Turtle Reef Kayak Tour of Makena, Maui
Recommended by 95% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Maui, USA
- 2 hours 45 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
See a side of Maui that you’d unlikely find on your own with a guide led kayaking tour to the turquoise waters above Turtle Reef in Maui. Launch out of Makena Landing, just south of Wailea, and paddle along the shoreline of a historic volcanic cove. In addition to teeming with schools of fish, this area is home to the Hawaiian Green sea turtle.
- Join a guide who knows the best spots for sea life-spotting
- All necessary kayaking and surfing equipment is provided
- Choose from single or double kayaks
- Small group sizes ensure personal attention from your guide
What's Included
- Beach Instructions and Safety Talk
- Guide Assisted Launch and Landings
- Quality Snorkel Equipment, PFD, and dry bag if needed
- Light refreshments
- Quality Touring Kayaks - Singles and Doubles Available
- CPR and First Aid Certified Guides with Many Years Ocean Experience
- Local taxes
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop off
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 5180 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753, USA
*** Google / Apple Map "Makena Landing" **** DO NOT GO TO A RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS ---------------------- From Makena Landing parking lot, walk 100 yards over little hill with ocean on right - you'll see kayaks there. Please google map "Makena Landing beach Park" or "Maluaka Beach Parking Lot" option B
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
This 2.5 mile (4km) Maui kayaking tour is a short and leisurely paddle, designed as a family friendly activity for paddlers 5 and up. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned pro or it’s your very first time in a kayak, as everyone who experiences this kayaking in Maui can appreciate the tropical beauty.
Hear the history of Makena Bay and get views of Haleakala volcano, with the main highlight being snorkeling with sea turtles as they casually float above the reef. Makena is one of the best spots for a family to go kayaking in Maui, where the warm, clear, protected waters are just waiting to be explored.
Hear the history of Makena Bay and get views of Haleakala volcano, with the main highlight being snorkeling with sea turtles as they casually float above the reef. Makena is one of the best spots for a family to go kayaking in Maui, where the warm, clear, protected waters are just waiting to be explored.
Makena Landing Park (Pass By)
1
Makena
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
- Paddling distance is approx 1.5 to 2.0 miles
- The 10:30am tour is only available to guests who are 16 years and over.
- The 7:15am departure offers ideal weather conditions, more active reef life, better visibility, etc. Best Experience!
- 715 tour time ages 5+ / 1030 tour time ages 16+
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Rehana_R
Tyler was an excellent guide. He gave us once in a lifetime experience where we swam with a turtle. This was our first time kayaking and after this experience we are confident to make many more kayaking adventures. We would recommend Tyler 100%.
Reviews
4.8
based on 332 reviews
Mark_R, Apr 2026
Great kayaking spot. Saw many turtles and a pod of dolphins. Very easy paddle to snorkeling spot. Our guide Tyler was outstanding, very patient and knowledgeable.
Heather_M, Mar 2026
Rabbit was our tour guide and he was fantastic! He used his humor and experience to make everyone feel comfortable and enjoy the activity! Thank you so much Rabbit!
Ron_V, Jan 2026
It was fun, exciting, and we saw lots of whales in the kayaks and turtles snorkeling. Our guide Mia was outstanding. Good instructor, good marine knowledge and a clever sense of humor.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Sounds like you had a nice morning out on the water. Makena is such a great spot for enjoying all that it has to offer. MIa is a great guide - experienced and quite a unique character. Thanks for the review
Becky_P, Jan 2026
Jake was an amazing instructor and guide our family of first timer kayakers. We saw several fish turtles when visiting the "cleaning station." Guide provided drinks, snacks and snorkel gear as well.
Thank you Jake, for the experience. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Mahalo for the review! Makena is a great great spot to go out (our guides favorite)..... so much to see and enjoy there! Have a great time on Mau.
Mindy_P, Jan 2026
Our guide, Rabbit, was great! He handled the different comfort levels of the group seamlessly, making it a very enjoyable experience for all. Additionally, he might be a whale whisperer! Definitely worth it!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
.... Rabbit is a newer guide but fit right in and has embraced the island lifestyle. Whales do seem to like him....... Thanks for the review! Appreciate your business!
