If you’ve never been to Maui, all I can describe it as is my happy place. There is a sense of calm, relaxation, and contentment. The hustle and bustle of everyday life seems to disappear and you just get lost in the beauty and start to enjoy each moment. 

Maui is a place that offers so much to do yet is so relaxing at the same time. On our first visit to Maui in 2007, we snorkeled in the ocean, where we got to view turtles, fish, and even a shark! We watched a beachside luau, ate lots of food, got married, relaxed on the beach, and explored a little of the island. 

This time around my husband and I wanted to experience even more of the island and decided to do a lot of things we didn’t get a chance to do last time. We biked down Haleakala after driving to the top to watch the sunrise over the volcano (one of the best things ever and I highly recommend this!), visited many local eateries in lots of small little towns, enjoyed the Maui Brewing Company tour, visited a sugar-cane farm and distillery, drove the road to Hana, and got out on the ocean for stand up paddle boarding lessons (SUP). 

Visit the Travel Section to view all our fantastic experiences and more.

Maui Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Our experience with Maui Stand Up Paddle Boarding for paddle boarding lessons was absolutely fantastic! The instructor was well versed in the local history, culture, and was truly concerned about keeping the ocean ecosystem intact. 

Our lesson started with a brief history of some Hawaiian words, sustainability practices, and how choosing reef-safe sun protection can help to protect the coral reefs in the area. 

We then moved on to ‘dry lessons’ where we were shown how to properly kneel, stand on our board, hold the paddle, and fall off the board. We were also briefed on the habits of the turtles in the area, how to look for them coming up for air, and to make sure to avoid them, so we don’t hurt the turtles. 

Once all of the demo/instruction stuff was done we headed down to the beach. Our boards were ready and waiting for us, all we had to do was simply strap on the ankle strap, hop on the board, and start paddling out. 

paddle boarding lessons

We began by paddling out a short way on our knees and then moved to standing position if desired. I, of course, had to stand up as soon as given a chance, but my husband didn’t think standing was for him. He tried it once or twice, but kneeling was more his style. 

paddle boarding lessons

We paddled out quite a ways, observing things under us, around us, and just enjoying the nice Hawaii weather. The waves were very low on the day we went out, almost non-existent, so it was a perfect day to get out for a couple of first-timers like us. 

I probably could have paddled around all day as I was truly enjoying being out on the ocean, enjoying being on the board, and even enjoyed a dip in the water from time to time. 

But alas, our lesson had to come to an end at some point and we returned to shore after about two hours. Our guide took care of carrying all the boards, storing our wallets and keys, and even provided fresh water for us to drink.

It was a great experience and I’d highly recommend it to anyone — even to try at least once. Paddleboarding lessons were definitely a great way to spend our 10-year wedding anniversary!

paddle boarding lessons

Paddle Boarding Lessons, Tours, Rentals

If you book a lesson through Maui Stand Up Paddle Boarding, here’s what to bring with you the day of your lesson:

Money for incidentals and gratuity.

Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, water shirt are all optional for sun protection. If you choose to wear sunblock, please consider caring for our beautiful ocean and reefs without harming the marine environment by choosing a “Reef Safe” product. We carry “Badger Sport” natural and organic sunblock, which is available for purchase before your tour; ask your instructor.

Towel and a dry change of clothes for after the tour – One thing to keep in mind is that everything you bring on the tour will get wet.

We were provided free paddle boarding lessons in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.