Paddleboard Lessons in Kihei, Maui

Learn to paddleboard in calm Kihei waters with certified instructors and gear included

4.7 stars• 80 reviews

From$179

Duration

1.5 hours

Includes

Equipment, Instructor, Reef shoes

Highlights

Learn to paddleboard off Kalama Park in Kihei, where calm water and gentle waves make it ideal for beginners. Lessons include all required gear and are led by CPR and First Aid certified instructors.

Enjoy a 1.5 hour stand up paddleboarding lesson
Practice in calm, beginner-friendly conditions
Receive guidance from certified instructors
Use provided reef shoes and rashguard top
Spot Hawaiian green sea turtles from the board
Choose 8:00 am or 10:00 am start times

What's Included

All equipment
Reef shoes and lycra rashguard top
Instruction from CPR & First Aid certified staff

Things to know

All participants must be confident swimmers. Equipment weight limit approx. 220–230 lb (100–105 kg). No lessons on Sundays or public holidays.

Cancellation policy

Cancel at least 24 hours in advance for a refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are nonrefundable. Full refund if the operator cancels due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. No-shows are charged in full.

Review summary

4.7

Excellent

80 reviewsGoogle Maps

Big Kahuna's instructors consistently earn praise for their patience and ability to get first-timers standing on boards quickly. Names like Sol, Pedro, Jesse, David, and Bryan come up repeatedly, with reviewers noting how they tailor instruction to each person's needs and make nervous kids feel comfortable. The Kihei location (the Cove) seems ideal for beginners with small waves and shallow water, and there's a bonus many don't expect: sea turtles swimming alongside you during lessons. The photography package gets enthusiastic mentions throughout the reviews. Photographers like Johnny, Leilani, and Rory capture those triumphant moments on the waves, and multiple families mention framing these photos as trip souvenirs. Group lessons stay small with multiple instructors dividing people up, so you're not lost in a crowd. While one older review mentions a completely missed lesson (since resolved with a refund), recent feedback consistently points to a well-organized operation where the whole crew cheers for everyone in the water and genuinely wants you to succeed.

What people are saying

Everybody was great! Pedro was a patient and amazing instructor, all of us (wife, daughter, and I all never having surfed before) were able to stand up and have fun. Johnny takes some great pictures too! (I'm sure I'm falling down here, but don't tell anyone because he made me look like a pro!)