Kids & Family Surf Lessons in Maui
A Surf Lesson the Whole Family Will Talk About for Years
A family surf lesson might be the single best thing you do together on Maui — and at Local Pros Maui, it’s designed so everyone from the youngest keiki to mom and dad can take part. We teach at Guardrails, a gentle west-side break with soft waves that break close to shore, so kids and first-time adults can find their feet in calm, friendly conditions. Every lesson is private to your family, the gear is all included, and our local instructors specialize in turning nervous first-timers into stoked little surfers.
Quick Details
- All ages welcome: From young keiki to grandparents, our lessons are built for mixed-age families and total beginners.
- Tandem for little ones: Kids 7 and under ride tandem on the instructor’s board (6 and under always), so even the littlest surfers catch a wave safely.
- Private to your family: Group lessons cover three, four, or up to 13 people, so it’s just your crew and your coach.
- Everything provided: Boards, reef-safe surf shoes, and rash guards for every family member, plus a land lesson and safety briefing.
- Easy to book: 1.5-hour lessons with morning sessions for the calmest water; group lessons start at $360.
How Kids and Families Learn to Surf Safely
Safety comes first, especially with children in the water. Every lesson starts with a 15–30 minute land lesson on the sand, covering paddling, popping up, and ocean awareness before anyone paddles out.
This matters in Hawaiʻi: nearly 800 people drowned in state waters between 2015 and 2024, with rip currents the leading hazard (Hawaiʻi Ocean Safety) — which is exactly why learning with locals who read these waves daily is so valuable.
The waves at Guardrails are gentle and break close to shore, and the water stays a warm mid-70s to low-80s °F year-round (NOAA).
Little Keiki Can Ride Tandem With an Instructor
No child is too small to share the stoke. Children 7 and under typically ride tandem on the same board as an instructor — and kids 6 and under always do — so even the littlest surfers feel the thrill of catching a wave with an adult right there. More advanced young surfers may ride their own board, depending on age and ability.
Our instructors are pros at this — Mario Menze, born and raised in Napili, is known for riding tandem with kids and teaching all ages. It’s how families with toddlers and teenagers alike all get a turn in the same session.
Group Lessons Keep the Whole Family Together
Your family learns as one group, never mixed in with strangers. Book a three-person, four-person, or larger group lesson for up to 13 people, and your instructor gives everyone individual coaching time while keeping the group together.
Each 1.5-hour session includes a surfboard, reef-safe surf shoes, and a rash guard for every person. For larger groups — or when a child is under 8 — we can add a second instructor for extra hands-on attention. Our beach photographer can also capture the whole family’s first waves for a keepsake photo package (request it at least 24 hours ahead).
Why Families Choose Local Pros Maui
Families come back to us because our instructors are patient, local, and genuinely great with kids. The team is made up of Maui locals who grew up on these breaks, led by owner and World Surf League competitor Kevin Sullivan.
They know how to keep children calm, build confidence wave by wave, and make sure parents can relax knowing their kids are in expert hands. Our earlier 8 a.m. start usually offers the calmest, glassiest water — ideal for young surfers.
- Private one-on-one Lesson: $220
- Semi-Private Lesson for two: $280
- Lesson For Group of 3: $360
- Lesson For Group of 4-13
Base Price for 4-13 People: $400
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best age for kids to start surfing?
There’s no hard minimum — children 7 and under ride tandem on the instructor’s board (6 and under always), so even toddlers can take part. Older or more confident kids ride their own board. We tailor every lesson to the child’s age, size, and comfort in the water.
Are surf lessons safe for children?
Yes, when taught properly. Our lessons begin with a land lesson and safety briefing, use soft beginner-friendly boards, and take place at a gentle break close to shore with a local instructor beside your child the whole time.
Can the whole family surf together?
Absolutely. Our group lessons cover three, four, or up to 13 people, so the entire family can learn in one private session with personal coaching for each person.
How much does a family surf lesson cost?
Group lessons are $360 for three people and $100 per person for groups of four or more, before tax. Each 1.5-hour lesson includes all the gear for every family member, and you can add a second instructor for younger or larger groups.
What should kids bring to a surf lesson?
Just a swimsuit, towel, and reef-safe sunscreen. We provide the surfboard, reef-safe surf shoes, and rash guard. Plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early; your instructor will call or text beforehand with directions.
Book Your Maui Surf Lesson
Give your family the Maui story they’ll retell for years. Local Pros Maui is at 10 Hoohui Rd #110, Lahaina, HI 96761, open daily 7 a.m.–9 p.m. Find the right surf lesson for your family online or get directions to the beach.
Rated 5 Stars by Happy Customers
