Surfboard Rentals in Kihei, Wailea, and Makena
25% Off When You Book Online!
Kihei • South Maui • 8 ft and 10 ft Premium Soft Top Surfboards • Leash Included • All Skill Levels
Questions about surfboard rentals or any other Maui rental? Text or call us at (808) 298-3021 daily. We are fun specialists and island experts, and we can help you plan the perfect Maui beach day. We are Maui family-owned and operated, and we’re Maui’s highest-rated activity and rental shop!
It’s easy to book your Kihei surfboard rental right here online.
Auntie Snorkel offers the lowest prices guaranteed!
Free cancellation anytime prior to pickup.
Text or Call (808) 298-3021 Daily!
Checkout is 100% secure and encrypted.
Why You’ll Love Our Surfboard Rentals
⭐ Premium Soft Top Surfboards That Are Perfect for Learning
Soft top surfboards are the right choice for beginners and casual surfers. The foam deck is forgiving when you fall, the extra volume makes paddling and standing significantly easier than on a traditional hard board, and the wide stable platform gives you a real fighting chance at standing up on your first or second wave. Auntie Snorkel stocks 8 foot and 10 foot soft tops. Both are excellent choices depending on your size and skill level.
⭐ Half a Mile From The Cove, Maui’s Best Beginner Surf Break
Our Kihei shop is about half a mile from Cove Park, one of the most celebrated beginner surf spots in all of Hawaii. The Cove has waist-deep water nearly 100 yards from shore, a mostly sandy bottom, and gentle waves that roll consistently and smoothly all the way to the beach. First-timers regularly ride waves here! It is the reason surf schools set up there, and the reason locals from across the island come back when they want easy, long, rideable waves.
⭐ Leash and Local Tips Included
Every surfboard rental includes a leash and personalized in-shop advice on the best spots to surf based on your experience level and the day’s conditions. Our staff know Kihei’s breaks and will point you in the right direction before you head out.
⭐ Soft Racks and Straps Available for Transport
Need to get your boards to a break farther down the coast? We offer soft roof rack pads and straps for a simple $9 rental. Our staff will talk you through how to load and strap your boards correctly, provide a clear instruction sheet with a diagram, and inspect your setup before you drive away. See the transport section below for full details.
⭐ 25% Off When You Book Online
Booking ahead through auntiesnorkel.com cuts the standard surfboard rental price by 25%. Reserve your board in advance and it will be ready for you at pickup.
⭐ Pick Up and Return at Our Kihei Shop
Surfboard rentals are available at our Kihei store. Please return your board to the Kihei shop at the end of your rental period. Staying on the West Side? See our Lahaina surfboard rental page instead.
What’s Included in Your Kihei Surfboard Rental
✔ Your choice of 8 foot or 10 foot premium soft top surfboard
✔ Leash included
✔ In-shop instruction and local surf spot tips at pickup
✔ Soft roof rack pads and straps available for $9 rental (add at booking if needed)
✔ 25% off the standard rental rate when you book online
✔ Pickup and return at Auntie Snorkel’s Kihei shop
✔ Free cancellation anytime prior to pickup
How Your Kihei Surfboard Rental Works
Renting from Auntie Snorkel is fast and simple. Here is what to expect from booking to return.
Step 1 — Book online. Select your rental dates and complete your booking. You’ll receive an order confirmation email to show at pickup.
Step 2 — Pick up at our Kihei shop. Come in during shop hours and we’ll get you set up with the right board, your leash, and personalized tips on where to surf based on your skill level and the day’s conditions.
Step 3 — Load your board safely if transporting by car. If you need soft racks and straps, rent them at the shop for just $9. Our staff will provide a clear instruction sheet with a loading diagram to walk you through understanding how to strap boards to your car yourself. Once you’ve strapped your boards to your car, we will come outside to check that your boards are properly secured before you drive away.
