Where to stay for beginning surfing

Question

My daughter and I are visiting in June and she wants to surf multiple days. She is a beginner. Where would be a good place to stay where we can walk to the beach and surf. Our budget is $300 / night.

I had decided on Napili Shores but now I worry that there really isn't a good beginners spot nearby. I'll have a rental car, but I won't be able to haul surf boards. Or maybe we rent them every day and try different spots?

Thank you!

Answer

For beginner surfing in Maui, especially in June, you want a location with gentle, consistent waves, soft sandy beaches, and easy access to surf rentals and lessons. Napili Shores is charming and right on Napili Bay, but it’s worth evaluating if it’s ideal for a beginner who wants multiple days of surf practice without hassle.

Here’s a breakdown of options and considerations:

Napili Shores / Napili Bay: - Pros: Walkable beach, calm bay, beautiful setting, lots of rental condos within budget. - Cons: The waves are generally small and inconsistent — great for very first-time paddling and small soft-top lessons, but it may not provide enough surfable conditions for multiple full days of practice if your daughter progresses quickly. - Surf rentals and lessons are available at nearby Napili Surf Shops, so you can rent boards daily instead of hauling your own.
Kaanapali Beach: - Pros: Long, sandy beach with multiple breaks suitable for beginners; more surf schools and rental shops; easy to catch small to medium beginner waves. - Cons: More crowded; may feel less “quaint” than Napili or Lahaina area condos; budget might be tight for beachfront condos at $300/night, but some outer Kaanapali or condominium complexes may fit your budget.
Lahaina / Baby Beach: - Pros: Baby Beach is sheltered, safe, and beginner-friendly; rentals and lessons in Lahaina town; plenty of affordable vacation condos within $300/night. - Cons: Very small waves; good for learning fundamentals but not ideal if she wants slightly larger, rideable beginner waves every day.
Kihei / Cove Park / Kamaole Beach Parks: - Pros: Multiple sandy beaches with gentle waves; numerous surf schools and rental shops nearby; budget-friendly condos; easy access for beginners. - Cons: Slightly more driving if you want to explore other areas; less scenic than Napili or Kaanapali if you prefer a resort-style view.

Other Tips:

Daily rentals are a practical approach — you can try different spots without worrying about hauling boards, especially if your condo isn’t equipped for them.
Surf schools often provide soft-top boards for beginners, which are ideal for multiple days of practice. You can also rotate beaches to find consistent waves depending on wind and swell conditions.
Consider staying in a central location on the west side (Napili / Kaanapali / Lahaina) so you have options and can move between bays if conditions aren’t ideal.

Recommendation: If your priority is walking access and a peaceful condo environment, Napili Shores is fine for very gentle beginner waves. However, if your daughter wants more consistent beginner surfable waves for multiple days, Kaanapali Beach or Lahaina/Baby Beach may be better, even if it means a short walk or drive to a surf school. Renting boards daily is the easiest way to manage gear and try different beaches without hassle.

Where to stay for beginning surfing

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