Maui Fun - Best Snorkeling Spots

So we know you 'll have a blast with surfing and stand-up paddle boarding lesson here in Maui but what other activities might you do while on vacation on this beautiful island? Maui snorkeling is a favorite of both visitors and locals. Home to some of the most gorgeous beaches in all of Hawaii, Maui offers some great snorkeling spots with calm, clear waters, coral reefs, and a diversity of stunning marine life. You’ll definitely want to put snorkeling on your list of things to do in Maui. But you probably want to know which Maui snorkeling spots are likely to delight the most? Well, here’s a list of our favorites.

Molokini Crater

A partially submerged volcano crater just off the southwest coast of Maui and is likely the most popular snorkeling location in all of Maui. Some of the clearest waters in Maui are at Molokini (often with over 100 feet of visibility) making it a favorite snorkeling as well as diving location. As a State Marine Life and Bird Conservation District where no fishing is permitted, Molokini Crater is home to a wide assortment of marine life including hundreds of species of tropical fish, reef sharks,moray eels,manta rays, parrot fish, whale sharks living amid a stunning array of coral reefs. Molokini snorkeling is best next to the shoreline, within 15 feet, and the best time to snorkel at Molokini is in the morning before the trade winds start grow strong. You will have to take a chartered boat from Maalaea Harbor to snorkel Molokini, but this will likely be one of your most unforgettable Maui vacation spots (along with your favorite Maui surf spots of course).

Black Rock at Ka’anapali Beach

One of the top beaches in all of Maui, Kaanapali Beach in West Maui is known for its nearly 3-mile-long white sandy beach that ends in a wall of lava rock to the north known as Black Rock. This spot has great snorkeling with depths of up to 25 feet. The lava rock wall at Black Rock is home to gorgeous coral reef formations with a variety of marine life including Hawaiian green sea turtles,porcupine fish, butterfly fish, box fish, and an assortment of other tropical fish species. It’s best to snorkel at Black Rock when the waters are mild as there can be powerful currents near the point.

 Honolua Bay

Located on the northwest shore of Maui about 20 minutes from Lahaina, Honolua Bay offers an incredible snorkeling experience. This Marine Life Conservation District surrounded by rocky cliffs is home to an great diversity of marine life including a spectacular array of tropical fish and coral reefs that just abound in these protected waters. Most of the marine life and coral are located on the right or north side of the bay, but take care walking on the rocks because they can be very slippery. Honolua Bay is also known as a great Maui surf spot, especially when there’s a north swell, so the best time for snorkeling here is on a calm day. The famous Maui surf break at Honolua Bay is out on the far northern point.

Turtle Town

Located between Nuhuna Point and Black Sand Beach on the southern coast of Maui near Maluaka Beach Park, Turtle Town, as its name suggests, is known for its large population of fascinating Hawaiian green sea turtles. The calm waters of Maluaka Beach and Turtle Town make it great for snorkeling along with Maluaka’s beautiful white, sandy beaches. A beautiful diversity of tropical fish along with coral reefs also call Turtle Town home. See these amazing creatures in their natural habitat in the clear waters of Maui.

So these our some of favorite incredible Maui snorkeling locations on the Valley Isle. After your Maui surf lesson or SUP lesson with Hawaiian Style Surf, why not check out some of these amazing snorkeling beaches and locations to see all the wonder that Maui has to offer beneath the ocean’s surface.

Surfer's Appetite - Shave Ice Is Nice After Maui Surf Lessons

 

After finishing up a great Maui surf lesson and experiencing the exhilaration of riding the waves all the way to the beautiful Maui shoreline. What’s next?  Maybe about now, you need to find some refreshment – somewhere to relax and recharge before you get back out on the waves. To cool off and get a revitalizing treat, check out some of Maui’s best shave ice places.

Most people have had shave ice before, but maybe not Hawaiian shave ice. For example, have you ever had ice cream with your shave ice? Or topped with sweet cream? If not, you're going to have to try Hawaiian shave ice with all the unconventional extras!

There are quite a number of shave ice spots around the beaches we usually take our guests to for their Maui surf or SUP lessons. Here are a few of the best shave ice places in the area:


 Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice

A short drive up the coast from your Maui surf lesson at Kalama Beach Park on Kihei Road will take you to Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice, which by the way, is the top-rated shave ice store and restaurant in all of Kihei and Lahaina. Not only do they have a vast selection of delicious flavors, but you can also try their “favorite combinations” flavors like Haleakala or Sunset Beach and add macadamia nut ice cream or shredded toasted coconut for a real sweet treat you're sure to remember. Well known for their “extremely fine shave,” awesome flavors, and friendly Aloha service, Ululani’s is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. They have two locations in Lahaina you could also check out if you want a cold dessert after your Maui surfing lesson at Ukuhame Beach Park.