Step 4 — Head to the waves. The Cove surf break is about half a mile from our shop, just a short drive if you are staying nearby. Attach your leash before paddling out and enjoy.
Step 5 — Return when you’re done. Bring the board back to our Kihei shop by the end of your rental period. Surfboards must be returned to the shop from which they were rented.
Shop hours: 7:30am – 5pm daily
Kihei shop address: 2439 S Kihei Road, #101A, Kihei, HI 96753
Phone/Text: (808) 298-3021
Staying in West Maui? Check out our Lahaina Surfboard Rentals.
🚗 Transporting Your Surfboard by Car
Planning to drive your board to a surf break? Here is everything you need to know before you load up.
🛒 Pick Up Soft Racks and Straps at Our Shop — $9
We rent soft roof rack pads and tie-down straps for $9. These protect your car roof and keep your board secure during transport. Include them in your rental and grab them at the shop when you pick up your board.
📋 You’ll Receive a Loading Instruction Sheet With a Diagram
Every guest who transports a board receives a clear, illustrated instruction sheet showing exactly how to position, pad, and strap the board to your roof. Our staff will also walk you through the process verbally at pickup.
✅ Our Staff Will Inspect Your Setup Before You Drive Away
Before you leave our parking lot, a team member will come outside to verify that your boards are properly loaded and the straps are tight and secure.
📌 Key Rules for Safe Board Transport
- 🏄 Fins up. Always load boards fins facing up to protect the fins and the roof of your car.
- 🚗 Two boards maximum per vehicle. Do not attempt to load more than two surfboards or two paddleboards onto one car.
- 📡 Remove your antenna before loading boards. A board shifting during transport can snap an antenna.
- 🟰 Place one pad near the front of the boards (close to the windshield) and one pad near the back (close to the rear of the roof).
- 🔒 Run one strap through the front door frame. Open both front doors, run the strap across the boards at the front pad location, feed both ends through the front door frames, and buckle inside the car. Pull firmly until tight.
- 🔒 Run one strap through the rear door frame. Repeat the same process at the rear pad location using the back door frames. Make sure both straps are taut with no slack.
- 🪢 Secure the leashes. Tuck or tie off the board leashes so they do not drag or flap at highway speed.
⚠️ Liability Note
Our staff provide instructions and inspect your setup, but loading and securing the boards is your responsibility. Our liability waiver includes a note that Auntie Snorkel is not responsible for damage to your vehicle or equipment resulting from improper loading or strapping. By driving away, you confirm that your boards are loaded to your satisfaction.
Which Surfboard Should I Rent — 8 Foot or 10 Foot?
Both boards are premium soft tops and both are excellent choices for beginners. Here is how to decide.
10 Foot Soft Top
More volume, more stability, and more paddle power. The 10 foot board is the right choice for most beginners, heavier riders, and anyone who wants the maximum forgiving surface area under them while learning. The extra length means the board planes onto waves more easily and gives you more time to pop up. If you are unsure, start here.
8 Foot Soft Top
A shorter board that is easier to maneuver and turn once you are comfortable riding. The 8 foot is a better fit for lighter riders, kids, and surfers who have ridden before and want a board that responds a little more quickly to their movements. It is still a soft top with plenty of volume for learning — just more nimble than the 10.
Still Not Sure?
Tell our staff your height, weight, and experience level at pickup and we will recommend the right board. There is no wrong choice for a beginner session at The Cove. Both boards work well there.
If you want to switch boards during your rental period, we can do so for a simple $10 restock.
Where to Surf With Your Kihei Surfboard Rental
- Cove Park (The Cove)
- About half a mile from our shop, The Cove is the best beginner surf break in Hawaii and the first stop we recommend to virtually every surfboard renter. The water is waist-deep nearly 100 yards from shore, the mostly sandy bottom is nearly flat, and the waves roll in consistently and smoothly from well offshore. Local surf schools teach here every day. The community of surfers and learners at The Cove is friendly and welcoming. If you have never surfed before, this is where you start.
