Top Surf School - Hawaiian Style Surf in Maui

Thinking of taking surfing lessons in Maui? It’s something you’ll be glad you if you decide to do, because learning to surf in Maui is one of the most awesome things you can be done. There’s an exhilaration you get by surfing that can’t easily be explained in words…you just have to experience it!

The Aloha Surf Guide encourages all beginning surfers to have a professional surfing instructor to ensure they have a safe and fun surfing experience.

So if you’re going to learn to surf or stand-up paddle, going to a Maui surf school is best.
But why not just rent or buy a surfboard and go out and catch some waves? Well, of couse you could do that but having an expert surfing instructor by your side can save you much time and needless frustration. Why reinvent the wheel learning to surf the hard way when you can have someone show you the best board, the right surfing techniques, and the ideal locations? It’s certainly worth the investment. Learning to surf or SUP with an instructor is also the safe way. With an instructor, you’ll know beforehand things like: the safest location for a novice, how far to paddle out, the right time to stand. All things you’ll need to know.

So then why can we say that Hawaiian Style is the best Maui surf school? For several reasons…Hawaiian Style’s surfing team are local professional instructors. These Hawaiian native surfers have spent much of their lives surfing in these Pacific Ocean waves. Thus, they know the best local surfing locations, how the local waves and tide act at times, and the best local techniques to learn how to master the surf.

Hawaiian Style surfing instructors love to teach others the Hawaiian legacy of surfing and be a part of the thrilling experience that it is to do so! For these native Hawaiians, surfing is much more than just a job or a sport…It’s a way of life. Having enjoyed surfing as part of the Hawaiian culture, they know how surfing embodies the spirit of Aloha. This passion for surfing is seen in their Maui surfing lessons.

Hawaiian Style instructors like Cameo specialize in teaching children and families to how to surf and stand-up paddleboard. Cameo has been surfing since she was about 6 years old.
 “I love working with families and teaching little kids to surf because I know it’s an experience they will never forget,” Cameo said.

Hawaiian Style also specializes in corporate surfing and SUP lessons. Company executives, employees, and their families come from around the world to learn to surf in Maui with the Hawaiian Style experts.



In addition to amazing surfing memories, Hawaiian Style also offers surfing lessons that include the use of a GoPro camera. These waterproof, mountable video cameras allow you to capture every aspect of your surfing adventure up close and personal.

So take a look at some of the awesome, laid back surfing lesson packages that Hawaiian Style offers for individuals, families, and entire companies?

There’s nothing like surfing in Maui, and no better way to learn to surf than with Hawaiian Style Surf – Maui’s Best Surf School.

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.

Maui SUP Lessons: Beginner's Tips

When they want to try a new sport on vacation, many typically search for Maui surf lessons, but another watersport is gaining considerable popularity these days and that’s stand up paddle boarding (or SUP). Actually, stand up paddle is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. This growing trend in Maui stand up paddle board has exploded in popularity because it’s simple to learn, provides a great full body workout, and can be done by people of all ages and skill levels. Many athletes use stand up paddleboard as a cross training exercise, and it really strengthens your core muscles. Maui SUP also offers paddlers awesome views into the clear ocean waters as well as majestic views of the surrounding islands. On a calm day and with the right paddleboard, stand up paddling isn’t too hard, but here are some tips as you embark on your preliminary Maui SUP lesson.

The right paddleboard and gear. Especially for a beginner, a thicker, longer, and wider paddleboard will be better. These will be more stable than smaller boards, allowing you to learn to SUP much easier. Starting out on too small of a paddleboard is a common SUP mistake and makes it difficult to gain your balance.

When picking your paddle as a beginner, you’ll want to get one that is longer (for flat water use). Generally, paddles should be around 8-10 inches taller than you for flat water touring. Adjustable paddles can be perfect, especially when you’re just starting out, to get a better indication of which length is best for you. These paddleboard and paddle lengths will differ depending on your height and weight as well as experience. Different boards are used for different types of paddling including those for surfing and racing, so you may want a different size and type of board as you learn what kind of paddling you like most. You will also need a personal flotation device, a leash to fasten from your board to your ankle, and perhaps a rash guard for sun protection or a wet suit for colder weather.

Standing on your Maui paddleboard. Find a protected area where the water is calm and take the board out to where the fin isn’t striking anything, about knee high water. Just behind the center of the board, get into a kneeling position on the board. Have the paddle laying across the width of your paddleboard in front of you. While gripping the rails or sides of the board, slowly stand up one foot at a time, staying in the center of the board, with your feet parallel about shoulder width apart. You’ll want to keep your knees slight bent and your core centered on the board to help keep you balanced. Your eyes should look forward and your head and shoulders should stay upright. As soon as you stand up, put your paddle in the water and begin paddling to make the board more stable.

The basic strokes of Maui SUP. When you’re paddling, you’ll have one hand on the top of the paddle as a guide, and the other hand gripping the middle of the paddle shaft or about a shoulder width apart from your other hand. Extend the blade of the paddle beside your board as far forward as you can comfortably, typically about 4 feet in front of your feet. Immerse the blade fully in the water and move the blade straight back to the area of your feet through the water. Do 3 or 4 strokes on one side and then change your paddle to the opposite side, reversing your hand positions. Start out with shorter strokes as a beginner.  Keep your back and arms straight, shoulders level, while somewhat bending at the knees and elbow.

To turn your paddleboard using a sidestroke, just paddle on one side of the board until the nose turns, paddling on the left to turn right and vice versa. Also, to turn direction swiftly, just reverse the direction you stroke, paddling backwards. Stepping toward the tail with a low stance and shifting and twisting your torso to the direction you want to go will also help you turn more easily.

Falling off your paddleboard. If you feel like you’re going to fall, aim to the side and shove away from the board as your fall to avoid falling on the board. If you lose your board and paddle, try to get to your board first and then your paddle. But always be careful and on the lookout for anything around you as you’re paddling whether other paddlers, watercraft, or objects in the water.

These are just a few tips to get you on your way to Maui stand up paddling. SUP or as we say, “hoe he’e nalu” is a relaxing and fun way to enjoy the ocean or really any body of water from oceans to lakes to rivers. Hawaiian Style Surf offers regular Maui SUP lessons to all who want to experience this remarkable and ever-popular watersport.