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Kayak & Snorkel Tour – West Maui at Olowalu Beach

Guided
See all kayak tours in Lahaina
Kid Friendly
Locally Owned
Wildlife
Small Group Sizes
Beginner Friendly
Free Cancellation
On the Water
Instant Book
Duration: 3.5 hours

Pricing

Adult

Ages 18-64

$119
Youth

Ages 12 -17

$109
Child

Ages 5-11

$99

All Prices

Adult

Ages 18-64

$119
Youth

Ages 12 -17

$109
Child

Ages 5-11

$99
Senior

Ages 65+

$99

Description

Paddle, Snorkel & Swim with Sea Turtles at Olowalu Reef

Spend a morning exploring one of Maui’s most wildlife-rich coastlines on this guided kayak and snorkel adventure at Olowalu. Launching directly from the beach, you’ll paddle across clear blue water with the West Maui Mountains rising behind you and neighboring islands visible on the horizon. The journey takes you along the scenic Olowalu coastline before arriving at Turtle Reef, one of West Maui’s best places to encounter Hawaiian green sea turtles in their natural habitat.
Once at the reef, you’ll slip into the water to snorkel among coral formations, tropical fish, and the sea turtles that make this area famous. One of the highlights is the reef’s well-known turtle cleaning stations, where turtles often gather while small fish remove algae and parasites from their shells. Along the way, your guide will point out marine life, explain reef ecology, and share stories about Maui’s unique ocean environment, helping you discover things you might otherwise swim right past.
This tour is designed for guests who want a more active and immersive way to experience Maui’s coastline than a typical boat excursion. With time spent both kayaking and snorkeling, you’ll experience the reef from above and below the surface while exploring a section of shoreline that remains one of Maui’s favorite marine habitats. Whether it’s your first time kayaking or you’re already comfortable on the water, this adventure offers a fun combination of paddling, snorkeling, wildlife, and incredible coastal scenery.

Duration

  1. 3.5 Hours
  2. Please arrive early for parking, check-in, gear fitting, and a safety briefing!
  3. Approximately half the time (90 minutes) will be spend exploring by kayak and the other half exploring by snorkeling.

Location / Where to Meet

  1. Check In/Departure Address: South of Olowalu Beach, Olowalu, Maui, Hawaii
  2. Located along the West Maui coastline at approximately mile marker 14 on Honoapiilani Highway (Highway 30), south of Lahaina. It is 1 mile east of Olowalu General Store and Farmers Market…NOT Camp Olowalu!
  3. Roadside parking is available along Honoapiilani Highway near the beach access at mile marker 14. There is no dedicated lot — arrive with enough time to park and walk down to your meeting point before your scheduled start time. There are no formal restroom facilities at this beach access point — plan accordingly before arrival.
  4. Check-in with “Red” upon arrival (look for white Ford Ranger 4x4 with red, white and blue kayak trailer)

Ages & Requirements

  1. Minimum age: 5 years old. Minors must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
  2. The maximum passenger weight is 250 lbs (113 kgs).
  3. Beware of 1” long Keawe Tree THORNS on ground and buried in the sand... leave your footwear on!
  4. Basic swimming skills are required!
  5. No prior kayaking or snorkeling experience required.
  6. Participants must be able to paddle the kayak and follow guide instructions on the water.

What's Included

  1. Certified Hawaii Marine Naturalist guide
  2. Premium snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins)
  3. Tandem Kayaks & Paddles
  4. Life jackets / flotation devices for all participants
  5. Dry Bags
  6. Bottled water and healthy snacks
  7. Turtle and marine life narration throughout

Not Included

  1. Gratuity — never expected, but if you have a great experience, please consider gifting 10–25% to your guide!

What to Bring / Wear

  1. Swimsuit & Towel
  2. Reusable Water Bottle
  3. Reef-Safe Sunscreen — it is required by law to use non-nano mineral sunscreen and avoid oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens to protect Olowalu Reef.
  4. Extra Layers of Clothing — a light long-sleeve or windbreaker for the paddle back, especially on early morning tours.
  5. Water Shoes or Sandals with Straps — for beach entry and exit.
  6. Any Personal Snorkel Equipment (Optional)
  7. Required paperwork - Signed medical form if required, waivers, etc.
  8. 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 dive time.
  9. Waterproof Camera - The company is not responsible for any damaged or lost items.
  10. Please remove any jewelry, watches, or anything that can get caught by the equipment or damaged by the water and pressure.

Wildlife Guidelines

Please be respectful of the fact that coral is a living organism and any standing, touching, or knocking over will irreparably damage the organism that takes a very long time to grow and is essential to our marine reefs. Please also be respectful of any marine animals including but not limited to turtles, rays, sharks, seals, and dolphins. Please never chase, harass, feed, or TOUCH any of the marine species. Enjoy their company if they approach from a distance and calmly move away from them if in their path.

Check Out Our Kayaking Tours Here!

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Maui Adventure Tours

FAQs

What marine life can I expect to see on the water at Olowalu?

Olowalu Reef is home to Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu), hundreds of colorful tropical fish including butterflyfish, parrotfish, wrasse, and surgeonfish, as well as the occasional spinner dolphin and reef shark. From December through May, humpback whales are a frequent presence in the surrounding waters of the Hawaiian Islands National Humpback Whale Marine Sanctuary.

Are the guides certified?

Yes. Your guides hold Hawaii Marine Naturalist certification, PADI Pro Divemaster certification, American Red Cross Lifeguard certification, and CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor credentials through the PADI Emergency First Response program. The lead guide has been exploring these waters since 2001 with over 21 years of experience.

What is the best time of year to visit Olowalu?

April through October offers the calmest ocean conditions and best visibility for snorkeling. December through May brings the added bonus of humpback whale sightings in the nearby sanctuary waters. Sea turtle encounters are extremely common year-round.

What sunscreen can I use and why does it matter?

Common sunscreens contain chemicals that can harm coral reefs, as the particles are small enough to be absorbed by corals, causing bleaching and toxicity. Reef-SAFE sunscreens use non-nano mineral particles that corals cannot ingest. Please avoid oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens. Consider wearing a rash guard as an alternative. If you choose a mineral sunscreen, ensure it is labeled "non-nano."

Can I snorkel with a mustache or beard?

You can snorkel with facial hair, but it can prevent a tight seal on your mask. It's often recommended to shave at least your mustache before the tour. If you prefer not to shave, bring petroleum jelly or chapstick to coat your mustache and help create a better seal.

Can I wear glasses or contacts?

Glasses cannot be worn under a snorkel mask, but contacts work perfectly and are the best option for seeing clearly underwater. Bring your own prescription mask if you have one — rental shops typically don't carry them. Everything underwater appears about 25% larger and closer, which helps even without correction.

What is the Turtle Cleaning Station at Olowalu?

The Turtle Cleaning Station is a specific section of Olowalu Reef where Hawaiian green sea turtles congregate daily to be cleaned by small "cleaner" fish. The fish pick parasites and algae from the turtles' shells, flippers, heads, and even their undersides. It's a remarkable natural behavior and one of the most consistently memorable parts of this tour — reviewers regularly describe it as the highlight of their Maui trip.

Cancellation Policy

Any cancellations MUST be made at least 24 hours before tour time for refund.
Maui Adventure Tours reserves the right to choose an alternate location or cancel tour with full refund due to adverse ocean and weather conditions. Minors must be accompanied by parent or guardian. Basic swimming skills are required!! Departure times may vary.
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Availability

October 2026
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Location

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Mile Marker 14

LAHAINA, HI, 96761

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