing lesson, many want to know where they can get some food…because of course, surfing can make you work up quite a healthy appetite. And many surfers search for a fast, inexpensive, and delicious spot where they can refuel and be ready to take on the next big wave.

If you’re looking for a good place to eat after your lesson, here’s some of the best eateries we’ve found in Kihei:

 

Stewz Maui Burgers. If you’re craving a good burger after your Maui surfing lesson, try Stewz Maui Burgers (formerly Stewart’s Burgers) right across from the beach in Kihei. Enjoy their gourmet hamburgers and fries in a casual open air patio atmosphere. Try their special burger of the day and one of their delicious shakes.

Kihei Caffe. This little spot is also right across the street from the beach and has a marvelous breakfast. A great local feel, the Kihei Caffe has a walk-up order style, after which, you grab a table and wait as your food is brought out. We like the macadamia nut French toast or their delicious cinnamon rolls. At times, there may be a line, but it’s worth the wait. And if you love breakfast or just get a late start, they serve breakfast through out the whole day.

Eskimo Candy. Don’t let the name fool you. This has nothing to do with candy. It’s actually a delicious little seafood market and cafe! This little place and fresh fish market offers eat in, take out, or cook at home food. About a 5 minute drive from Kalama Beach Park, Eskimo Candy offers awesome fish and chips as well as delicious poke bowls. Open Monday through Friday, you can either eat in or buy some fresh Maui fish and seasonings to cook a meal at home.

Horhito’s Taqueria taco truck. This tasty mobile restaurant is right across the street from Kalama Beach Park in the Kihei Market Place parking lot. They arguably sell the best fish tacos in Maui! Prepared fresh, Horhito’s is an excellent value. They also have delicious salsa, carne asada, and pork tacos. Many of the locals frequent this delicious mobile eatery after they’ve surfed at Kalama Beach.


 Maui Brick Oven. If you’re planning to have dinner after your day at the beach, this little restaurant features fish and chips, pizza, pasta and more. One of the unique and often most appreciated features of this Kilhei favorite is that everything is gluten-free! So for those who follow a strict gluten-free diet or those who just want to enjoy a delicious pizza and fabulous dessert, this is the restaurant. There’s a tasty dish for everyone. Less than two miles down the road from Kalama Beach Park, it’s open for dinner six days a week.

Of course by the beach, there are also many great shaved ice, ice cream, and coffee houses to stop in at if you just want a quick snack.

It's good to bring a little cash with you when you visit Kihei because some of these little eateries only accept cash.

Understanding Surfing Lingo with Help from Your Brahs

Surfing has its own life– its own culture and even its own language. In this Hawaiian sport, a style of slang has developed that unites its members into a surfing community. So to be a part of this community of Maui surfers (or at least to understand what they’re talking about), you’ll need to understand some of the basic Maui surfing verbiage. So check out the helpful glossary of surfing terms below:

Air or catch air – a surfing maneuver where the surfer and his/her surfboard gets airborne.

Aloha – greetings/farewell , affection, peace. “Aloha Spirit” denotes a friendly, easy-going, accepting attitude.

Amped – excited, full of life, stoked

An Den (“AHN Dehn”) – Phrase meaning “What’s up?” or “How are you?”

Anglin’ – Turning left and/or right on a wave; surfing at an angle across a wave instead of surfing straight toward the beach.

Bail out – To jump off or get away from your surfboard before a potential wipe out.

Barrel – When the wave has a hollow channel or tube when it breaks and curls over.

Beach Break – A wave formed over sand or those that break across a sandy beach.

Braddah (“BRAH-dah”) – Brother

Brah – Surfer friend

Blown Out – When winds are blowing so hard that they chop up the surf and make it impossible to
ride.

Carve/Carving – Making a radical turn on or through the wave.

Channel – A deep spot where waves don’t usually break.

Choke – a big amount of something, a lot.

Curl – The part of the wave that is spilling over and breaking.