Who Should Rent a Surfboard from Auntie Snorkel?
This rental is a great fit for:
- Guests who want to try surfing for the first time on a forgiving soft top board at one of Hawaii’s best beginner breaks
- Guests staying in Kihei, Wailea, or Makena who want easy access to The Cove and South Kihei surf breaks
- Anyone who wants more time in the water than a single surf lesson provides
- Intermediate surfers who want a board to practice on during their stay without the cost of buying
- Families with teens or adults who want to try surfing while others snorkel or relax on the beach
- Guests who have taken a surf lesson and want to keep practicing with equipment in hand for the rest of the trip
Pair your surfboard with snorkel gear or a cooler from our Kihei shop for a full day at the beach. Browse all Kihei beach rentals available from Auntie Snorkel.
Rental Care and Responsibility
⚠️ Renters are responsible for the board during the rental period. Damage beyond normal wear may result in additional charges.
⚠️ Always attach your leash before paddling out. A loose board in breaking surf can injure other surfers and swimmers.
⚠️ Be aware of other surfers in the water. Yield to surfers already on a wave and give plenty of space in the lineup.
⚠️ Do not surf in rocky areas or at breaks beyond your skill level.
⚠️ Always watch the surf from shore for at least 10-15 minutes before paddling out. Large sets can arrive with significant time between them.
⚠️ Surfboards must be returned to the shop from which you rented them.
⚠️ A $10 restocking fee applies to board swaps during a rental period. If your board is not quite the right fit, bring it back to the shop and we will be happy to set you up with a better match. The restock fee reflects the time our team puts into inspecting, cleaning, and preparing each board between uses, and it helps us keep our fleet in great shape for every guest.
⚠️ Rinse the board with fresh water before returning it.
Pro Tips from Your Fun Specialists
- Go to The Cove first. It is about half a mile from our shop and genuinely the best place on Maui to learn to surf. Our staff will tell you exactly where to set up when you get there.
- Always attach your leash before paddling out. It keeps the board close after a wipeout and keeps it from drifting into other surfers.
- Paddle hard and early when a wave approaches. Most beginner wipeouts happen from starting the paddle too late. Commit to the wave well before it reaches you.
- Practice the pop-up motion on land before you paddle out. Stand next to the board, place your hands flat near your chest, and push yourself up to standing in one smooth movement. The muscle memory you build on dry land transfers directly to the water.
- Morning sessions at The Cove tend to be calmer and less crowded. South swell, which picks up in summer, brings the most consistent conditions to Kihei’s breaks.
- If you are transporting boards by car, pick up soft racks and straps at our shop for $9 and allow a few extra minutes at pickup for our staff to talk you through the loading process and check your setup.
- Reef-safe sunscreen is required on all Hawaiian beaches. Apply before heading out, and reapply after extended water time.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Surfboard Rentals in Kihei
Do I need any surfing experience to rent a board?
No experience is required. Our soft top boards are specifically designed to be forgiving and easy to learn on, and The Cove surf break about half a mile from our shop is one of the best beginner surf spots in the world. Our staff will give you basic instruction and local tips at pickup.
What is the difference between the 8 foot and 10 foot boards?
The 10 foot board has more volume and stability, making it easier to paddle, balance, and catch waves. It is the right starting point for most beginners and heavier riders. The 8 foot is more maneuverable and better suited for lighter riders, kids, and surfers who have ridden before and want a board that turns more responsively.
What is The Cove and why is it so good for beginners?
The Cove at Cove Park in Kihei is widely regarded as one of the best beginner surf breaks in Hawaii. The water is shallow and sandy nearly 100 yards from shore, the waves are consistent and forgiving, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. Local surf schools teach there daily, and the break draws learners and locals alike for its long, smooth, rideable waves.
Can I try a different board if mine is not right for me?
