4 Best Maui Kayak Tours

The crystal-clear waters of Hawaii's archipelago are an invitation to water sports. If you like paddling, get your arms ready and kayak around Maui.
4 Best Maui Kayak Tours

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The island of Maui is a dream destination for water sports enthusiasts. There are many things to see and do in Maui throughout the year, with water sports being one of the most popular activities among visitors.

There are waters for all tastes around Maui, whether you want to surf, windsurf, swim, cruise or kayak. If you prefer the latter, in this article I will explain the best tours and activities you can do during your stay.

1. Enjoy an eco-friendly adventure in Makena Turtle Town

Kayak Day| ©Steve Renaker
Kayak Day| ©Steve Renaker

Turtle Town is one of the most popular and recommended diving destinations in all of Maui. It is located along the south coast of Maui and is a wonderful place to witness a wide variety of marine life and see some animals that are unique to Hawaiian waters and found nowhere else on Earth.

Best of all, sea turtle sightings in Maui are guaranteed on this tour.

On this excursion, you will kayak from Makena to Turtle Town, where you will snorkel in a protected reef alongside huge green turtles, stingrays, octopuses and dolphins, among other species. The price includes all necessary equipment, specialised guides, water and snacks.

Details

  • Price: from £75 per person.

  • Duration: approximately 3 hours.

  • Advantages of this option: you can snorkel with marine wildlife as well as paddle.

  • Disadvantages of this option: not available in Spanish.

Book a kayak tour in Maui

2. Take a kayak tour of the turtle reef with whale watching included

Kayak Tour| ©Wade and Melissa
Kayak Tour| ©Wade and Melissa

On this tour, in addition to seeing the stunning marine wildlife around Makena Beach as you paddle through the calm waters of Maui and snorkel, you will also have the opportunity to watch humpback whales during the whale watching season, which runs from late December to mid-April.

Whale watching in Maui is one of the most popular activities among tourists and one of the things to do in winter in Maui that you can't miss.

Details of interest

  • Price: from approximately £100 per person.
  • Duration: 3 hours.
  • Advantages of this option: double kayaks are available.
  • Disadvantages of this option: not available in Spanish.

Book a kayak tour in Maui

3. Take part in a fun kayaking and snorkelling experience in Kihei

Snorkelling| ©gillicious
Snorkelling| ©gillicious

The unique feature of this tour is the type of watercraft used for navigation. On this excursion, you will paddle in state-of-the-art, fully transparent kayaks, allowing you to observe marine life while you paddle.

Transparent kayaks are a new trend in water sports equipment in areas where the rich marine life is worth observing in detail.

The price includes the use of all the equipment necessary for the experience. This tour is also one of the best activities to do in Maui with children (please check the details when booking). Snacks are included in the price and vegan options are available.

Details of interest

  • Price: from £134 per person.
  • Duration: 3 hours.
  • Advantages of this option: the kayaks are transparent.
  • Disadvantages of this option: not available in Spanish.

4. Discover Pali Sea Cliff while paddling

Pali Sea Cliff| ©gillicious
Pali Sea Cliff| ©gillicious

This kayak tour takes place in another area of Maui, from Papalaua Beach along the Pali coast, so the experience is different from the other kayak tours.

On this tour, you paddle along the coast and see the stunning cliffs and diverse marine life of the area, as well as beautiful coral reefs. The views of the cliffs along the Pali coast are breathtaking, and the only way to see them in their entirety is from the sea.

You will also have the opportunity to snorkel in the relaxing waters of this region of Maui. The tour price includes all equipment necessary for the activities and refreshments.

Details of interest

  • Price: from
  • Duration: approximately 4 hours.
  • Advantages of this option: it takes place in an unusual area of Maui.
  • Disadvantages of this option: not available in Spanish.

Book a kayak tour in Maui

How to book a kayak tour in Maui

Booking online| ©Porapak Apichodilok
Booking online| ©Porapak Apichodilok

The best way to book a kayaking tour in Maui is to do so online with one of the companies specialising in the sale of tourist packages and experiences. This way, you can be sure that your chosen date is available at the time of your trip.

Another advantage of buying tours online is that by visiting specialised websites, you can discover many other activities and tours to do in Maui and you can also book them in advance, such as the famous Road to Hana tour or a relaxing boat trip around the island.

You also have the advantage of being able to pay by credit and debit card, an option that is not always available if you decide to book directly with the guides.

Book a kayak tour in Maui

What are the advantages of taking a guided kayak tour of Maui or doing it on my own?

Kayaks| ©Forest and Kim Starr
Kayaks| ©Forest and Kim Starr

The main advantage is safety. Navigating in unfamiliar waters is dangerous anywhere, even if the water is calm. By choosing a guided tour, you can be sure that you are hiring people who are specialised in this type of excursion and have the necessary training for water sports.

It is also usually cheaper to take a guided tour than to rent the equipment separately and do it on your own.

Another great benefit of taking a guided tour is the wealth of information you will get from your guide and the practical tips that will make your paddling and diving experience even better.

You can find out everything you need to know about diving in Maui to help you plan your itinerary.

Tips for a kayaking trip in Maui

Kayaking in Maui| ©Mary L Plunkett
Kayaking in Maui| ©Mary L Plunkett

After assessing the best time to visit Maui for you, based on your preferences, itinerary and time availability, there are a few tips to keep in mind if you are going on a kayak tour.

  • Wear appropriate clothing for water activities, opting for quick-drying garments.

  • Bring sunscreen and apply it frequently.

  • Don't forget your sunglasses and a hat.

  • Always wear a life jacket.

  • If you cannot swim, avoid this type of activity.

  • Always follow your guide's instructions and stay with your group.

Book a kayak tour in Maui

Reviews from other travellers

4.8
· 1366 Reviews
  • D
    D.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    A magical tour.
  • P
    P.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    An amazing kayaking experience, I enjoyed watching every turtle and dolphin that crossed my path and was very well instructed by the guide. A pity that the weather was a bit cold that day, but otherwise nothing to criticize.
  • S
    S.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    One of the best experiences of my holiday.
  • J
    J.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    It was a very personalised and beautiful experience. I got to observe a wide variety of animals that I never imagined I would see in person and learned a lot about them. Highly recommended for everyone.
  • R
    R.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    The tour is amazing, I would love to do it again.