Cut-out – To pull out of the wave.

Deck – The top-side of the surfboard, the side you stand on.

Drop in – To cut in on another surfer’s wave. Not good surfing etiquette.

Duck Dive – Diving underneath the waves to get past breaking waves easier and faster.

Eat it – To fall off your board or wipe-out.

Face – The almost vertical front portion or surface of a wave where the wave begins to curl overhead.

Goofy-Foot – Riding the surfboard with your right foot as the lead foot.

Gun – A long surfboard made for riding big waves.

Haole (“How-lee”) – A native Hawaiian term for foreigner or Caucasian.

Kook – A beginning surfer who gets in the way or into trouble because of ignorance, or a wannabe
who pretends to look the part but can’t surf.

Line-up – The place in the water beyond where the waves break where surfers wait to catch their next wave.

Lip – The top of the face of the wave.

Offshore Winds – When the wind is blowing off the shore, good surfing conditions.

Point Break – A wave that breaks on a rocky point.

Rail – The sides of the surfboard.

Reef Break – Waves that break over a coral reef.

Set – A group of waves. Larger waves will travel in 4 to 6 wave sets.

Snaking – To go around or behind another surfer who has the right-of-way on a breaking wave to get into a better position to catch their wave, forcing them to change direction and miss the wave. Cutting them off. Not good surfing etiquette.

Soup – The foamy or white water part of a broken wave.

Swell – Unbroken waves that move in groups with similar heights and frequency.

Tube – The part of the wave when the crest spills over the hollow barrel making a tunnel or pip-shaped wave; also Green Room or Barrel.

Fun in Maui - Ocean Sports

Planning your vacation to Maui? No doubt enjoying some ocean sports are included in your plans. These are some of the most exhilarating and memorable things to do in Maui. What Maui ocean sports are at the top?

Well, call us partial but, surfing and SUP of course…The classic Hawaiian ocean sport, surfing is a must-do on your vacation because it’s one of the key elements of the Aloha spirit. Surfing is an essential part of Hawaiian culture, having been done on the islands for hundreds, possibility thousands of years. So, it would just be wrong to come Hawaii and not take a Maui surfing lesson.

Stand-up paddleboard or SUP is also a great part of Polynesian culture that you wouldn't want to miss. SUP is actually one of the quickest growing water sports in the world because many new surfers can stand-up paddle. This Maui ocean sport is easy to learn and offers a great workout along with awesome views of marine life. The world has just fallen in love with stand-up paddling and we know you will too! At Hawaiian Style Surf, we offer both personal and corporate surfing and SUP lessons.

Kayaking. This allows you can see a variety of marine life like dolphins, manta rays, green sea turtles, tropical fish, and more; Get up close and personal from this eco-friendly mode of transportation. A guided kayak tour can save you time and help you see the most amazing sites in Maui like Honolua Bay, Turtle Town, and Olowalu, all from the water! Check out the kayak guides at Kelii’s Kayak Tours for more info.

Snorkeling. After kayaking above the water, you can get in the water and snorkel right near the sea turtles, tropical fish, and the rest of the underwater world of Maui. Snorkeling tours also gives you a unique experience with knowledgeable guides helping you all the way, form gettting the right fit with your snorkeling equipment to answering any of your questions or concerns. These tours are also great for the whole family to enjoy together. Learn more about these snorkeling tours at Maui Snorkel Tours.

Scuba diving. Of course, next you could go deeper into the ocean by scuba diving. You can dive at some of the most raved about spots in Maui like Black Rock, Molokini Crater, Coral Gardens. If you’ve never dived before, you can often get a PADI certification through a class on the island. Have a personal guided scuba diving tour by Sammy Scuba.

Spearfishing.  If you want even more adventure as some of us do, spearfishing may be for you. Spearfishing involves hunting for fish underwater, often by freediving (diving by holding your breath), and using a speargun or polespear. This type of fishing is not only exciting but also is specific in its targets, thus causing no by-catch, or non-targeted fish that may be too small. Spearfishing also offers the satisfying chance to catch your own tasty dinner! Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, try a spearfishing tour from Spearfish Maui.

