With roots in Maui and a lifelong passion for the ocean, Makai Surf Club is here to guide you through your ultimate surfing experience. You can expect quality gear, a proper safety briefing, and friendly in-water support for both first timers and confident surfers.

surf

lessons

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Simple illustration of a wave
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learn to surf with us


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For beginners up to intermediate, we teach and reinforce the four fundamentals of surfing!

1. Where to position your body when laying on a surfboard.

2. Proper paddling form and technique.

3. How to push through waves when paddling out to a lineup.

4. How to pop up to your feet and stay balanced on the board. 

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Private Lessons
2 hours @ $360.00

Personalized guidance to help you catch your first waves or refine your skills with confidence

A man and a boy swimming together in the ocean during the daytime, with the man guiding the boy on a surfboard, both smiling and enjoying the water.

Semi-Private Lessons (2 surfers)
2 hours @ $495.00

Semi-private surf coaching with a friend, building confidence, improving technique, and understanding waves in a supportive environment

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Private group Lessons (3 surfers)
2 hours @ $720.00

Learn and progress in a private group of friends/family in a fun, supportive environment.

three people at the beach, two women and one man, standing together with an upright surfboard that has a butterfly decal, smiling at the camera, with the ocean and a few surfers in the background.

Private group Lessons (4 surfers)
2 hours @ $880.00

Learn and progress in a private group of friends/family in a fun, supportive environment.

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Private group Lessons (5 surfers)
2 hours @ $1,020.00

Learn and progress in a private group of friends/family in a fun, supportive environment.

Young man in a black rash guard and gray shorts on a surfboard balancing on a wave under a cloudy sky.

Private group Lessons (6 surfers)
2 hours @ $1,140.00

Learn and progress in a private group of friends/family in a fun, supportive environment.

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larger group inquiry 6+ surfers

Interested in booking lessons for your family or group of friends? Ask us about our group lesson offers and get a custom quote!

Email:makaisurfclub@gmail.com

Call OR Text +1 (808) 214-8034

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Makai Surf Club Logo
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learn to surf with a maui local in one of the best surfing destinations!

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Meet the founder


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maui, hi

world-class Kiteboarder

Waterwoman

founder / lead instructor

KARLIE THOMA

She has spent her entire life in the ocean, from surfing, kiteboarding, winging, foiling, and everything in between, if it has something to do with the ocean, she probably does it—and does it well.

As a former competitor on the Big Air World Tour for kiteboarding, Karlie brings world-class experience and energy to every session. Today she shares passion by teaching others, building confidence in the ocean, and spreading the stoke one wave at a time.

Born and raised on Maui, Hawaiʻi, Karlie has salt water basically running through her veins. She is a true water woman through and through.

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Logo for Makai Surf Club with a surfboard and a hibiscus flower.
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A man and a young boy are floating on a surfboard in the ocean under a clear blue sky, both giving a thumbs-up.
A large ocean wave about to break, with white spray and blue water under a cloudy sky.

one wave at a time 〰️〰️〰️

one wave at a time 〰️〰️〰️

What People Are Saying

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Book your lesson

Frequently Asked Questions

〰️〰️〰️ Best day ever!!!

〰️〰️〰️ Best day ever!!!