Maui is a playground for paddlers. Its calm, clear waters, vibrant reefs, and abundant marine life make it an ideal spot for canoe and kayak adventures. Whether you’re paddling alongside sea turtles in Turtle Town, exploring the rugged coastlines on a private stand-up paddleboard, or gliding through waters where whales breach in season, Maui offers something for every water lover. We especially like the Clear Bottom Kayak and Snorkel Tour at Turtle Town because it combines a transparent kayak with easy snorkeling, providing a close-up view of Maui’s underwater world without needing advanced skills. For those seeking a cultural experience, the Hawaiian Canoe Sailing Experience offers a rare chance to learn traditional outrigger canoe techniques from local experts. Whatever your style, these tours promise unforgettable moments on the water.
Quick Overview
This list covers a diverse range of kayaking and canoeing experiences in Maui, from family-friendly trips to private adventures. You’ll find options that include snorkeling, whale watching, and culture. Many tours are highly rated, with 5-star reviews, and cater to all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned paddlers. For example, the Private Stand Up Paddle Boarding Tour in Turtle Town is perfect for a personalized, relaxing paddle, while the South Maui: Premium Turtle Town Kayak and Snorkel Tour is great for seeing local marine life with a small group. Below, we break down each experience to help you choose your best ocean adventure.
1. Clear Bottom Kayak and Snorkel Tour at Turtle Town
At number 1, this tour offers a unique view of Maui’s reefs from a clear-bottom kayak. It’s perfect for families, as no prior experience is necessary. Guided by a Coast Guard veteran-owned company, you paddle over shallow reefs, snorkel with turtles, manta rays, and tropical fish, and enjoy stunning views of Haleakala, Molokini, and West Maui mountains. During winter, whale sightings are possible, adding extra magic. The tour’s 3-hour duration from 7 am to 10 am means calm waters and great lighting for photos. Reviews praise the friendly guide, safety, and the chance to swim with turtles, making it a popular choice for first-timers and seasoned snorkelers alike. This tour offers excellent value at $125 per person, especially considering the combination of kayaking and snorkeling in one trip.
Bottom Line: The best all-around beginner-friendly tour that combines easy access to marine life with a memorable kayaking experience.
2. Private Stand Up Paddle Boarding Tour in Turtle Town, Maui
Number 2 on our list is a private stand-up paddleboard (SUP) tour that lets you explore Maui’s coastline at your own pace. The guide customizes the experience, which lasts about 2 hours, and offers a calming paddle through Makena Bay, spotting sea turtles, coral reefs, and volcanic formations. An introductory lesson is included, making it suitable for beginners or those wanting a laid-back, personalized adventure. Guests rave about the helpful instructor Sky and the expert photos provided afterward, capturing your moments with Maui’s scenery in the background. The tour’s $149 price reflects its exclusivity and the tailored nature of the experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a private, relaxed paddle with the chance to learn and photograph Maui’s natural beauty.
3. Clear Kayak Tour with Pontoons and Optional Snorkeling – Unlimited
Number 3 offers a kid-friendly, 3-hour adventure that’s perfect for families and those who want a hassle-free day on the water. It departs from Olowalu Beach, with all equipment provided, including rash guards and dry bags. The clear kayak acts as a giant snorkel mask, magnifying the reef beneath you. The tour’s highlights include sightings of octopus, eels, turtles, manta rays, and schools of fish. An added bonus is the professional drone footage and photos available for purchase. The reviews highlight the ease of access and the fun of seeing marine life through the kayak’s glass bottom.
Bottom Line: Great for families or anyone who prefers a relaxed, all-inclusive experience with engaging marine viewing.
4. South Shore Turtle Kayak and Snorkel Experience
Number 4 is a versatile tour combining kayaking and snorkeling in Makena Bay, with options for 2.5 or 4.5 hours. It’s excellent for those who want both above and below-water exploration. Led by a local guide, you paddle around Turtle Town, home to Hawaiian Green sea turtles, then snorkel at various spots known for vibrant marine life. The tour includes snorkel gear, snacks, and beverages, making it convenient and comfortable. The reviews mention the exciting whale sounds in season and the abundance of turtles, making it highly engaging for all skill levels.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a full-paced, flexible experience with wildlife encounters and a friendly guide.
5. Maui: Turtle Town Kayak and Snorkel Tour
Number 5 introduces a guided kayak tour through Turtle Town, covering 1.5 miles of Makena Bay. It’s a straightforward, no-stress option for those looking to snorkel and paddle in calm waters. Marine life includes turtles and tropical fish, with snacks and beverages provided. The reviews highlight the simplicity of the activity combined with the chance to see turtles close-up, making it suitable for families and casual paddlers.
Bottom Line: An easy, fun-packed way to see Maui’s marine life without the need for advanced skills.
6. Kayak, Whale Watch, and Snorkel – Optional Photos & Videos
Number 6 offers a multi-layered experience that combines kayaking with whale watching (seasonal) and snorkeling. It’s a 3-hour trip that’s perfect for active travelers, with the option to purchase photos and videos of your trip. The guide emphasizes safety and fun, with a focus on observing whales breaching and tail-slapping—if you’re visiting in season, this is a highlight. The reviews note the calm waters and expert guidance, perfect for confident swimmers.
Bottom Line: Ideal for adventure seekers who want to combine different water activities in one trip.
7. South Maui: Premium Turtle Town Kayak and Snorkel Tour
Number 7 is a premium, small-group tour that covers about 2 miles of coastline, with visits to two snorkel spots. It emphasizes a personalized experience with knowledgeable guides and a focus on marine life like green sea turtles. The tour lasts 3.5 hours and offers excellent value, considering its intimate setting and the chance to learn about reef fish and local reefs. It’s well-suited for those wanting a more exclusive experience without sacrificing the adventure.