Windsurfing. In this thrilling ocean sport, windsurfers can experience amazing waves, perform awesome jumps, and other freestyle maneuvers. Try skimming over Maui’s gorgeous waters by windsurfing. With its steady winds, Maui is a windsurfer’s paradise. Windsurfing combines sailing elements with surfing. Whether you’re a beginner or you want to improve on your windsurfing skills, taking windsurfing lessons may be for you.

Kiteboarding. Maui is often called the birthplace of modern kiteboarding and is one of the world’s best kiteboarding spots because of its awesome beaches and great trade winds. Kiteboarding or kitesurfing brings together the best of several ocean sports like wakeboarding, surfing, and paragliding. Even if you’re a beginner, kiteboarding lessons can help you start riding the big waves. Check out Aqua Sports Maui Kiteboarding Lessons.

Whichever Maui ocean sports you decide to enjoy, have fun, be safe, and always respect the beautiful ocean waters and beaches of Maui.

The Story of the Surf - History Lesson for Maui Surfers

As part of your Maui surf lessons, it’s best to go over the history of surfing. Now, you might not be overly excited at the idea of a history lesson, but as with most Hawaiian activities and subjects, you'll find this is much more interesting than your typical history class.

So, let's get the ball rolling, when you’re learning to surf in Maui, it’s nice to know a little about where this awesome sport came from so you can truly take in the Aloha spirit of surfing.

Surfing’s Origins.

As far back as the 15^th century there were Hawaiian chants honoring surfing and talking about competing chiefs, surfing wagers, and remarkable waves, hawaiihistory.org noted. In 1779, Lieutenant James King, who was commander of Captain James Cook’s ship Discovery after Cook’s death, wrote a description of surfboard riding by the locals at Kealakekua in Hawaii. By then, surfing was an key part of Hawaiian culture, Marcus noted, as can be seen in their early religion, society, and myths of the islands including petroglyphs of surfers carved on lava rocks. (Now that's totally awesome bro)

“The Polynesians who made it to Hawaii also brought their customs with them, including playing in the surf on paipo (belly) boards. Although Tahitians are said to have occasionally stood on their boards, the art of surfing upright on long boards was certainly perfected if not invented in Hawaii,” Ben Marcus wrote in From Polynesia, With Love: A History of Surfing From Captain Cook to the Present.

So, it’s generally believed that the Polynesians who migrated throughout the Pacific Islands from Marquesas, Fiji, and Tahiti to the Hawaii Islands were the first to surf.

The art of surfing took hold and was mastered in the Hawaiian Islands. Thus, surfing or “he’e nalu” (to ride the waves) came to be known as a Hawaiian sport.

A Sport of Royalty.

Do you feel a little Kingly as you catch a big wave? Surfing was especially popular among royalty in early Hawaiian culture as part of their “kapu” system, where “ali’i” or the ruling class had a different status from the “maka’ainana” or commoners, the Hawaiian Encyclopedia said. Chiefs used surfing to show their courage and skill to their subjects and reinforce their elevated status.

“The kings used to ride huge “olo” balsa board reserved only for them which were 18-25 ft in length, whilst the rest of the population had to ride smaller “alaia” surfboards,” the surf shop Extreme Horizon noted.

 

Some of Hawaii’s most famous chiefs were extolled for their surfing abilities. Nevertheless, this captivating Hawaiian sport was big among both royals and commoners with men and women of all ages enjoying the sport.

Rebirth of Surfing.

With the influx of European culture following Captain Cook’s visit to the Hawaii Islands, interest in surfing began to decrease. But in the early 20^th century two renowned surfers made the sport popular once again.

