easy
2–3 hours
Participants should have basic physical fitness with good balance and swimming ability.
Bully’s Surf School in Lahaina transforms beginners into confident paddlers and surfers amid gentle Hawaiian waves. Find out why this family-friendly school is a standout on Maui’s west coast.
Lahaina, on the western coast of Maui, Hawaii, offers a distinctive blend of cultural history, warm waters, and consistent waves that make it a prime destination for both stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and surfing. Bully’s Surf School stands out here as a local institution where the ocean’s energy transforms visitors of all ages into confident wave riders. The area is known for its gentle, rolling waves ideal for beginners, perfect for the school’s patient approach to teaching. Beyond the waves, Lahaina carries the legacy of an old whaling village and a historic port, giving the beachside experience a rich cultural backdrop.
At Bully’s Surf School, the focus extends beyond technique to instilling confidence and respect for the ocean. From the sandy shores of Lahaina harbor and adjacent breaks, instructors guide students through step-by-step lessons tailored for each skill level. This includes private surf sessions as well as group lessons, with a standout reputation for safely introducing very young learners—even kids as young as four—to the water. The school’s instructors blend expertise with local knowledge, ensuring that everyone from first timers to those refining their paddle skills get personalized attention. The instruction style proves especially effective for families, as seen in glowing testimonials praising the supportive, safe environment and rapid progression onto catching waves.
Natural features like the basalt reef and the consistent trade winds create surf conditions that vary subtly with the tides, offering gentle waves that encourage progress without overwhelming beginners. Alongside water work, students gain insight into the local marine life and the importance of ocean stewardship—key to preserving Maui’s fragile coastal ecosystem. By choosing Bully’s Surf School, visitors engage directly with one of Lahaina’s most active outdoor experiences, where Hawaiian culture and outdoor adventure converge along this iconic shore.
Whether it’s mastering paddling balance or standing up on a first wave, Bully’s delivers a memorable and immersive encounter with the sea that blends fun, safety, and local aloha spirit.
Mornings often offer calmer seas, ideal for beginners to gain stability on the board.
Protect your skin and Maui’s delicate marine ecosystem by using reef-safe sunscreen on the water.
The area’s basalt reef can be sharp; water shoes help protect your feet when entering and exiting the surf zone.
Be upfront about your surfing or paddleboarding experience so instructors can tailor lessons effectively.
Lahaina was once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom and a key whaling port in the 19th century, enriching its cultural character.
Local groups advocate for reef-safe practices and minimizing plastic waste to protect Maui’s fragile coastal habitats.
Light and quick-drying clothing suitable for being in and out of the water.
summer specific
Protects skin while keeping the ocean environment healthy.
all specific
Helps protect feet from sharp reef and slippery rocks when entering/exiting the water.
all specific
For comfort after lessons and to stay warm when out of the water.
all specific