If you have ever wanted to experience surfing for the first time or glide over calm and warm water, then Maui is definitely the place where all your wishes will come true. With its world-class breaks that perfectly complement an array of beaches suitable for beginners, as well as some of the most incredible stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) locations globally, Maui is a great destination. The shore of the island features the ideal combination of serene lagoons for paddling, gentle waves for novices, and famous surf breaks for those looking for a challenge.
Are you a fan of surfing and stand-up paddleboarding? If so, we suggest 3-day fantastic itinerary that perfectly fits your needs. Besides the sea escapades, you will have a glance at the local culture, taste wonderful food, and visit the must-see places during your 3 days of stay. Also, a new visitor is welcome to benefit from the 3 days, or even a returning one who wants to experience the aloha spirit again.
Surf and SUP Adventure – Maui Complete Experience
Our Surf & SuP Lessons are 100% beginner-friendly and a family-safe environment. Make the most of your Maui trip with our complete water adventure, combining the island’s best beginner surf lesson in Kihei, SUP lessons in Makena & Kalama.
🕑 Duration: two (2) hours | From: $99
✨ Included: Surfboard, leash, rashguard, booties, Expert guide
✔️ Free cancellation: up to 24 hours
Book Your Surf & Sup Lesson NowWhy Choose Maui for Surfing & SUP?
Maui’s not simply gorgeous, it was definitely made for ocean junkies. The island has regularly become one of the best places for surfing because of its warm, crystal-clear water and its regular swells. Meanwhile, the great runs can, by the sheltered bays, be excellent for paddleboarding, allowing even complete novices to have a go. The shore variance guarantees that one can always find the right setup whether it be riding gentle waves or swimming in a calm lagoon.
An additional reason for Maui’s distinctiveness is the large number of local surf schools and SUP guides. Qualified trainers provide the boards and safety for you in addition to your personalized instructions to learn fast and securely. Besides, the wonderful views you will have while paddling and surfing will be of the volcanoes that are the tallest in the world, the bright reefs, and the Hawaiian green sea turtles that are swimming under you. In brief, Maui is delivering a surf and SUP experience that is second to none anywhere else on earth.
Day 1: Learn to Surf in Lahaina
Day one starts with you visiting Lahaina, the old whaling town on the west side of Maui that has been ranked as one of the best places for beginners to catch a wave. The harbor at Lahaina offers small, smooth waves that are ideal for beginners to pick up the new skill, along with a beach with sand at the bottom where you can get wet without getting injured, and therefore making the whole process of learning the new skill easier and enjoyable. There are several surf schools on the beach, so it shouldn’t be difficult to book a lesson with a certified instructor of your choice.
Morning – Surf Lesson at Lahaina Harbor
Why not take a 2-hour surf lesson in Lahaina to get the ball rolling with your adventure? Apart from the instructors who will be by your side, taking care of your safety and comfort with the provision of soft-top boards and rash guards will allow you to concentrate solely on mastering the new skill. Practising your pop-up technique on the beach is how you will start before you actually go into the water and catch your first real waves. The place is perfect for beginners, and the conditions are very stable with soft swells during the whole day. Almost everyone figures out how to stand up and catch their first wave during just one lesson!
Afternoon – Explore Lahaina Town
The sea is an excellent place to build up your appetite; after that, you can have a stroll through Lahaina’s historic streets. This lovely town is packed with mellow cafés, healthy poke stops, and local boutiques. Take a walk at Banyan Tree Park, home of the second-largest banyan tree in America, if not the largest, that covers a whole street. The blend of surfing and Hawaiian culture history is the reason why you cannot skip Lahaina on your way to surf.
Evening – Sunset Paddle at Baby Beach
Finish your first day with a tranquil kayak at Baby Beach, one of the most peaceful places in Lahaina. The reef in the shallows creates a safe lagoon, ideal for stand-up paddleboarding at dusk. The amber light on the sea, coupled with sights of Lana‘i afar, turns this into one of the quietest SUP rides that you can ever have. In case you are fortunate, you may witness sea turtles gliding beneath your board.
Day 2: Paddleboarding & Ocean Adventures in Kihei
You move to the southern part of Kihei, a sun-soaked area of Maui with a beach that stretches for miles and water that is very calm in the morning. Because of its laid-back atmosphere, this place is very famous and is considered an excellent spot for paddleboarding, snorkeling, or just spending a lovely day at the beach with the family. Normally, the water is very calm in the morning, and hence the suggestion that one should go for a sea activity first and then explore the shore.