Hawaiian native Duke Kahanamoku surfed Waikiki in 1905, the Hawaiian Encyclopedia said, and  thus began the rebirth of Hawaiian surfing. He was one of the famous Waikiki beach boys, a group of water sports instructors and surfers. Duke set an American swimming record in  the year 1911 and later set world records and won medals in four different Olympics. As the Encyclopedia noted, Duke went on to become a Hollywood movie star and was Sheriff of the City and County of Honolulu for 26 years. He is now considered a Hawaiian legend.



George Freeth was another Waikiki beach boy that brought much attention to the Hawaiian sport of surfing. In 1907, famous American writer Jack London met George and wrote a magazine article about surfing that made George a small celebrity in the U.S., Extreme Horizon noted. George then moved to California, surfing at major beaches in the state, creating more momentum and interest in the Hawaiian sport. Soon, California surfers began to crop up.

Thus, surfing had once again become a favorite pastime of those who love the ocean.

So, how are your surfing lessons coming? We hope that you now know a little more of the history behind this acclaimed Maui ocean sport and Hawaiian lifestyle, continue to practice and develop your surfing skills and come to know truly know the spirit of Aloha.

10 Amazing things to do in Maui

Are you coming to the gorgeous island of Maui soon? If you are, you’re probably thinking about what you will do while you’re here. There is so much to do in this paradise location, you can’t fit everything in during just one short vacation. So how do you know what to choose? To help you get the most from your Maui vacation, we’ve made a list of the things we most love to do in Maui….in addition to surfing that is.

Bike down Haleakala. Watch the sunrise from the Haleakala Crater. This mountain biking tour from the top of Haleakala, Maui’s largest volcano, is truly spectacular with unforgettable views of the sun coming through the clouds. There are several companies that offer this bike tour, taking you up to the summit as you tour Haleakala National Park along the way. Then you can bike down from the summit all the way to the little beach town of Paia. Some companies offer a self-guided tour where you can stop and see whatever you want as you bike down. It’s really a amazing way to see Upcountry Maui! But take a jacket because it’s super cold on Haleakala at sunrise.

Road to Hana. This is Maui’s famous scenic (and exhilarating) drive from Kahului to the little town of Hana in East Maui. There are dozens of switchbacks and one lane bridges along the route that showcase spectacular views out over cliffs, along breath-taking coastlines and beaches, and through fascinating rainforest jungles. This world-renowned drive affords many opportunities to stop along the way at fruit stands for delicious banana bread for example and hike to unforgettable waterfalls. Highlights of the trip include the black sand and red sand beaches in Hana. Although the red sand beach is hidden, it’s really a great hike.

Snorkel with sea turtles. View these incredible sea creatures up close as you snorkel with them in their natural habitat. You can go out on a catamaran or snorkel from shore. There are many beautiful spots around Maui where these incredible Hawaiian sea turtles hang out. Turtle Town along the southern coast of Maui is a good area to snorkel as well as Black Rock at Ka’anapali Beach.

Swim under a waterfall. Natural pools and waterfalls are plentiful in Maui, although most are located in East Maui along the Road to Hana.  Twin Falls is the first one you come to along the Road to Hana, but it’s often crowded. Try Oheo Gulch, Ching’s Pond, and Alelele Falls too. Oheo Gulch or the Seven Sacred Pools, located about 10 miles south of Hana in the Kipahulu area, are a group of waterfalls that spill into tiered natural pools that lead to the sea.

Spend a day upcountry. Most tourists never make it up here, but it’s really the heart of Maui! The lavender farm is truly amazing and offer great views of the mountains. The winery at Ulupalakua Ranch is well worth the drive. They have free tastings, so try some of their pineapple wine! At the end of the day, the Surfing Dairy Farm offers a great farm tour where you can even milk a goat. Also, don’t miss their homemade truffles.

Be a beach bum. No Maui vacation is complete without spending some time just relaxing and soaking up rays at Maui’s amazing beaches. Big Beach and White Rock in the south of Maui as well as Kapalua Bay Beach and Ka’anapali Beach in West Maui are some of our favorite Maui beaches.