GERARD_M, Dec 2025
Had a beautiful time kayaking today with Tyler. Small group. Saw whales and turtles. Nice and relaxing. Highly recommend
Rehana_R, Dec 2025
Tyler was an excellent guide. He gave us once in a lifetime experience where we swam with a turtle. This was our first time kayaking and after this experience we are confident to make many more kayaking adventures. We would recommend Tyler 100%.
Brant_M, Nov 2025
Breathtaking memorable experience with a fantastic guide Jeremiah. Whale watching while kayaking and snorkeling with turtles.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Mahalo Brant. The whales appeared a little early this year and we are fortunate to have them travel with is today. Glad you enjoyed our very unique and great guide Jeremia. He's a great guy and excellent safe guide.
Megan_S, Nov 2025
This was such an amazing experience! The guide was professional, friendly, knowledgeable, and just overall a great guy. He put our safety first at all times and kept us out of the tough current which was great because we were all first timers and we had our 5 year old daughter with us.
He knew all the interesting history of the island and the best spots for snorkeling which made it an enjoyable experience from beginning to end.
It was my daughter's first time kayaking and snorkeling and you would have thought she had done it for years! He was so great with her and even let her ride on the front of his kayak paddling so she could feel like Moana the Wayfinder lol! Needless to say, she will never forget it. She enjoyed his company so much that she ditched mom, dad, and the grandmas for his kayak the rest of the way.
Since both of our moms were in their 60's, we were worried how they would do on the excursion but they did great! It was very doable and even relaxing.
This was our favorite experience on the island and I cannot stress enough how amazing the guide was for us. We will 100% be returning to do this again with him!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thanks so much. Our guides have a lot of fun out there....their office has great views. Most of the crew are family people so it's so nice to see families come out and enjoy themselves. Mahalo for joining us on a kayak and snorkeling adventure.!
Anne_y, Oct 2025
Great experience! Make an amazing memory. The great guide will help you feel secure , safe and have fun!
lcornwell0716, Jul 2025
This was my first snorkeling experience on a kayak and my partner and I had Tyler as our guide and it was the most incredible experience. Tyler was so helpful for newbie’s with snorkeling as well as had a wealth of knowledge to share about Maui and its history. This is the trip you’re gonna want to book. 10/10 RECOMMEND!
Christopher_B, Feb 2025
Be prepared for a little workout, you are kayaking in the ocean. I'd recommend a long sleve T. Went out with my wife and 6yr old and had a great time. The whales were out in full force, maybe 20 yards out. Our guide Rabbit was awesome, knowledgable and attentive. He's good at coaching first timers up. After we went to the bay and saw 10+ turtles. It was a great day! I'll do it again.
Dawna_R, Jan 2025
Jake was a fantastic guide . He filled our tour with tidbits of Maui which enhanced our experience. We saw a whale up close and personal. Well worth the money !!
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Aloha - We are always pleased to hear about great experiences from our guests - thanks for sharing. Jake is a great guide and always has "tidbits"....Mahalo
Melissa_F, Dec 2024
Tyler was a great guide, emphasizing fun and safety. It was an amazing morning of fun, sun, water and aloha!
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Mahalo for your review. Tyler is one of the best guides on the island., A great guy!
Charlotte_C, Oct 2024
This was fabulous trip. Love the kayaking, most of us experienced but Jake still explained the safety rules where we going. He knew exactly where to go to see the turtles. I was planing to just stay in kayak, but when I realized what we would see, quickly joined the group. The turtles were gentle swimming with us. High the recommend.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Appreciate the 5 stars. Kayaking is a great way to get out and snorkel - small groups, and minimal disruption ...... turtles love that. Thank you for joining us.
Cynthia_C, Oct 2024
My Giude Jake was awesome!!! Very knowledgeable not just about Kayaking but about the area and its history. He made sure we were all comfortable and safe and had our own FUN!
Response from Host, Oct 2024
We love Jake as he is likely the most authentic guide out there. Always a fun time!
Joanne_M, Sep 2024
Tyler was a great guide.we saw a lot of turtles and fish. Thanks for the opportunity to kayak and snorkeling.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Mahalo. Looks like you went from our Makena Bay location .... best Spot - good choice! Tyler is a really great guide and loves taking people out! See you again@
Brian_S, Sep 2024
Great tour and great experience. We saw so many turtles and different kinds of fish. Tyler was awesome! He had such a good understanding of the area and his love for the area definitely showed. I would definitely book with him again.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Tyler is one of the best! Loves the outdoors, loves the ocean and really enjoys taking people out. Please join us again!
