Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy
Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy
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7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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About
Expert instructors and professional surfers teach you to ride a wave on your first lesson! We accept all skill levels from first time non swimming surfers to intermediate and advanced surfers looking to improve their surfing or just looking for waves on Maui. Our NEW LOCATION is right near the beach we are surfing with great restaurants and bars near by! Please join us today by checking out our website or give us a call for a ROYAL HAWAIIAN SURF ACADEMY experience! MAHALO NUI!
Lahaina, Hawaii
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2022
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Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy
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(169 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
2,229 reviews
Excellent
2,109
Very good
85
Average
21
Poor
4
Terrible
10
snate08
Madera, CA8 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
This experience was so fun ! I was pretty much dragged into this by my husband. We both had zero surfing experience so didn’t know what to expect. Plus I’m so glad plus I’m out of shape so I was obviously nervous - but I’m so glad I did it. The instructor made us feel comfortable and made sure everyone was successful in getting up at least a couple times. He told us what to do - when to paddle , when to stand etc .. Our group was small - 4 people and most of the time was spent out in the water actually attempting to surf . Each person got around 5 attempts. There was minimal time spent at the beginning on land going over the basics. We purchased the picture package which was great. We got about 80 picture at the end (of the 2 of us combined) for about $50. I definitely recommend buying the pictures. We keep looking at ours and cracking up . Great experience and a highlight of the trip.
Written September 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
A G
Fort Worth, TX1 contribution
Jun 2022 • Family
Booked the SUP tour and had a great time! Our guide was Tavner; he was great. We say turtles, a monk seal sunbathing, and even a black tip reef shark. SUP is super easy once you get the feel for it.
The check in process was easy but they tell you the check in time is 30 minutes before the actual check in time (i.e they told us to be there at 7:15, but the shop wasn't even open at that time). I had exchanged a few emails with the owner to ask about taking pictures during the tour, but he stated he would not advise that as it could diminish the experience, but that we could pay a photographer to take them for us. The photographer was too busy with other groups so we were not able to get any pictures. We were aslo asked if we wanted to purchase a waterproof sleeve for our cell phone to take pictures ourself which contradicts the message of "diminishing the experience". Our guide was nice enough to try to find the photographer, but he could not so he took a couple of pics on his cell phone, but we never received them. Emailed them and called but still nothing.
Overall, the experience was good, but had to give 4 stars instead of 5 since we did not get our pics. Would be happy to revise the review if I get the pics.
The check in process was easy but they tell you the check in time is 30 minutes before the actual check in time (i.e they told us to be there at 7:15, but the shop wasn't even open at that time). I had exchanged a few emails with the owner to ask about taking pictures during the tour, but he stated he would not advise that as it could diminish the experience, but that we could pay a photographer to take them for us. The photographer was too busy with other groups so we were not able to get any pictures. We were aslo asked if we wanted to purchase a waterproof sleeve for our cell phone to take pictures ourself which contradicts the message of "diminishing the experience". Our guide was nice enough to try to find the photographer, but he could not so he took a couple of pics on his cell phone, but we never received them. Emailed them and called but still nothing.
Overall, the experience was good, but had to give 4 stars instead of 5 since we did not get our pics. Would be happy to revise the review if I get the pics.
Written June 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CourtneyandChris
1 contribution
Aug 2022
Our instructor Inuldo was terrific. I’ve taken many surf lessons on the island but no one has made surfing as easy as he did. We got 10 minutes of direction on land, did some yoga stretches so us old folks were loose (haha) and jumped right into the water. We were all surfing circles around other folks in the water thanks to Inuldo’s expert advice. He even pointed out the turtles floating next to us as we waited for the perfect wave. He has incredible patience and the most positive attitude. Can’t recommend his class and this surfing academy enough!