Morning – Sunrise SUP at Kalama Beach Park
If you want to make the most of your day in Kihei, my recommendation would definitely be to have a stand-up paddleboarding experience at Kalama Beach Park before it gets late, or, better still, at sunrise. In general, the ocean is pretty calm and very clear, so you are able to ride the reef with no problem at all and be amazed by the sea creatures that you can see through the water. The Hawaiian green sea turtles, the vibrantly colored fish, and, on occasion, the spinner dolphins that you may see are the perfect partners for a sunrise paddle next to Haleakalā volcano, where you can take in a wonderful Maui experience.
Afternoon – Snorkel & Relax at Kamaole Beaches
In case you were not exhausted after paddleboarding, then a great way to spend your afternoon would be to visit Kamaole Beach Parks (Kam I, II, and III). These beaches are great both for snorkelling and swimming, as there are several reefs just off the shore where you can see the colorful fish swimming in and out of the coral. Families love these beaches because they are safe, clean, and even more attractive with the row of palm trees. You can either bring your own food or take away from one of the restaurants in Kihei and have a nice and relaxing afternoon by the beach.
Evening – Dinner in Wailea
By the way, these are the things that you could do to wrap up your ocean escapade in Wailea. Local fish, freshly caught, served in a restaurant right next to the sea, or a Hawaiian plate that is simple enough for you to understand. Next, you were going to have dinner in Wailea, which is a town with great restaurants. Numerous restaurants offer live Hawaiian music and outdoor seating for their guests, so you can have your dinner while the sun is setting over the Pacific. It’s the perfect way to end a day of ocean adventure.
Day 3: Adventure on the North Shore
During your final day, travel to the North Shore of Maui, which is an area where the environment has not changed, and the zone is still under the influence of the beach culture. The area is quite famous for the surf that can be seen at Ho‘okipa and other places, but in the morning, the ocean is usually very still, and that makes it great for paddleboarding. Hence, you get to feel the energy of the surf center of Maui, however, you remain in a safe place for a novice.
Morning – SUP at Ho‘okipa or Baldwin Beach
First of all, you should definitely go to Ho‘okipa Beach Park, which is known worldwide for windsurfing and big-wave surfing, but shortly after sunrise, it is very quiet and calm. If the weather is nice and the sea is calm, you could take a paddleboard and enjoy a stunning view of the spectacular and rugged coastline. Moreover, you may go to Baldwin Beach, which is a large sandy beach, and you can have a calm SUP session there since the currents are calmer. In both spots, you can delight in Maui’s North Shore beauty without having any particular skills.
Afternoon – Explore Paia Town
A drive to Paia is nothing but a different experience. The beach town is rich in boutique shops, organic cafés, and an artsy, bohemian vibe. You can have a meal made from local products at a café throughout the town, get a smoothie, or buy unique souvenirs. Paia is the access point to the Road to Hana; if not driving the entire journey, it’s still a nice town to visit.
Evening – Farewell Sunset at Ka‘anapali Beach
Complete your Maui trip with a visit to the west side of Ka’anapali Beach, known as one of the most popular beaches on the island. At sunset, the water sparkles with a warm amber hue, making it an ideal setting for a last surfing or SUP ride. Hawaii lovers and travelers congregate at this beach to watch the sunset, and passing the day with a farewell to the island is an incredible experience. Storing the sight of the sun going down into the Pacific will be your recollection long after your journey.
Tips for Planning Your Maui Surf & SUP Itinerary
- Schedule surfing lessons in advance: The island of Maui is very popular, and the places are filled very quickly. So if you want to be able to use your own time conveniently, you have to book your lesson ahead of time.
- Depart early in the day: In the morning, there are light winds and calm seas that make surfing and SUP stand even easier.
- Take care of your health and the nature: Apply a sunblock that is safe for the reef, drink enough water, and while you are in the water, do not disturb the inhabitants of the sea.
- Be aware of your capabilities: The ocean in Maui can be quite different from what you expect, so it is better for you to always have a look at the surf reports and follow the advice of the locals.
- Combine with adventure and relaxation: Don’t fill your schedule completely—make sure to leave some time for the rest, the good food, and the enjoyment of the Maui’s drop-by-the-spirit.