Kayaking over coral reefs. Kayak tours are available, or you can rent a kayak on your own to see these stunning coral reefs and the colorful reef fish. Olowalu is a great spot to kayak. The reef at Olowalu on the west side of Maui near Lahaina is pretty amazing. And if you’re near Olowalu, be sure to stop in Leoda’s Pie Shop.

Circle West Maui. If you thought the Road to Hana was exciting, wait until you try this.  This narrow road that rounds West Maui and has steep mountain cliffs aren’t for the faint of heart, but you’re rewarded with fantastic views and great hikes. Start your trip at the Iao Valley to check out the Iao Needle and then continue up counter clockwise, stopping to hike down to the Olivine Pools, tide pools on barren lava rock on the ocean’s edge and the Nakelele Blowhole (don’t miss the heart-shaped rock nearby).  If it’s summertime, stop to snorkel at Honolua Bay and end your day with a sunset dinner in Lahaina.

Go whale watching. During the winter months, migrating humpback whales or “kohola” make Maui their home.  Dozens of companies offer whale watching excursions (the ones on the catamarans are best), but these amazing creatures are so plentiful that you can often spot them from shore.

Learn to Surf. Last, but certainly not least, is the unforgettable experience of learning to surf in Maui with Hawaiian Style Surf. Maui surf lessons are a must-have experience for every island vacationer. This ocean sport gives you a thrill you can only find by surfing the waves in Maui. Easier than it might seem, especially with assistance from the native Hawaiian instructors at Hawaiian Style, learning to surf provides a unique and memorable exhilaration that is truly Hawaiian. And learning to surf in Maui amid the paradisiac waters and amazing island views of this Hawaiian island is an extraordinary experience you just can’t pass up.


So, when you’re creating your “list of things to do in Maui,” don’t forget these 10 incredible, awesome adventures!

Maui Surf Lessons - One of the Most Memorable Things to Do in Maui

Have a Maui vacation planned soon? If so, you’ve undoubtedly searched for the top things to do in Maui. Among the many exciting and memorable activities you can enjoy while on vacation here, there are two you indisputably can’t miss – Maui surf lessons and stand up paddleboard (SUP) lessons. No Maui vacation is complete without these two sports.

What makes us say that? For one reason, surfing is Hawaii. Surfing is believed to have started with Polynesians in the Pacific islands and really advanced more as they came to the Hawaiian Islands. Thus, surfing or “he’e nalu” became known as a Hawaiian sport. Captain James King in 1779 described this wave riding by locals on the Big Island of Hawaii. It was a sport of royal Hawaiian kings and queens.

Hawaii is thus known as the epicenter of the surfing world where it’s a central part of the culture and heritage of a society that loves the ocean. Surfing captures the spirit of Aloha and the actual lifestyle of the islands. So, to truly experience Hawaii, you have to experience surfing.

Learning to surf offers a thrill quite unlike any other sport. As you learn to work embrace the ocean waves, you sense the exhilaration and power that the waves carry, and at the same time an exceptional feeling of serenity. Many find in surfing a way to lessen stress and anxiety. This is part of the spirit of Aloha that engulfs you with excitement while giving you a soothing sense of peace. Thus, this incomparable Maui watersport offers an amazing experience that is truly Hawaiian. 

And to be able to say that you took surfing lessons in Maui…this is a remarkable place to learn to surf and a cherished part of your trip! Nowhere else can you surf amidst the beauty that is Maui. With striking views of the volcanic crater known as Molokini and the island of Lanai as your backdrop, you can take Maui surf lessons in the flawless ocean waters with palm trees lining the coast. True, there are other places around the world to surf, but there’s no other place quite like Maui.

Because surfing is linked so much to Hawaii and the people of these islands, there’s no better people to teach you to surf. For many locals, surfing is where we feel most at home, and is really second nature, so of course we love helping people experience this exhilarating sport first-hand. As people characterized by the Aloha spirit, we’re laid back and are just excited to be a part of your surfing experience, so our Maui surf lessons are similarly relaxed and fun. Having native Hawaiians who love the ocean and surfing teach you surfing or SUP is another exceptional aspect of Maui surf lessons that you won’t find anywhere else.