S & Q’s Coffee and Shave Ice Shack

If you’ve worked up a little bit of more of an appetite after your Maui SUP lesson and would also like to get a bite to eat with your shave ice dessert, check out S & Q’s Coffee and Shave Ice Shack at the Rainbow Mall on South Kihei Road. S & Q’s provides a diverse flavor selection (people love the shark’s blood flavor combo with ice cream and haupia, or sweetened coconut cream, sauce on top). S & Q’s is also renowned for their smoothies, teas, espressos, and breakfast selection with waffles, bagels, and parfaits. They also serve a selection of delicious sandwiches for lunch. So you can stop by S & Q’s before you go to our Maui surf school in the morning and then pop in later for some tasty shave ice treats after you perfect your surfing skills.

 Surfing Monkey Shave Ice

Naturally, we would be partial to this shave ice stand for its name alone, but Surfing Monkey Shave Ice does offer some flavorsome Hawaiian shave ice as well. Also located on South Kihei Road in Kihei, Maui next to Foodland, the Surfing Monkey has a fantastic selection of shave ice flavors and offers complimentary extras like azuki beans, vanilla ice cream, and delicious sweet cream. All of their shave ice syrups are derived locally from raw sugar cane. How fitting it is to try the Surfing Monkey after your Maui surf lesson?!?






 Old Lahaina Shave Ice

Since you’re in the Lahaina area for your Maui surf lesson at Ukuhame Beach Park, stop by the Old Lahaina Shave Ice store for a refreshing and sweet treat. Try the mango,passion fruit, or pineapple flavors with ice cream. Then you can take a journey down Lahaina Town’s famous Front Street with its variety of other great shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Or you could get back in the waves to try out what you've learned during your Maui surf lesson with Hawaiian Style Surf!

Delicious Places to Eat After Maui Surf Lessons in Lahaina

Great surfing is what Maui is known for, but many also appreciate Maui for having some great little places to eat. These sometimes hidden, culinary treasures of the islands are often best delighted in after Maui surf lessons. You’ve spent some exciting times in the surf and now may just want to unwind or maybe refuel for your next round of Maui surf or SUP. Whichever the case, you’ll need to know where you can find some tasty and reasonably-priced eateries throughout the island. So here are some delicious places you might try in Lahaina Town.

Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop

If your in the mood for something sweet or want a delicious sandwich, salad, or burger after your Maui surf lesson, swing by Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop. Located before you get into the town of Lahaina, Leoda’s offers great chocolate macadamia nut and apple crumb pies along with delicious seared ahi sandwiches and scrumptious pot pies.

Pizza Paradiso Mediterranean Grill

Sometimes surfing in Maui may leave you wanting a little Mediterranean, (cravings can be a wonderful thing). Try Pizza Paradiso in West Maui. Located north of Lahaina in the Honokowai Marketplace, Pizza Paradiso was voted “Best Pizza in Maui” three times by The Maui News readers. This laid-back dining restaurant offers some delicious Italian, Greek, and Mediterranean dishes including their signature pizzas, Big Fat Greek Gyros, cheesesteak sandwiches, and chicken, beef, and fish kabobs. So if your Maui SUP lessons leave you famished, stop in for a specialty pizza or fresh hummus at Pizza Paradiso.

Lahainaluna Café 

Going out to check out Old Lahaina Town after your Maui SUP or surfing lesson with Hawaiian Style? A great place to stop at along Lahaina’s famous Front Street is Lahainaluna Café. This local dining spot has delicious Hawaiian and Asian fusion cuisine amid a low-key outdoor atmosphere. Dine outside in a lovely Hawaiian courtyard while you savor their delicious fish tacos, grilled mahi mahi, Korean barbecue tacos, and crazy fries. Everything is delightful at this delicious Front Street café, voted second best restaurant in Lahaina just after the shaved ice.


 Ono Tacos

Another nice place with local flare is Ono Tacos. This little Mexican eatery serves delicious fish, chicken, pork, and beef tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and other tasty authentic food. This small walk-up stand on the Lower Honoapiilani Road may not have much seating, but it’s well-known for having some of the best tacos on the whole island. So take a break from surfing or stand-up paddle board, and try Ono Tacos. But remember to bring cash.