Yes. If your board is not quite the right fit, bring it back to the shop and we will be happy to swap you into a better match. A $10 restocking fee applies to mid-rental board changes. The fee covers the time our team spends inspecting, cleaning, and preparing each board between uses so every guest gets a board that is in great condition.
Do you help strap boards onto my car?
Our staff will talk you through the process with a clear instruction sheet and diagram and come outside to check that your boards are properly secured before you drive away. Loading and strapping is done by you, and our team is there to make sure everything is safe before you leave the parking lot. Soft racks and straps are available at the shop for $9.
How many boards can I put on my car?
A maximum of two surfboards or two paddleboards per vehicle. Do not attempt to load more than two boards onto a single car roof.
Do I need to return the board to the Kihei shop?
Yes. Surfboards must be returned to the shop from which they were rented. Kihei surfboard rentals must come back to our Kihei location. If you are staying on the West Side and need a board near Lahaina or Kaanapali, see our Lahaina surfboard rental page.
What is the cancellation policy?
Auntie Snorkel offers free cancellation anytime prior to pickup. No deadline, no fees.
Why Rent Your Surfboard from Auntie Snorkel?
⭐ Best-Value Surfboard Rentals in Kihei with 25% Off Online
⭐ Premium Soft Top Boards in 8 ft and 10 ft, Perfect for All Skill Levels
⭐ Half a Mile From The Cove, Hawaii’s Best Beginner Surf Break
⭐ Leash, Local Tips, and Transport Guidance at Pickup
⭐ Free Cancellation Anytime Prior to Pickup
⭐ Trusted by Thousands of Happy Maui Guests
More About Surfing in Kihei
Why The Cove Is Where Maui Surfing Starts
Most beaches in Hawaii are too challenging for a true first-time surfer. The Cove is the exception. The combination of shallow, warm water, a forgiving sandy bottom, and waves that roll slowly and predictably from well offshore creates conditions where learning is not just possible but genuinely likely. Guests who have never surfed in their lives regularly ride their first waves within an hour of arriving.
Soft Tops Make the Difference for Beginners
Traditional fiberglass surfboards are fast and responsive but unforgiving. When you fall on a hard board, you feel it. When a hard board washes into you, you feel that too. Soft top boards absorb impact, float more volume under you, and give beginners a stable platform that makes standing up genuinely achievable rather than just aspirational. Our 8 foot and 10 foot soft tops are specifically chosen for their performance in the gentle waves that beginners work with at spots like The Cove.
More Time in the Water Than a Single Lesson Provides
A surf lesson gives you an hour or two of instruction. Renting a board gives you the rest of the day, and the next day, and the one after that. Surfing is a physical skill that responds well to repetition, and the time you spend in the water practicing after your first lesson or your first independent session is where real improvement happens. Guests who rent for two or three days consistently describe a noticeable difference in their comfort and ability compared to where they started. Of course, surf lessons are valuable, too, and we can help you book professional surf lessons in Kihei and Lahaina.
Kihei’s Surf Is Built for Learning
South Maui’s coastline faces south and southwest, which means it catches the consistent south swells that roll up from the Southern Hemisphere, particularly in summer. Those swells produce the gentle, long-period waves that The Cove is known for. The water is warm, the bottom is mostly sandy, and the surfing community in Kihei is relaxed and beginner-friendly. If you have ever thought about trying to surf, Kihei is one of the best places in the world to start.
Pickup Location: Auntie Snorkel Kihei, 2439 S Kihei Road, #101A, Kihei, HI 96753
Learn More About Surfing and Beach Days on Maui from Auntie Snorkel’s Fun Specialists
Auntie Snorkel’s Maui Guidebook offers all our Island Expert knowledge at your fingertips to help you plan the perfect Maui vacation. Check out these articles from our local experts.
Explore More Kihei Beach Rentals from Auntie Snorkel
Subscribe to Auntie Snorkel’s Free Newsletter