SUP or “hoe he’e nalu” is an additional watersport with a Hawaiian heritage that provides an unforgettable Maui experience. SUP is an easy-to-learn sport and offers a great full body workout. It can also be done by people of all ages and skill levels. This popular Hawaiian sport offers amazing views of the islands and sea life that you can only see in Maui.

So when you visit the islands, be sure to put Maui surf lessons or SUP lessons on the top of your list of things to do! There’s truly no other sports quite like surfing or stand up paddling, and no other place to learn quite like Maui.

Companies Enjoy Maui Surf Lessons With Hawaiian Style Surf

Last month several different corporations visited Maui to celebrate great achievements in their organizations. As part of their vacation, they joined us for Maui surf lessons. We always really enjoy having these corporations and their families join us for Maui surfing and stand-up paddle lessons. We are a family-owned business ourselves, and so we love to see entire families learn to surf together. It’s a perfect bonding time for families as well as employees. Everyone can join together for Maui surf lessons. And you can really see the culture of the organization begin to strengthen as they all experience these voyages together.

State Farm Insurance families came out to Maui to surf with us all month long, doing three to four days of surfing and SUP lessons each week. Many were celebrating being a part of the State Farm Ambassador’s Club and enjoyed a week of surfing excitement while they were here. Hawaiian Style instructors Rick Leong, Cameo Ka’ahanui, Kaimana Leong, and Cheyne McDonald helped the State Farm families to increase their surfing and SUP skills. As part of the Maui surfing lessons package, video footage of their adventures was taken by GoPro cameras. You can see some of this great footage our Google+ and Facebook pages. Everyone did really awesome at surfing and most importantly had fun in the process!

The Morgan Stanley group joined us one afternoon for surfing lessons at Maui’s Ukumehame Beach Park. Although it was a little windy, that didn’t discourage this eager team of Maui surfers. Many of these great surfers got up quickly and rode the waves all the way to the beach! Check out these amazing videos on our Facebook and Google+ pages. These surfers were part of the Morgan Stanley Chairman’s Club, the top group of financial advisors.

The Eli Lilly and Company group came out to Kalama Beach Park for their Maui surfing lessons. Great surfing conditions welcomed the group that morning as the Eli Lilly President’s Club members and their families ventured out on the waves. Everyone learned how to surf very quickly and were up and going strong on the Maui waves that day. We also got some great videos of these Maui surfers using the GoPro. Eli Lilly and Company is an American-based global pharmaceutical company.

We also had an awesome time with our friends from Combined Insurance who joined us at Kalama Park early in the month of April. They were a fun group of surfers, and we got to capture some cool surfing footage on the GoPro cameras.

Logicalis Us also joined us at Kalama Park and discovered their love of surfing and stand-up paddle. These Logiscalis President’s Club members and their families had a great time as they found their own unique surfing styles in Maui’s gentle waters. We also have some cool videos of these Logicalis team members as they took on the waves. Logiscalis is an international IT and managed services provider.

Members of Zoetis, a global animal health company, joined us for some amazing Maui surfing and SUP lessons. There were a ton of good waves and light wind that day which made for a perfect group surfing event.

And our friends from Charles Schwab came out to Maui again and enjoyed a great day of surfing and stand-up paddleboarding. Many from the Charles Schwab group had been surfing with us before, but once again had a blast as they tackled the ocean waves.

As each group paddled out and everyone caught that first wave, we could see the thrill of adventure and excitement to learn to surf on their faces. Everyone had an awesome time and we were just happy to be along for the ride. We host a variety of corporate surfing and SUP lessons throughout the year as companies bring their families and employees to the islands for some often much needed fun and relaxation. Keep us in mind for your next corporate Maui event!