Aloha Mixed Plate

Winning multiple awards for “Best Plate Lunch” in The Maui News, this little restaurant is known for its great Hawaiian platters, jumbo portions, and beachside setting. Aloha Mixed Plate offers tasty poke, coconut prawns, hoaloha poi, and kalua pork in an open-air patio dining setting with an ocean view. So, if you want to try another great eatery on Front Street, stop by Aloha Mixed Plate

So if you venture over to Lahaina after your Maui surf lessons, stop in at one of these great restaurants and let us know what you think!

Maui Vacation Ideas - Visit Famous Maui Surf Town - Paia

Among the “World’s Best Surf Towns” by National Geographic was one our own here in Maui. The small town of Paia on the North Shore of Maui – with its population of just 2,668 – was given this distinguished mention not only because of its excellent morning surf breaks but also because of its welcoming and artistically laid-back culture.

As noted, there are some “daily side-shore winds that shred the line-ups most afternoons,” but this often means less surfers battling for the waves. Beginner surfers, the article noted, should try the nearby Paia Bay. So Maui surfers can head out early and catch some nice breaks before the trade winds show up.

But the winds are also what has made this surfing spot famous. Paia is also known as the “windsurfing capital of the world,” calling pro windsurfers and kite surfers to Ho’okipa Beach from all over the world. And as the article mentioned, if you want to catch some other international pro surfers, stop by Hana Highway between mile markers 13 and 14. There you might catch a glimpse of professional surfers during the winter swells taking on the famous outer reef.

While not being a “surfing mecca,” Paia made the list of awesome surfing towns because of the “artsy, eccentric vibe” found in this charismatic little town. A shopper’s paradise, Paia is packed full of unique and colorful boutiques, shops, and art galleries along with a blend of delicious restaurants.
Paia was once a bustling plantation town in the heydays of Maui’s sugar cane industry. Once it was even the largest city on Maui with a hospital and theater. The old Paia Sugar Mill closed down in 2000, but the town still stirs with local residents and tourists gathering to see the “the coolest little town in Maui,” as the town of Paia calls itself.

In Paia you’ll still find “remnants of authentic Hawaii” because it’s “one of the last holdouts,” Fodor’s Travel noted. There’s no major resorts nearby only gorgeous beaches with surfers and windsurfers alike, cute shops, and an artistic flare.

So after your Maui surf lesson with Hawaiian Style Surf, come over to the North Shore and try out what you’ve learned at one of the World’s Best Surf Towns – our little Paia!

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.

Surfs Up! Corporations Come to Maui for Hawaiian Style Surf Lessons

How about beginning summer with a trip to Maui? And what’s one of the best things to do in Maui? Surf lessons, of course! Several large companies joined Hawaiian Style for Maui surf and SUP lessons recently, proving they know how to start a summer off right!

Beautiful Hawaiian days with great swells and little wind made for some excellent surfing. These fun groups of professionals and their families really seemed to enjoy the surf and sun as they got comfortable with Maui’s waves. Many easily took to surfing and stand-up paddleboard.

Software AG, a world leader in enterprise management software, joined Hawaiian Style in May for surf and SUP lessons in Maui. These professionals had a great time learning “he’e nalu” or surfing. With its headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany, Software AG has more than 5,000 employees in 70 countries, helping more than 70 percent of the Global 1,000 to run their business more efficiently.

Also in May we took out an sensational group from Tupperware Brands Malaysia. These “pioneers in innovative storage products” really had a great time as they learned to surf and SUP. Tupperware Brand professionals visited us from Argentina, Brazil, France, Tunisia, and many other locations. Everyone seemed to have a great time as they learned to surf together, building great bonds and the spirit of Aloha.





At the end of May, professionals from CA Technologies, one of the largest independent software companies in the world, came out for two days of surfing and stand-up paddleboard lessons. Forty-eight guests from CA Technologies joined us each day. On the final day, CA Technologies Executive Vice President Adam Elster and his wife had a private surfing lesson with Hawaiian Style owner Rick Leong. Mr. Elster said he really appreciated Rick taking good care of all his employees and that they all had a great time learning to surf with Hawaiian Style. We had a awesome couple days with this fun group of gifted first time surfers!





Employees from one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, Boehringer Ingelheim visited Hawaiian Style for surfing and SUP lessons during the early part of June. The group went out to Kalama Park in Maui for their lessons. There was great weather and waves for their three days of surfing and SUP. We had a fun time with the great crew from Boehringer Ingelheim!




Members from VISTAKON®, the makers of ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses, and Ford Motor Company also came out early in June to experience the adventure of surfing and SUP in Maui.

Everyone at Hawaiian Style truly had an awesome time with all these great people! We always have a great time helping corporate groups from around the world learn to surf and stand-up paddle on the beautiful shores of Maui.

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.

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.

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.

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.