What it is
Keep It Simple Hawaii, Maui Surf Lessons & Surf Shop is a highly-rated surf school located in West Maui. It specializes in offering private and family-friendly surf lessons for individuals and small groups of all skill levels, with a particular focus on beginners. The business also operates a surf shop in Napili Plaza.
Visitor experience
Travelers typically choose Keep It Simple Hawaii for a personalized and safe introduction to surfing in Maui. The surf school provides private lessons, including one-on-one, semi-private (two people), and private group options (up to 15 guests), ensuring focused attention from instructors. They boast a low student-to-instructor ratio, never exceeding 3:1, which contributes to a more personalized and confidence-boosting experience. Lessons are designed to be fun and safe, allowing participants to catch waves, build confidence, and make lasting memories. All necessary equipment, including surfboards, rashguards, and water shoes, is provided as part of the lesson. The surf spot, known as "The Guardrails" near mile marker 19 on Honoapiʻilani Highway, is selected for its long, mellow waves and sandy entry, making it suitable for beginners.
Logistics
- Area & Access: The surf shop is located at 5095 Napilihau St #112B, Lahaina, HI 96761, in Napili Plaza. Surf lessons take place at "The Guardrails" on Honoapiʻilani Highway (Hwy 30), near mile marker 19 in West Maui, south of Lahaina. This surf spot is approximately a 5-minute drive from Lahaina, 17 minutes from Kapalua, and 35 minutes from Kihei.
- Reservations: Booking in advance is necessary to secure a private lesson slot.
- Timing: All surf lessons are two hours long, consisting of 15-30 minutes of land instruction and 1.5 hours in the water. The surf shop is open daily from 8 AM to 7 PM.
- Parking: Specific parking instructions for "The Guardrails" surf spot are not explicitly detailed but it's a common surf lesson location, implying suitable access. The surf shop in Napili Plaza typically offers parking for customers.
- Permits: Participants are not required to obtain individual permits; these are managed by the licensed tour operator.
- Likely Duration: A surf lesson with Keep It Simple Hawaii is a dedicated two-hour activity. Including travel time to the surf spot and check-in, visitors should plan for a half-day commitment.
- Activity Type: This is best approached as a half-day activity, especially for those new to surfing.
Safety and cautions
Keep It Simple Hawaii prioritizes visitor safety. Lessons begin with on-land instruction covering safety protocols and surfing techniques before entering the ocean. Instructors are experienced, licensed, and insured professionals, trained in first aid and lifeguard CPR. The low student-to-instructor ratio ensures personalized attention and supervision in the water. The company offers flexibility and worry-free booking, meaning that if ocean conditions are unsuitable due to rough surf or other hazards, lessons can be adjusted or cancelled. A full refund is available for cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance.
Editorial take
Keep It Simple Hawaii is an excellent choice for first-time surfers, families with children (especially those under 10, who require a 1:1 private lesson), couples, or small groups seeking a highly personalized and supportive surfing experience in West Maui. Its emphasis on private lessons and a low student-to-instructor ratio makes it ideal for those who prefer individualized coaching over larger, open group settings. Visitors staying in the West Maui areas of Lahaina, Ka'anapali, or Kapalua will find the surf lesson location particularly convenient.
This operator may be less suitable for experienced surfers looking for advanced techniques or challenging wave breaks, as their primary focus is on beginner-friendly conditions and instruction. Travelers seeking a large, public group lesson might also find their private-only model less fitting.
It is important not to confuse "Keep It Simple Hawaii, Maui Surf Lessons & Surf Shop" with "Keep it Simple Honolulu Zero Waste", which is an unrelated eco-friendly retail store located on Oahu.
Source notes
- Keep It Simple Hawaii Surf School: https://www.keepitsimplehawaii.com/
- Keep It Simple Hawaii Surf Lessons page: https://www.keepitsimplehawaii.com/maui-surf-lessons
- Keep It Simple Hawaii Surf Shop - Napili Plaza: https://www.napiliplaza.com/shopping/keep-it-simple-hawaii-surf-shop/
- Viator - 2 Hour Private Group Surf Lesson in Lahaina Maui: https://www.viator.com/tours/Maui/2-Hour-Private-Group-Surf-Lesson-in-Lahaina-Maui/d671-276451P3
- Gone Surfing Hawaii - Understanding the Cost of Surfing: https://gonesurfinghawaii.com/blog/understanding-the-cost-of-surfing/
- Ohana Surf Project - How Much Do Surf Lessons Cost In Hawaii?: https://ohanasurfproject.com/blogs/news/how-much-do-surf-lessons-cost-in-hawaii
