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Maui Canoe & kayak tours

Our most recommended Maui Canoe & kayak tours

Maui: Turtle Town Kayak and Snorkel Tour

1. Maui: Turtle Town Kayak and Snorkel Tour

Explore the ocean and see marine wildlife on this family-friendly kayaking tour, great for children 5 and up. Go snorkeling and feast on complimentary snacks and beverages as you go. Take a group kayaking tour where you will kayak roughly 2.5 miles through Makena Bay. Turtle Town is known as one of Maui's best kayaking and snorkeling destinations. Spot ocean wildlife as you battle through the blue Hawaiian surf. This location is famous for the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle population and exceptional paddling conditions on Maui's calm blue waters. It is also very common to see manta rays and dolphins as well as the Hawaiian monk seal. During whale season (October through April) you will have the opportunity to see Humpback whales during their annual migration to the Islands to mate and give birth. Take advantage of the opportunity to snorkel in this unique environment. Enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages as part of your tour.

Maui: Whale Watch Kayaking and Snorkel Tour in Kihei

2. Maui: Whale Watch Kayaking and Snorkel Tour in Kihei

Kayak through Maui's blue ocean on a guided whale-watching adventure. Glide along the water at eye-level with the ocean and get an up-close and personal view of whales and other sea creatures. Learn about the area and native wildlife from your guide and end your tour with a snorkeling excursion. After checking in, your expert guide will provide hands-on instruction on how to manage your kayak, from landing, launching, paddling, and how to get in and out for the snorkeling component. This tour features "sit on top" kayaks which make for easy-on/easy-off access. Your guide will launch each kayak, setting you out into the great blue sea. As a group on the water, your guide will brief you about what's planned and where you will visit. To begin your adventure, paddle out to search for whales. Along the way, your local guide will share island stories, information, folklore, and more. When the whales appear, you will have the opportunity to paddle along at a safe distance. Your guide will explain each behavior that the whales are presenting. After whale watching, paddle back to the shoreline along the reef to enjoy some snorkeling. The highlight for most is Hawaii's "Hono" or Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle. They are abundant in this area, making it one of the best spots in Hawaii to see them. At the end of the trip, your guide will escort you back to the beach.

Maui: Self Guided Clear Bottom Kayak Tour

3. Maui: Self Guided Clear Bottom Kayak Tour

Leave dry land behind and sail around Makena Landing, also known locally as “Turtle Town”. Feast your eyes on the incredible biodiversity of green sea turtles and reef fish, as well as the occasional manta and spotted eagle rays, octopi, dolphins, monk seals, humpback whales (December through April) and little white-tip reef sharks. After receiving a quick tutorial, you'll be helped to launch your boat into the water. Then, you'll have 2 full hours far from the tourist crowds paddling anywhere you want on a steady and easy-to-use kayak. The more you take your time, the more you're likely to see!

Maui: Premium Turtle Town Kayak and Snorkel Tour

4. Maui: Premium Turtle Town Kayak and Snorkel Tour

On this premier tour you will have a full morning of kayaking and snorkeling in Maui’s beautiful south coast. Anyone needing more water time, snorkeling and sunshine, this 3-mile paddle is the trip you're looking for. Expect a full morning of kayaking, exceptional snorkeling, reef life, beautiful corals, and turtles everywhere. Based on the weather and ocean currents, your expert tour guide will adjust your trip to either be more kayaking or more snorkeling to ensure the best excursion. In this small group setting, you will have more time to be in the water and see more marine wildlife! Before the action begins, you will receive an orientation with your guides, ensuring that you have all the appropriate snorkel and kayaking gear you require. During your guided tour you will get to stop at 2-3 prime snorkeling spots. These spots have been chosen to maximize your chances of seeing beautiful underwater marine life. You will also have the chance to enjoy some delicious snacks and beverages throughout the day, provided by your friendly and informative guides.

Olowalu: Guided Tour Over Reefs in Transparent Kayak

5. Olowalu: Guided Tour Over Reefs in Transparent Kayak

Gaze beneath the waves on this transparent kayaking tour from Olowalu. Look for sea turtles and manta rays as you paddle over the reef. Savor local baked goods, a banana, granola, and fresh pineapple. Protect yourself with the provided reef safe sunscreen on this eco-friendly adventure.  Meet your guides and fuel up with some local baked goods. Get fitted with a rash guard, life vest, dry bag, sports bottle, and paddle. Set-off on your kayaking trip to the reef. Watch the bustling reef as your CPR certified guide gets to know you and your family. Hear about the ocean and sea life and find out about the region's facinating history and culture. Pickup any floating trash you see along the way to keep the reef sparkling and pristine. Feel safe knowing sites are patrolled by shoreline safety drones. Come across wildlife like dolphins in the Olowalu reef's 500-year-old ecosystem which is home to a Manta ray cleaning station which can sometimes be seen. Bring the kids along who can play with the onboard water guns. Eat locally grown apple bananas and granola while out on the water. Cut down on plastic waste by using the reusable sport bottles with the reverse osmosis water that can be refilled at the site. Refuel with freshly cut locally grown pineapple once you return to the meeting point or purchase some Li Hing Mui (salty dried Chinese plum). Buy photos and videos of your trip during the wrap up. 

Maui: Waterfalls Tour with Kayaking, Snorkeling and Hiking

6. Maui: Waterfalls Tour with Kayaking, Snorkeling and Hiking

Start your day in the Makena Landing Beach Park on the south side of Maui. Grab a kayak and paddle over the waves beneath the warm Hawaii sun.  Dive in and take the plunge as you snorkel in crystal clear waters. Be sure to be on the lookout for Hawaii's famous Green Sea Turtles grazing at the bottom or floating at the surface. Head for the lush rainforest and cross through the scenic green landscape. Once you arrived at the waterfalls you can jump off the cliffs and then relax in the pools below.