Bottom Line: A great choice for travelers who appreciate a smaller group, deeper engagement, and higher-end service.
8. Turtle Reef Kayak Tour of Makena
Number 8 features a relaxed kayak paddle above Turtle Reef, just south of Wailea. Launching from Makena Landing, you’ll encounter schools of fish and endangered green sea turtles, with optional snorkeling. The tour offers stunning views of Haleakala and historical insights into cattle ranching at Makena. With reviews praising the knowledgeable guide Rabbit and the chance to see turtles up close, this tour balances ease and adventure well. It’s suitable for all skill levels, making it a favorite for beginners.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those looking for a straightforward, scenic kayak+snorkel trip with local flavor.
9. Maui South Shore Premier Kayak and Snorkel Tour from Makena Beach
Number 9 offers a 3.5-hour guided kayak and snorkel along Maui’s south shore. It’s family-friendly and includes the use of all equipment, with opportunities to see marine life like turtles, tropical fish, and reef sharks. The small group setting ensures personal attention, and reviews commonly mention great guides and the chance to see turtles close-up.
Bottom Line: Ideal for families or those new to kayaking and snorkeling, seeking a balanced, well-organized tour.
10. South Maui Kayak and Snorkel Tour with Turtles
Number 10 combines morning kayaking and snorkeling with sightings of green sea turtles and reef fish. This 3-hour tour offers light refreshments and is perfect for those wanting a relaxing yet active tropical outing. The reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and the chance to see turtles in calm waters.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting a laid-back, friendly, and wildlife-focused trip.
11. Turtle Town Clear Kayak & Snorkel Tour (10:30am-1pm)
Number 11 emphasizes a small-group experience exploring Makena Landing beach by kayak and snorkel. The highlight is the magnified view of Maui’s reefs through the clear kayak, with the chance to see sea turtles, tropical fish, and more. The tour includes media packages for photos and videos, making it a great souvenir. Read the reviews, and you’ll find mentions of friendly guides and the fun of seeing Maui’s marine life up close.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a guided, intimate tour with a focus on marine viewing and capturing memories.
12. Hawaiian Canoe Sailing Experience in Maui
Number 12 offers a cultural sailing adventure on a traditional outrigger canoe. Launched from Wailea, this experience emphasizes Hawaiian traditions, including learning about canoe construction and navigation. You get a personalized ride while spotting sea turtles, reef fish, and humpback whales in season. The reviews mention knowledgeable guides and the authenticity of the experience. It’s suited for those interested in a cultural connection and a more relaxed pace.
Bottom Line: A one-of-a-kind trip for travelers wanting a cultural and scenic experience on Maui’s coast.
13. Kayak and Whale Watching Tour
Number 13 is a specialty whale-watching kayak trip during season, where you can observe breaching and tail-slapping whales. It’s a 3-hour adventure focused on active wildlife encounters. Reviewers mention seeing whales close-up and hearing their songs, which adds a magical element to the trip. It’s best for confident swimmers and those comfortable in open water.
Bottom Line: A must-do if visiting during whale season and craving a hands-on, close-up wildlife experience.
14. Lahaina Kayak and Snorkel Excursion
Number 14 provides a combination kayak and snorkel trip in Lahaina. It’s easy and family-friendly, with snorkel gear included to explore the reefs and marine wildlife. Reviewers highlight the fun with turtles, rays, and seals and the helpful guides making sure everyone stays safe.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for families wanting a relaxed, scenic day exploring Maui’s marine ecosystem.
15. Maui South Shore Premier Kayak and Snorkel Tour from Makena Beach
Number 15 is a premium tour emphasizing a small-group experience with visits to multiple snorkeling spots and a focus on marine life like green sea turtles. Lasting around 3.5 hours, it balances adventure and comfort for travelers seeking a more intimate experience.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for those wanting a more exclusive, educational, and personal tour.
16. South Maui: Whale Watch Kayaking and Snorkel Tour
Number 16 combines whale watching and snorkeling in a 3-hour tour. It’s perfect for active wildlife enthusiasts who want to see whales breaching and enjoy the calm waters with sea turtles and tropical fish. Reviewers mention the chance to see whales up close and the friendly guides.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers visiting in season who want a full, engaging day on the water with wildlife.
How to Choose Your Maui Canoe & Kayak Experience
When deciding which tour suits you best, consider your budget, fitness level, and what you most want to experience. For a family-friendly, easy-going trip, the Clear Bottom Kayak and Snorkel Tour is hard to beat. If you’re interested in culture and a traditional Hawaiian experience, the Hawaiian Canoe Sailing offers something exceptional. For wildlife lovers, the Whale Watch Kayaking during season is unforgettable, while those seeking a private, personalized paddle will appreciate the Stand Up Paddleboard Tour.
Practical tips include booking early during peak season (winter for whales, summer for turtles) and choosing tours that match your own fitness level and interests. Many tours offer photos and videos, so consider whether capturing your adventure is important.
Final Thoughts
From family-friendly paddle trips to cultural canoe sailing, Maui’s waters are full of options. For beginners, the Clear Bottom Kayak or Lahaina excursions are perfect introductions. Adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts will love the Whale Watching Kayak Tour or the Premium Turtle Town outing. For a more personalized experience, the private SUP or the Hawaiian canoe sailing trips stand out.
No matter your choice, these experiences are best booked well in advance — Maui’s ocean adventures fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Take your pick, and prepare for an unforgettable day on Maui’s beautiful waters.