Beginner's Tips for Learning To Surfing in Maui

Thrilling adventures await you in Maui. One of the many exciting things to do in Maui is learn to surf. Locals and tourists alike will tell you that there’s nothing quite like it. A rush of exhilaration sweeps over you while you’re surfing that will remain with you for years after and will beckon you want to return to the islands.

If you’re just starting out on your surfing adventure, you may have some anxiety about learning to ride the waves in Maui. Don’t let this normal apprehension stop you from experiencing the exhilaration of surfing. Learning to surf in Maui is a very fun and satisfying experience and may not be as hard as it at first appears. Remember that you will also have our experienced surfing instructors close by to assist you along the way. But below are some helpful Maui surfing tips to get you started on your voyage.

The right surfboard and surfing gear. Beginners usually do better with longer surfboards. A longer, thicker, and wider board will be more stable and easier to paddle. Generally, a longboard that is about 7 feet 8 inches or more will be good for even a petite surfer to start with. A wider and thicker softboard, or foam board, will float easier, giving you a smoother ride to paddle and stand-up on.

It’s a good idea to have a leash attached to your surfboard to avoid losing your board in the waves. A wet suit will help to act as a rash guard and shield your skin from rubbing against the board.

Find the right surfing location. It’s best for beginners to stay away from the larger and rougher waves. Beaches with sandy, straight shores, nice sandbars, and the least amount of reefs and rocks are best. In these calmer areas, waves will reach about 3 feet high, which are good for beginners. The two areas we give surfing lessons at in Maui are great for both beginners as well as more advanced longboard surfers.

Lying on your surfboard. What position is surfboard’s nose in when it lies by itself on the water? When you lie on the board, the nose should still lie flat on the water, just somewhat lower. If you lie on the board and the nose falls below the water, this is called “poking tako,” and you must slide back gently until the board once again lies flat on the water. Too much weight on the back of the board will cause the nose to stick out of the water, which will also stop you from successfully catching a wave. So, you will have to find a balance point or “sweet spot” on which to lie on the board. After you find this balance point, notice where your chin is in relation to the board. This spot will serve as a good reference point of where to lie to balance your board.

Paddling for the wave. It’s best to paddle hand over hand, moving left and then right. This will allow you to keep up a steady speed in the water, which will make it easier and less exhaustive for you to paddle to the break. While paddling, remember to keep your body rigid. This will mean keeping your head up and using your core muscles to stroke rather than just your arms. Also remember to keep both legs on the board and not drag them on the sides.

Standing on the board. When first learning to stand on your board, it’s best to rehearse on the beach first. Lie on the board on your chest with your head up, looking forward. Place your hands on the board parallel to your chest and grab the rail of the board. Push your upper body up and at the same time, bend your feet under you. Make sure your feet are on the stringer, or center of the board, to help keep your weight centered. When you first pop up, remember to keep your “okole” or rear end low. Continue to look forward as you begin to stand upright and get your balance. Use your arms by pointing forward or outward for balance.

Falling off the board. Always protect your head, when you fall of your board. Try to stay under water for a little longer than necessary to allow your board to land on the water’s surface and not on you. When you come up, try to face the approaching waves and look for your board’s whereabouts immediately.

Remember proper surfing etiquette. The first standing surfer that is closest to the peak of the break has the right of way on that wave, and so other surfers paddling for that wave should stop and yield to him or her. This means that as a surfer you will need to get out of the way of the surfer riding the wave whenever possible, even if you must go into a breaking wave or behind the rider.

If you are paddling out for a wave and a surfer is paddling out toward you, make eye contact with that person and specify the direction you intend to go in reference to them. Always show respect for fellow surfers or stand-up paddlers.

These are just a few basic surfing tips that will hopefully help you overcome any initial fear of surfing in Maui. Our professional, local Maui surfing instructors can teach you everything you need to know to successfully learn how to surf. Just keep practicing, and you’ll discover a love of surfing that only the shores of Maui can teach you.