Written September 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Satise D
Hayward, CA1 contribution
Jul 2021
I am so glad that I signed up for Royal Hawaiian's Surf lesson. I had only recently tried surfing on my own once before and did a horrible job at it! I highly recommend taking a lesson through the academy. I did the group lesson which was three others and myself. Josh, our instructor went over the basics and had us all try out different techniques on land first. He didn't spend too long on this, but I felt the instruction was still thorough and included the most important information. We had a great deal of hands on practice in the water. My goal was to stand on the board and surf at least 5 waves and I more than exceeded that. Each time, the instructor, Josh, called us over one at a time. He would show us how to look for good waves and give us new pointers each consecutive time, based on our previous wave. The instruction was really direct, concise and positive. At the end, there was a photographer who had been taken pictures, who offered a packet deal, for a set of your best surf shots downloaded to your email. There was no pressure at all to buy theses photos. My only wish is that I had known ahead about the pictures, then perhaps I could have tried to smile and not have such a concentrated face on one or two of them! I made sure to give a gratuity to the instructor. Also, they have cubbies to keep all of your things and there is a washroom nearby that was clean.
Written July 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
janettie2022
Irvine, CA1 contribution
Jul 2022 • Family
We booked semi private surf lessons for our 3 teens, this was their first time taking surf lessons and had an awesome experience! Their instructor was attentive, easy to follow, encouraging and took his time with each teen, it felt like they all had individual lessons. They had a blast it was a totally worthwhile experience. Mahalo to your entire team!
Written July 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Holly B
1 contribution
Mar 2022 • Couples
My boyfriend and I were looking to take surfing lessons while in Maui. I had a recommendation from a friend to go with Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy and so I booked a small group lesson with them. I can not praise them enough for our experience! Booking with Dreyson was an absolute pleasure. He not only answered my surfing questions but was so informative in regards to other traveling concerns I had! And as far as our surfing instructors, Tavner & Lee made all the difference in our success on the water. We both stood up on our first attempt due to their stellar coaching! They were patient, encouraging, informative and always paid close attention to each of us. They provided suggestions and gave us individualized specifics to work on which helped each of us become more successful with every wave. And most of all, they made our lesson FUN! We enjoyed the entire 2 hours out there.
Additionally, there was a photographer capturing the lesson and those images were made available immediately upon purchase...no waiting!
Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy has instruction dialed in. Easily give them 5 stars!
Additionally, there was a photographer capturing the lesson and those images were made available immediately upon purchase...no waiting!
Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy has instruction dialed in. Easily give them 5 stars!
Written March 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lainey33
Auburn, AL11 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
Our instructor was Kealii (he goes by ‘K’). He was a wonderful instructor and took great care of us. My 12 year old son got “paddle tired” so every time he rode a wave in, K retrieved him and paddled him back out so he could keep surfing. We really appreciated that! There were three of us in our family - we signed up for a group lesson but ended up with K to ourselves which was great. The water was extremely crowded with beginner surfers but K made sure we were always safe. We are NOT strong swimmers but we had fun and each of us got up on a wave every single time!! Don’t miss out on this fun experience and request K if you can. Pay for the photos, they are absolutely worth it!!
Written June 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1alexisarmstrong1
Kirkland, WA1 contribution
May 2022
My boyfriend and I booked surf lessons at the Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy on May 4th, 2022. Check in was super quick, they even had a photographer offering to take photos of us during our lesson ($25/person), in my opinion, it’s totally worth it. They provide water shoes, UV long sleeve top, and the board.
Kayla was our instructor and she was amazing!! She coached us before we got in the water - water safety, where to stay in the water, how to stand on our board, dismount, speed up or slow down l, etc... she also gave continuous feedback/instructions when we were in the water, which was incredibly helpful. My boyfriend and I were able to ride 90% of the waves she set us up on. And cherry on top, she so friendly and was awesome person to hang with overall. Thank you for an incredible experience, we will definitely be back!
Kayla was our instructor and she was amazing!! She coached us before we got in the water - water safety, where to stay in the water, how to stand on our board, dismount, speed up or slow down l, etc... she also gave continuous feedback/instructions when we were in the water, which was incredibly helpful. My boyfriend and I were able to ride 90% of the waves she set us up on. And cherry on top, she so friendly and was awesome person to hang with overall. Thank you for an incredible experience, we will definitely be back!
