Surf Shack Maui

I had a mixed experience with Surf Shack. It didn’t go exactly as planned but they responded well, thus the rating.
The lessons themselves were very good. The instructors were nice and laid back, and gave us a lot of freedom to explore the water. Equipment was obviously used but quite okay.
Our complication with booking however…
We booked an all day Surf /​Kayak /​Snorkel package, including a lunch. After the surf lesson we found out the Kayak portion was actually in a different town and they DONT provide transportation there. We didn’t have a car so would have to taxi. Because of bad weather, our kayak/​snorkel was moved to the next day, and they turned out not to have lunch for us either. I was initially unhappy, but after a phone call Surf Shack reimbursed a fair amount for the lunch and transportation. In the end I feel satisfied with their service.

Had an amazing time! I would definitely recommend this place and activity Kyle was so laid back, calm and patient with us he even took us out to see the turtles, I have to say this was one of the highlights of my trip.

Bravo to Tyler at the Surf Shack ! He was extremely helpful on tips and guidance for a first-​time ocean kayaker like me. Thanks for taking up so much time with me, Tyler. Much appreciated. Surf Shack rocks !
Bruce Lowrey
Kihei

Rented a paddlboard for six days for 150. That works out to about 25 dollars a day which is a pretty sweet deal. You could probably do even better if you tried a little. i just didn’t put that much effort into it. The other cool thing is if you rent the board at the Mono Kai resort, also called the Five Palms you can go ahead and put that paddlboard right in the ocean right there and get started! That is sweett!

We had a GREAT experience at the Surf Shack last week. Our instructor Kyle had my little kids and me up and surfing immediately. Even my son who insisted that he wasn’t going to do it was awesome and now says it was the best part of our trip. Definitely get the photographer. We have some great shots from a terrific day. Will absolutely go back next visit. Thanks!

This review from Mrs. Dave:
Jen gave a great surf lesson to my son and I. She took the time to work with me and make sure that I figured out how to get up on the board and catch some waves. I was a bit skeptical about the whole thing because I had taken a surf lesson a few years ago and did not figure out how to stand up on the board, but Jen managed to teach me how! It was so much fun! Also, I was able to book the lesson just minutes in advance with no prior reservation, and the price was right.

Great place to rent paddle boards. The man that help my friends and I gave us a great rental price. He was nice enough to carrie two of our board across the street and gave us some pointers since we hadn’t done it for a while. The only thing I didn’t like is they close early.

So anyone that knows me, knows I am less than coordinated and I tend to freak out… so why would I try surfing? 2 words, my boyfriend.
We arrived at 7:45am and was greeted by a very sweet girl who worked the front. She told us our instructor was going to be there any second.
Our instructor Kyle then came in and we got sized and went out to go over safety. Before even entering the water, Kyle went over everything you need to know. He definitely eased my nerves a bit.
Seeing as my boyfriend picked it up easily, it was nice that Kyle was so patient with me and I even got up a few times without face planting.
After surfing (because we had gotten dropped off) Kyle not only took us to the place where the photographer had all our pictures, he took is to our next destination.
All in all I would recommend this place and Kyle to ANYONE and EVERYONE! My boyfriend now is looking into continuing his surfing!
Thanks again Kyle! My boyfriend Michael (I mean Kelly Slater LOL) and I will remember this experience forever!!!

Herein exists the most amazing sales experience I have ever had: after I already agreed to pay a certain price for 4-​hour surfboard rental and was handing over my credit card, the guy asks, «Can I give you a 25% discount?»
Hear ye, hear ye, Surf Shack Maui is either home to the least shrewd salesmen ever or the nicest. I say the nicest. It’s a simple operation with the best prices I saw on the street, and the most straight-​up friendly.

I’ve used Surf Shack four times now and they’ve delivered a very pleasant and consistent experience each time. Located right across from the «The Cove» it’s a convenient quick 4 minute walk to the water.

There are a bunch of different surf shops right along this strip. I opted to go for Surf Shack Maui since it seemed a little smaller and cheaper than some of the other operations. I got a standup paddleboard for two hours for $ 35, and the guy threw in an impromptu 5 minute verbal lesson which was perfect to get me going.
My guess is that this is mostly a commodity service unless you’re looking to rent higher-​end stuff or want private lessons, but Surf Shack Maui did the trick for me!

I went to Maui around mid september, and my daughter (9 years old) never surf before,
and somehow I find this Surf Shack and the instructor Makela is amazingly nice and
good training her students. My daughter end up surfing every day for that week I am in Maui.
Thanks again Surf Shack, will come again next time when I am in Maui

Couldn’t say enough great things about the surf lesson we got from Kai at Surf Shack. He had my 11 year old son up and going on his second try, if was great, says this was the highlight of his trip. Kai is a great instructor — ask for him if you can.

The lesson was just ok. Instructor was nice but really didn’t give me any helpful tips when we were in the water. I had to cancel my husbands lesson and did so in plenty of time. I got a huge run around from the surf shack since they have contracts with other vendors online that deal with the payments. I made 5 attempts to get my money back and it was all a run around. Had to report them to my credit card company. Carlos with the Maui beach boys was a much better instructor!

I used to like this place but it seems to have changed a lot. They still have good prices but are just not nice to do business with. We go every year but the quality of the lessons has gone way downhill. Not a fun vacation experience. Our teacher wouldn’t even help my son carry his board and he’s a little kid.

I found this place online and wanted to find a surfing school that wasn’t too commercial and with smaller group lessons and that’s exactly what I got here! I had an awesome experience with a good instructor and a small group (we only had 3 in our group). Will definitely be back to this place next time.

I know surf boards are surf boards, but when it’s a high tide advisory in Hawaii, low tide, and you don’t open until 7:30am no matter what, that sucks.
Water sports follow the weather. if low tide is 5:30am, damnit, open the doors!
+1 star for having a great selection of boards, once the tide starts to come back in.