Kihei's 12 surf shops serve South Maui's six-mile stretch of consistent breaks, from beginner-friendly Cove Park to the challenging waves at Kalama Park. These shops stock boards suited for Hawaii's warm water conditions and offer crucial local break knowledge that can make or break your session. You'll find full rental fleets, ding repair services, and staff who actually surf these breaks daily. Beyond the lineup, Kihei delivers year-round sunshine, water temps hovering around 75-80°F, and easy beach access without the crowds of Lahaina or Wailea's resort pricing. The town's laid-back vibe means you can grab a shave ice, hit an afternoon session, and get your board waxed without the usual tourist markup. Most shops cluster along South Kihei Road, making it simple to compare gear, get honest beta on current conditions, and dial in your quiver for Maui's unique reef breaks.
Kihei surfing peaks primarily during the winter months (November to March) when south swells hit South Maui consistently. Summer offers smaller, gentler waves suitable for beginners near Cove Park. Many shops operate on a first-come, first-served rental basis, but booking lessons or high-demand board sizes in advance, especially during holiday weeks, is strongly recommended to secure your gear.
The dozen documented surf shops in Kihei offer comprehensive services. Expect standard rentals including foam boards for novices and performance shortboards. Essential repair services are readily available for dings and leash plugs. Several local shapers operate through these shops, offering opportunities for custom board orders tailored to South Maui conditions. Insider perks often include local knowledge sessions with instructors and discounts on reef-safe sunscreen.
Cove Park, often called 'The Cove,' is universally recommended for beginners due to its gentle, consistent, and protected breaks. Most surf schools operate directly from this location, ensuring easy access to rental and lesson coordination.
While base daily rates are competitive, prices vary slightly depending on the board type (foam vs. fiberglass) and the inclusion of rash guards or reef booties. Always inquire about multi-day packages for potential savings.
Most shops offer same-day or 24-hour ding repair for minor damage, crucial for keeping you in the water. Major structural repairs may require a 48-hour turnaround, so plan accordingly if your board is damaged early in your trip.
Kihei's 12 surf shops serve South Maui's six-mile stretch of consistent breaks, from beginner-friendly Cove Park to the challenging waves at Kalama Park. These shops stock boards suited for Hawaii's warm water conditions and offer crucial local break knowledge that can make or break your session. You'll find full rental fleets, ding repair services, and staff who actually surf these breaks daily. Beyond the lineup, Kihei delivers year-round sunshine, water temps hovering around 75-80°F, and easy beach access without the crowds of Lahaina or Wailea's resort pricing. The town's laid-back vibe means you can grab a shave ice, hit an afternoon session, and get your board waxed without the usual tourist markup. Most shops cluster along South Kihei Road, making it simple to compare gear, get honest beta on current conditions, and dial in your quiver for Maui's unique reef breaks.