the story behind
Mai Ke Kai
Everything begins and ends in the sea.
Mai Ke Kai
Hawaiian for "From the Sea"
We chose this name because everything here comes from the ocean — the energy, the community, the freedom. The sea is where we find ourselves.
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Maria & Matias
A house by the sea, not just a place to sleep.
Mai Ke Kai Surf House is Maria and Matias's dream, made real. Two Argentine surfers who fell for Costa Rica's waves, moved to Tamarindo, and opened this house in 2023.
We first came in 2019 — Jacó and Manuel Antonio. Warm, clear Pacific water, and heavy waves in Jacó. After a few hard years in the United States, it was obvious: life here moves differently. The quiet, the nature, the unhurried people. That stuck. The pandemic sent us back to Córdoba. We were never going to stay. Costa Rica was still open, and pura vida did the rest.
We built Mai Ke Kai as a place to drop the daily noise, surf, and actually rest. More than a bed: a small coastal house where you reconnect with the ocean, the sun, and yourself. Pura vida took us a while to understand. Now we live it: everything is calm. Everything in its own time.
The house, in numbers
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The year we opened
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Beds in 3 rooms
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Minutes to the beach
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Minutes to town
Our journey
How Mai Ke Kai Was Born
The Dream Begins
A group of surfers from different corners of the world meet in Tamarindo and fall in love with the waves, the people, and the pura vida spirit.
Building the Home
The idea of creating a surf house where travelers could live the authentic Costa Rica experience takes shape.
First Guests
Mai Ke Kai opens its doors. First guests arrive from 12 different countries.
Growing Community
Word spreads. The community grows to 500+ guests from 25+ nationalities.
Mai Ke Kai Today
Recognized as one of the top surf hostels in Costa Rica, with 30+ nationalities and 2500+ happy guests.
What we stand for
Why Choose Mai Ke Kai
More than just a place to sleep — we're a full experience designed for surfers, adventurers, and culture seekers.
Expert Surf Instruction
Our certified instructors have years of experience teaching beginners and advancing intermediate surfers in Tamarindo's consistent waves.
Vibrant Community
Travelers meet here. Share meals, stories, and sessions after the surf.
Prime Location
An 8-minute walk to Tamarindo Beach. Three minutes to town. Wake up, walk, paddle out.
Quality & Comfort
Clean rooms, great beds, fast Wi-Fi, and all the amenities you need to recover between sessions.
Sustainable Mindset
We care about the ocean and local ecosystem. We promote reef-safe sunscreen, responsible tourism, and coastal clean-ups.
Year-Round Waves
Tamarindo delivers surf every season. Whether you come in dry or rainy season, the waves are waiting for you.
The people behind it
Meet the Team
The Founders
Surf & Hospitality
A group of surfers from different corners of the world who fell in love with Tamarindo and decided to create a home for the surf community.
Surf Team
Certified Instructors
Passionate local surfers and certified instructors who know every break, every current, and every perfect wave in Tamarindo.
Host Team
Hospitality
The heart of Mai Ke Kai. Always ready with local tips, a cold drink, and the best smile in Tamarindo.
“The ocean is calling — and we must go.”
— Pura Vida, Costa Rica