Written May 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
trumpetgirly545
3 contributions
Jun 2022
We booked a private, semi-private lesson through Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy and it was great! The management was super kind, and our instructor, Baker, was very patient and a great instructor! He taught me and my husband how to get up and down on the board, first on land, and then brought us out to the water, where he worked with each of us one on one, while the other waited in a designated area, and we took turns riding waves. We had a great time, and both were able to get up on the board by the end of our lesson and each road a few waves! I had a lot of trouble at first, but Baker was super patient with me, and very encouraging. Highly recommend this Surf academy
Written June 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
enriquedmtz
Merced, CA1 contribution
Apr 2022
My daughter and I took surfing lessons from Kai. We are beginners and we had a lot of fun. At one point, and unaware to me, a surfer lost his surfboard and the board was headed right at my back. Kai jumped in front of it to absorb the impact; he basically saved me from being hurt. My daughter and I had a blast, and will be booking lessons from the Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy again the next time we visit Maui and will be asking for Kai. I recommend them to everyone!
Written April 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lauren J
Chino Hills, CA4 contributions
Hello My 6 year old knows how to swim in a pool and really wants to do a surfing lesson. Do you guys have an age restriction?
Travelimmersion
Cool,CA83 contributions
As far as I know there was no age restriction. They serve him very very shallow water and they can also wear a life vest if you want them to
Are there updates to the full-refund-within-24-hour-of-event cancellation policy due to COVID-19?
Pingnator
Cologne, Germany8 contributions
Do you take pictures of the surf lessons so that I can buy them afterwards?
Elaine K
Fullerton, CA13 contributions
My son is 6.5 years. Is there a minimum age cutoff? And what type of lesson would it be?
Aloha and thank you for your question! We have a minimum requirement age for our group lessons(10yrs old) but we can be flexible with age on a private lesson. A group lesson consist of up to 5 students per one instructor. A private lesson is one on one and is safer for a younger child in the ocean. We would love to speak to you more about the many different options we can serve you with, please feel free to give us a call!! Mahalo!
davedianne718
New Castle, CO
How close is this to the cruise ship port and what is the price for a family of 4?
Royal Surfer
Lahaina, HI8 contributions
We are located right in Lahaina town, about 5-10min walk from the harbor area. Our group rates are 75$ per person but if you give us a call, we can give you a family rate! You can also check out our website!
Mahalo Nui
ravitej12
Redwood City, CA
whats the cancellation policy?
no I called said I would have to get hold of third party I booked it
Dear Royal Hawaiian surf Academy.
My Son Spencer Haber is almost 10 years old and he has never surfed on a full size board before. He is a fearless athletic little guy!! I would like to schedule a 4 hour private lesson for myself and him on the second full day of our vacation. Sunday. We arrive next Friday afternoon on June 30th and we are staying at the Westin Resort and Spa. We would like to know how much it will cost for the two of us and one of your cool surf instructors to spend an awesome morning with us.
Preferably starting around 9am. (If possible.) Do you know if our hotel has a shuttle bus directlty to you? I know they drop off at the outlets.
Im Not sure how far away that is from you and whether we can walk from there to you. Please let us know. We seriously can't wait to get out there and do it up!!! Or should I say, Stand it up...
I can be reached on my cell phone at any time night or day. My cell # is 818 448-1477. We cant wait to meet you guys and have an awesone first day of surfing. Most Sincerely,
Steve & Spencer Haber
Where do I park on the morning of my lesson?
Lisa
Chicago, IL58 contributions
There is street parking and a public lot across the street.
Jbmurphy5
Pewaukee, WI55 contributions
What is the difference in having my husband and 3 kids sign up for "group lessons" for $300 and private lessons for $400?
Todd B
1 contribution
Group lessons will be with people you likely don't know and private lessons will be just your family and the instructor(s).
Sherry F
Chicago, IL131 contributions
How long are lessons?
Royal Surfer
Lahaina, HI8 contributions
Aloha, all of our lessons are 2 hours. Starts with skill, safety on the beach and the rest of the time in the water surfing! Hope to see you soon!