Best Kayak Tours in Maui
The crystalline waters of Hawaii's archipelago invite you to practice nautical sports. If you like paddling, get your arms ready and kayak around Maui.
Kayaking in Maui | ©Mary L Plunkett
The island of Maui is a dream destination for water sports enthusiasts. There are many things to see and do on Maui throughout the year, with water sports being a favorite activity for visitors.
There are waters to suit all tastes around Maui, whether surfing, windsurfing, swimming, cruising or kayaking. If you prefer the latter activity, in this article I explain which are the best tours and activities you can do during your stay.
1. Enjoy an ecological adventure at Makena Turtle Town
Turtle Town is one of the most popular and recommended dive destinations in Maui. It is located along the south shore of Maui and is a wonderful place to witness a wide variety of marine life and see some animals 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 tour, you will kayak from Makena to Turtle Town, where you will snorkel in a protected reef alongside huge green turtles, rays, octopus and dolphins, among other species. Included in the price is the use of all necessary equipment, specialized guides, water and snacks.
Details of interest
- Price: from 86 euros per person.
- Duration: about 3 hours.
- Advantages of this option: you will be able to dive with the marine fauna in addition to paddling.
- Disadvantages of this option: not available in Spanish.
2. Take a kayak tour of the turtle reef with whale watching included
On this tour, in addition to seeing the stunning marine wildlife around Makena Beach while paddling through the calm waters of Maui and snorkeling, you will also have the opportunity to observe humpback whales during the whale watching season from late December to mid-April.
Whale watching in Maui is one of the favorite activities for tourists and one of the things to do in winter in Maui that you can't miss.
Details of interest
- Price: from 100 euros per person approximately.
- Duration: 3 hours.
- Advantages of this option: double kayaks are available.
- Disadvantages of this option: not available in Spanish.
3. Participate in a fun kayaking and snorkeling experience in Kihei
The peculiarity of this tour is the type of nautical equipment in which the navigation is done. In this excursion you will navigate in the latest generation of totally transparent kayaks, which will allow you to observe the marine fauna at the same time you paddle.
The transparent kayaks are a new trend in equipment for water sports in areas where the richness of the marine fauna is worthy of being observed in detail.
The price includes the use of all the necessary equipment for the experience. This tour is also one of the best activities to do in Maui with children (check details at the time of booking). Snacks are included in the price and vegan options are available.
Details of interest
- Price: from 134 euros 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
This kayak tour takes place in a different 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 can observe the striking cliffs and varied marine life of the area, as well as the beautiful coral reefs. The views of the cliffs off the coast of Pali are breathtaking and the only way to see them in their full extent is from the sea.
You will also have the opportunity to snorkel in the relaxing waters of this region of Maui. All the necessary equipment for the activities and refreshments are included in the price of the tour.
Details of interest
- Price: from
- Duration: about 4 hours.
- Advantages of this option: it takes place in an unusual area of Maui.
- Disadvantages of this option: not available in Spanish.
How to book a kayak tour in Maui
The best way to book a kayak tour in Maui is to do it online in one of the companies specialized in selling packages and tourist experiences. This way you ensure the availability of the chosen date at the time of your trip.
Another advantage of buying tours online is that by visiting the specialized pages you can discover many other activities and tours to do in Maui and you can also book them in advance, such as the famous tour of the Road to Hana or a relaxing boat ride around the island.
You also have the advantage of being able to pay with credit and debit cards, an option that is not always available if you decide to book directly with the guides.
What are the advantages of taking a guided kayak tour of Maui or doing it on my own?
The main advantage is safety, sailing if you don't know the area is dangerous anywhere, even if the water is calm. By opting for a guided tour you make sure that you are hiring people specialized in this type of excursions and with the necessary courses for nautical activities.
It is also usually cheaper to do a guided tour than to rent the equipment separately and do it on your own.
Another great benefit you get from doing 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 get information on everything there is to know about diving in Maui to prepare your itinerary.
Tips for a kayak tour in Maui
After evaluating the best time to visit Maui for you, depending on your preferences, itinerary and time availability, you should keep in mind some tips if you are going on a kayak tour.
- Wear appropriate clothing for nautical activities, opting for quick-drying clothes - Take sunscreen and apply it frequently.
- Do not forget sunglasses and a hat- Always wear a life jacket- If you do not know how to swim, avoid this type of activity- Always follow your guide's instructions and stay with your group-