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Grand Wailea Outrigger Canoe & Reef Snorkel
Pricing
Description
Hawaiian Canoe Traditions Meet South Maui Snorkeling!
Experience the Wailea coastline from above and below the surface on an adventure that combines traditional-style outrigger canoe paddling with an extended guided snorkel. Launching directly from Wailea Beach, you'll learn the basics of paddling as a crew before heading along the South Maui coast in search of a beautiful reef to explore.
Before hitting the water, your guide introduces you to the outrigger canoe and the important role these vessels have played in Hawaiian and Polynesian seafaring traditions. Then it’s time to grab a paddle, climb aboard the six-person canoe, and work together to find your rhythm on the water. With Haleakalā rising behind the coastline, even the journey to the snorkel site becomes part of the experience.
Once you reach the reef, trade your paddle for a mask and fins and slip into the warm Pacific for the snorkeling portion of your adventure. Your guide joins you in the water, helping you search for Hawaiian green sea turtles (Honu), tropical reef fish, octopus, sea urchins, moray eels, and other marine life hiding among the coral and volcanic formations. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but there's always something new to look for beneath the surface.
With more time dedicated to snorkeling than the shorter outrigger experiences, you'll have the chance to slow down, explore the reef, and really see what lives below. No previous outrigger paddling experience is necessary, and the guided format makes this an approachable way for newer snorkelers to experience Maui's ocean alongside more experienced family members or friends.
By the time you paddle back to Wailea Beach, you'll have experienced two sides of Maui's connection to the ocean—the teamwork and tradition of outrigger canoe paddling and the incredible marine world waiting just beneath the surface.
Duration
- 2 Hours Total
Location / Where to Meet
- Check In / Departure Address: Wailea Beach, Kihei, HI 96753, United States
- Meet at the Maui Pacific Tours beach stand on Wailea Beach, directly next to the Grand Wailea (A Waldorf Astoria Resort), 3850 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI 96753, United States
- The launch site is steps from the resort's beach access.
- There are two available public parking lots nearby at the Wailea Public Beach lot and a smaller lot near the Wailea Beach path entry. These both often fill by 9:00 am in the mornings so please arrive early to find parking.
- There are restrooms and outdoor showers available for use at the main Wailea Beach access point.
Ages & Requirements
- All ages welcome!
- Guests must be able to sit in the canoe and paddle along with the group for the full tour.
- Guests should be comfortable getting in and out of the water and floating with snorkel gear.
- Tours use six-person outrigger canoes, allowing the group to paddle together under the direction of an experienced guide. Smaller parties may be paired with other guests to fill the canoe.
What's Included
- Two-hour outrigger canoe and snorkel tour
- Quality snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins)
- Guided paddling instruction
- Traditional outrigger canoe and paddles
- Experienced local guide
Not Included
- Gratuity - Never expected but if you have a great experience, please consider gifting 10-25% to your guides!
- You have the option to add trip protection at checkout for an additional fee.
What to Bring / Wear
- Swimsuit & Towel
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen
- Extra Layers of Clothing - Sweatshirts and Warm Hats
- Dry Bag
- Snacks & Water
- Required Paperwork - Signed medical form if required, waivers, etc.
- Seasickness Medications - If you are prone to seasickness, it is recommended to take sea sickness medication at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before the scheduled snorkel time.
- Waterproof Camera - The company is not responsible for any damaged or lost items.
- Please remove any jewelry, watches, or anything that can get lost or damaged by the water.
Wildlife Guidelines
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Maui Pacific Tours
FAQs
What makes this tour different from a regular snorkeling tour?
This experience combines two Maui adventures in one. Instead of taking a standard boat directly to a snorkel site, you'll help paddle a traditional-style six-person outrigger canoe from Wailea Beach while learning about Hawaiian and Polynesian paddling traditions. Once you reach the reef, you'll trade your paddle for snorkel gear and explore South Maui's underwater world with your guide.
What marine life might we see on the reef?
South Maui's reefs are home to Hawaiian green sea turtles (Honu), butterflyfish, triggerfish, parrotfish, moray eels, octopus, sea urchins, and many other reef inhabitants. Your guide snorkels alongside you and can help spot smaller and camouflaged creatures that are easy to miss. All wildlife is wild, so specific sightings are never guaranteed.
What happens if we see a sea turtle while snorkeling?
Enjoy the view, but give the turtle plenty of room. Hawaiian green sea turtles are protected wildlife and should be observed without touching, feeding, chasing, surrounding, or blocking their path. Your guide will help the group maintain a respectful distance so the turtles can continue behaving naturally.
What is it like to paddle a six-person outrigger canoe?
Outrigger paddling is all about teamwork. Your guide will teach the group the basic paddle strokes and help everyone find a comfortable rhythm together. The canoe's ama, or side float, provides additional stability on the ocean. You don't need previous paddling experience to participate, and learning to move the canoe together is part of the fun.
What if I'm new to snorkeling?
First-time snorkelers are welcome. Your guide will help you get comfortable with the equipment and stays in the water with the group throughout the snorkeling portion. You should be comfortable entering and swimming in the ocean, but you don't need to arrive with previous snorkeling experience.
What is an outrigger canoe, and how many people does it hold?
An outrigger canoe is a traditional Polynesian-style canoe featuring a smaller side float, called an ama, connected to the main hull to provide additional stability on the ocean. This tour uses six-person outrigger canoes, giving you the opportunity to paddle together as a group before stopping to explore the reef by snorkel.
Cancellation Policy
Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 48 hours notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. No-shows will be charged the full price.
Availability
Reviews
Location
Address
3850 Wailea Alanui Dr
Wailea, HI, 96753
US
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