Roberto_B, Sep 2024
Our family greatly enjoyed our kayaking and snorkeling adventure with Jake as our guide. He was very patient with us which was very much appreciated since it was our first time trying this activity. Highly recommend this experience when visiting Maui. We were fortunate to see the beautiful marine life. (Ex. -Sea turtles, octopus, dolphins) Jake took some awesome pictures of our experience. Thank you!!!
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thanks so much for sharing. Jake is a great guide and person. Enjoy and hope to see you again in the future.
Amelia_M, Jun 2024
Kyle was a great guide. The Tour was amazing. The Turtles didn’t disappoint either. Relaxed and easy excursions.
Nina_P, Jun 2024
We were so fortunate to have the best weather—warm, sunny and very little wind. Our guide Tyler was friendly and knowledgeable. We saw so many turtles, too many to count. We also saw a sizeable eagle ray and colorful fish. My husband and I had the best time kayaking and snorkeling. I would highly recommend this experience and I would absolutely do it again.
Catherine_V, May 2024
I booked this tour when my original snorkeling tour got cancelled. I'm SO GLAD for that cancellation! Tyler, our guide, was GREAT! My husband and I were beginners at kayaking and snorkeling. In fact I didn't even plan to snorkel. But Tyler was great, he was so patient with us, persuaded us to snorkel and I'M SO GLAD HE DID! My husband and I had a great experience seeing turtles and fish up close and being IN the water! We lucked out with a small group (only one other couple) and beautiful weather. Tyler did a great job balancing his time between couples, the other couple was much more experienced (and younger!) than we were. I definitely recommend this tour, ask for Tyler, he was wonderful!
Hannah_Y, May 2024
Tyler was a wonderful guide! He knew all the right spots to go, based on conditions, and because of this we saw quite a few sea turtles and sea life. He also made the experience feel unique for our small group and kept us away from the masses. Highly recommend booking this tour!
Sandee_S, May 2024
Excellent tour guide, Tyler, did a great job locating great sites for snorkeling. He was very kind, provided great instructions for kayake use.
Laurel_S, Apr 2024
This was so much better than I could have ever imagined. Jeff was awesome and super knowledgeable. We lucked out and got to spend a ton of time with a mama and baby whale before snorkeling. We would go back in a heart beat! Don’t sleep on this tour! And ask for Jeff!
Yeting_D, Jan 2024
Our guide Jeremiah did such a good job and had a great sense of humor. His instructions on safety were very clear. We saw so many whales while kayaking. This was the most memorable excursion of my Maui trip!
Domonique_K, Dec 2023
Miah was an experienced, knowledgable guide. He captured phenomenal pictures of our trip and could speak to a variety of topics about Hawaii. We had a blast!
Ashley_N, Oct 2023
We had the best experience on our turtle reef kayak tour! Our guide was very experienced and was friendly from the beginning! The other people that were reserved for the morning trip did not show up so we had a private tour with the instructor. Niko was awesome! He explained everything in detail, provided functioning equipment, and guided us to a perfect spot to see turtles, fish, reef, and sea urchins. Our trip lasted around 1.5hrs and we saw so much! Would highly recommend doing this tour before doing any others! Niko even suggested local spots to eat and was very easy to get along with.
Amy_W, Oct 2023
Our guide, John, was knowledgeable and entertaining. He made sure everyone on the tour was comfortable and included. He shared the history of the area we were kayaking in, and made sure we all appreciated the beauty of the experience. He was well versed in Hawaiian culture and an excellent guide. We saw one fairly large honu swimming while we were en route to our first snorkel spot, but conditions were murky so we didn’t spot any others. Nonetheless, John made the trip a success and we’d definitely recommend his tour!
Joni_A, Oct 2023
We had a great time on the kayak/snorkel tour. We had never snorkeled and our guide Jeremiah was so helpful as well as fun and knowledgeable with lots of information and facts about the islands. We saw lots of turtles fish and beautiful reefs. I would highly recommend this tour and our guide Jeremiah.
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Turtle Reef Kayak Tour of Makena, Maui
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