Maui: West Side Discovery Kayak and Snorkel Tour

7. Maui: West Side Discovery Kayak and Snorkel Tour

This family-friendly kayaking tour is great for children 5 years old and up. On this group kayaking tour, you will kayak roughly 1.5 miles (2km) through the Olowalu or Ukumehame Coastline. Along the way, you will have opportunities to stop and snorkel with Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle and tropical fish. It is also very common to see manta rays and dolphins, as well as the Hawaiian monk seal. During whale season (October through April) you will have the opportunity to see Humpback whales during their annual migration to the Islands to mate and give birth. The early morning tour offers calmer waters and is perfect for beginner kayakers. All kayaking and snorkel gear are provided on this tour, along with light snacks and beverages. All you need to bring is your swimsuit, a towel, and sunscreen.

Olowalu: Snorkeling, Whales, and Turtle Reef Kayak Trip

8. Olowalu: Snorkeling, Whales, and Turtle Reef Kayak Trip

Enjoy beach views and the services of a professional guide. Get ready to explore the waters and keep your eyes out for marine life as you go. Take in majestic views of the West Maui Mountains and explore Hawaii's fascinating underwater world. Snorkel with giant Sea Turtles and 100's of colorful Tropical fishes at a turtle cleaning station. Explore by kayak, and keep an eye out for humpback whales in season. Hear the whales sing live by using an underwater hydrophone. Watch out for turtle sightings which are guaranteed the year round, while whale sightings are guaranteed from January to mid-April. Take advantage of a free tour if you fail to see them on your trip. Let your professional guides fill you with fascinating information during your experience. Learn about marine ecology, whale behavior and biology, Hawaiian History, and more.

Maui: Pali Sea Cliff Kayak and Snorkel Tour

9. Maui: Pali Sea Cliff Kayak and Snorkel Tour

Experience the West Coast of Maui on the ultimate kayaking adventure. Start your day of adventure on the white sand beaches, just down the way from the iconic Pali sea cliffs. From here, your guide will lead your group out to a section of coast that’s inaccessible by land. Along the way, you will have many opportunities to stop and snorkel through crystalline coves where you will see Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles and tropical fish. It is common that your group may spot gliding manta ray and see Humpback whales in the winter. Take a break and enjoy a deli-style lunch on an isolated white sand beach. On this tour, you will kayak 4-mile during this 4-hour tour. Your experienced guides will ensure you have a safe and fun round-trip to the Pali lighthouse and back! This small-group tour is limited to 10-people to ensure a personalized experience. The Pali Sea Cliff tour departs from the beach amidst swaying palms trees and heads toward the remote and rugged sea cliffs of an area known as the “Pali”. The views here are epic and the cobalt ocean is full of life. RIDE SHARE is not recommended as launching site may be moved.

Maui: Au'au Channel Kayak and Snorkel Adventure

10. Maui: Au'au Channel Kayak and Snorkel Adventure

Everyone will want to enjoy the warm sunshine and cool, clear water of Maui in confidence and safety under the watchful eyes of our hand-picked team of educated, alert, and CPR-certified guides. First, we will paddle out into the Auau Channel in search of dolphins and manta rays. Returning to a private reef, your ohana will be amazed while exploring ancient coral heads and encrusted lava fingers teeming with life. Swim with Sea turtles, unique fish, octopus, and more! Don’t want to swim with a shark? Set your ohana at ease knowing your reef area is shark free. Gabriel's Ohana is the ONLY company whose photographers keep an eye on you from the sky while you play in the water. With the use of drones, our photographers, stationed on the beach, scan the clear waters around your ohana for danger. Safety from sharks, instant alert in case of possible issues, and the coolest aerial videography! The drones even help us track entangled animals. *Photo packages are not mandatory. A photographer will be there for your safety as a courtesy. Get out on the water in brand new boats that were manufactured in 2021. We had our Gabriel's Ohana brand kayaks made to our specifications to provide the maximum in stability and comfort on the water while still being ergonomic to paddle. Our Gabriel's Ohana life vests are upgraded as well. Each vest comes with a safety whistle and under the leg, straps to prevent them from popping over your head when you hit the water as the others do. We have sizes S-XXXL available. The correct size is important for your safety, don't settle for something that is just one size fits all, we didn't. Our Gabriel's Ohana Kayak paddle is perfect for the beginner or master by being strong but lightweight to avoid fatigue. Our official Gabriel’s Ohana brand high-quality dive masks are made from soft silicone designed for a soft and tight seal that doesn't leave its imprint on you the wrong way. Our low-profile dive quality masks have unobstructed viewing and our snorkels have a soft silicone mouthpiece for the ultimate in comfort. All kayaks have the DLNR stickers that prove we are permitted, licensed, and insured.

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What people are saying about Maui

Overall rating

4.9 / 5

based on 26 reviews

Our family came for a fantastic make a wish trip and our little guy got a bit of motion sickness. Our guide was kind and gave us some snacks and water. He was very patient seeing as our son was only 7 he made the experience fun and recommended a great local place to eat. Great time and great experience thank you!

The most awe inspiring trip!!! Came upon whales singing and then had them pass right under our kayaks, you could literally smell them. Kudos to our star leader-Kyle!! He was the best. Truly was a trip of a lifetime to be that close to those beautiful creatures.

Jeremiah was great. Our trip was fantastic. Miah had a lot on his hands with our group. Some inexperienced kayakers made his work extra hard but he was very good accommodating everyone.

This was a great tour for beginners. My two kids 10 and 12 had a great time kayaking and snorkeling for the first time.

We enjoyed all 3 of the activities It was all well planned.