This 5-hour Maui kayaking adventure takes you paddling from Papalaua Beach along the stunning sea-cliff shore off the Pali coast, where you’re treated to some of Maui's most scenic coastline and exceptional snorkeling. In a small group of 10 maximum, kayak with experienced guides past white-sand inlets and towering cliffs to expansive coral reefs where you’re likely to spot sea turtles and an array of marine life as you snorkel. A deli-style lunch is served on a remote beach — the perfect reward for paddling 5.5 miles!
Make your way to palm-fringed Papalaua Beach in west Maui, less than 10 miles (16 km) south of Lahaina town, and meet your experienced kayak guides for a safety briefing. Learn paddling techniques on shore and then settle into a single or double kayak. A guide helps you launch as you take off for the remote shores and sea cliffs in a spectacular coastal area known as ‘the Pali.’
During your 5-hour Maui kayaking tour, paddle toward the Pali lighthouse and enjoy water views of rugged shoreline and jagged cliffs rarely seen by visitors. You'll stop for snacks and refreshments, and spend time snorkeling at a couple of secluded snorkeling sites that boast excellent ocean visibility and include expansive coral reefs teeming with tropical marine life.
Then continue paddling along this scenic shoreline where verdant cliffs lead into the water. Your guides point out the diverse flora, showcasing Maui’s natural splendor that hovers over white-sand beaches.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you’re rewarded with a deli-style lunch at a remote beach while gazing at the picturesque sights of Maui.
This small-group activity, with a paddling distance is approx. 5.5 miles, is best suited for those who are in good physical condition and enjoy a longer paddle.
Despite windy, choppy seas a good time was had by all. Guide Adam was friendly and engaged with the participants. Weather was a luck of the draw type of thing. Would have been a better experience on smoother water. _br/_ By the way, the picture accompanying this tour advertising is somewhat misleading. I saw no gaps where you kayak into an idyllic cove.
Review by: Nicole C, February 2018
Tour guide Adam was amazing! I would recommend, great way to see whales, turtle and marina life. Really disappointed-description of the tour made note of light deli lunch, we did not receive any lunch, only granola bar and drink.
Review by: Helen K S, February 2018
I would do this trip again! Matt was informative, took care with us, and answered our questions. We saw whales from the shore and paddled out to observe a baby and mother playing 20-40 yards out for about 40 minutes. It was amazing. It was too rough to go snorkeling, but we were more interested in seeing the whales! Later in the week, the waves calmed down so I know, when we return, we'll go again!
Review by: Bob R, January 2018
I would NOT recommend this company . The guide did not stay with us even though I was having trouble experiencing a great deal of pain due to a kidney stone that came on during our outing he in turn left my wife and I alone a half mile out from shore never coming back to check on us.
Review by: Ashley A, September 2017
This tour was a total waste of money. I was encouraged by the reviews that spoke about these wonderful guides, so I was thoroughly disappointed when we got a guide who didn't seem to be interested in the tour. The weather ended up being pretty bad so we only could snorkel in one place and not for very long, and the water was so choppy that I got sea-sick kayaking back and he never even asked me if I was okay. The pictures were completely misleading and the tour looking nothing like this which was also disappointing. We were only out on the water for about 2.5 hours when I paid for a 5 hour excursion. Had I known I would have paid a lot less for one of the 2 or 3 hour trips, not over 120 a person for what was advertised as a 5 hour trip. I feel that we should have gotten at least half of our money back, but hopefully this review will help anyone interested in this tour. Much better to book a different snorkeling trip for Maui
Review by: steven.flores.cornell, July 2017
This Kayak experience was good, however there were some delays with our departure due to over bookings. The guide was very good and the sights were amazing.
Review by: Tina M, November 2015
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed this kayak trip, it was an early start but very much worth getting up for! Our guide was AMAZING and had all of the kayaks and gear set and ready to go. He gave us a quick but effective lesson on the proper technique for rowing and explained in detail the importance of kayak and snorkel safety. The morning was beautiful and during our 5 mile journey he shared much information about the geographical area, island history and native animal and sea life. During the snorkeling he was very attentive to the needs of everyone and was mindful to point out the unique fish and coral as we passed. The small group atmosphere was really nice and we enjoyed getting to know the other participants. I would highly recommend this excursion to anyone who loves adventure and has a desire to learn more of what makes the beautiful island of Maui so special.
Review by: Bethany R, September 2015
Garret was an awesome guide and pointed out a plethora of cool facts about the island and surrounding history along the snorkel and kayak tour. We saw handfuls of turtles at the cleaning station, marine fish, and along the whole trip felt safe. We'll definitely return for the whale season and ask for Garret as our guide! Highly recommend this tour for anyone wanting a more private tour with an edge of excitement and personal attention.
Review by: Cathy P, September 2015
We had great time on this tour. We did the 5 hour excursion and enjoyed every minute. Our guide, Garrett was really excellent. He snorkeled with us and took the time to dive down and point out things we would have missed and then came up and identified them for us. He handled guests needs with discretion and patience, and stayed very aware of the conditions of the water--we just happened to be there when there was a hurricane stirring to the south. Would do this again for sure.
Review by: Scott B, August 2015
The kayaking, snorkeling and guide were great. Obviously this is all dependent on the weather so if it gets windy and wavy, you won't see as much and you may have to cut it short. But we saw lots of creatures, our guide knew a ton or was a really good liar, who knows? and even saw some turtles. Downsides: these was nothing remotely like what you see in that image of people kayaking out of a cave in still water into a bay. This was just along a rocky gorgeous coast line in open water. Also, the directions were pretty vague and said to look for a green van or truck, which the guide knew nothing about when we finally found him.
Review by: Debora G, August 2015
Good experience!
Review by: Angelique T, April 2015
Unfortunately, due to high winds, this was not the tour that we ended up taking. Our guide offered to reschedule for another day or we could drive to Makena, which was about 25 minutes along the coast, and proceed some paddling and snorkeling there. About half our group had either never snorkeled or paddled and so he was patient and reassuring with us. Took us to 2 remarkable snorkeling sites and it was a beautiful day. Totally worth getting up in the morning and even the extra 25 minute drive to the alternate location.
Review by: James R, July 2010
The guide was very experienced and knowledgeable. He made the trip very enjoyable.
Review by: James R, April 2010
The guide was very experienced and knowledgeable. He made the trip very enjoyable.
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