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Olowalu Kayak & Guided Reef Snorkel Adventure
Pricing
All Ages
Ages 0 - 8
Description
Paddle Across Clear Maui Waters, Then Dive into Olowalu’s Underwater World!
Once you reach the reef, trade your paddle for a mask and snorkel and explore ancient coral formations and lava fingers while searching for Hawaiian green sea turtles (Honu), tropical reef fish, octopus, moray eels, sea urchins, and other marine life. Your guide stays nearby to help you discover creatures that can be surprisingly easy to miss, while soft-silicone masks and fitted flotation vests in sizes S–XXXL help keep the experience comfortable in the water.
Safety and personalized attention are a big part of the adventure. In addition to your guides, a drone-equipped photographer monitors the surrounding water from shore as an extra set of eyes while you're out exploring. Photography is a separate service with no obligation to purchase. From paddling across the Pacific to floating above Olowalu's reef, this is an approachable way to pack kayaking, snorkeling, marine life, and Maui scenery into one adventure.
Duration
- 3.5 Hours Total
Location / Where to Meet
- Check In / Departure Address: Mile Marker 14, Olowalu, Hawaii 96761
- We meet on-site along Honoapiʻilani Highway (Highway 30) at Olowalu, Maui, just past mile marker 14 across from the "Welcome to Olowalu" sign — look for the marked vehicle.
- Free roadside parking is available near the meeting point but there is no formal parking lot and it can fill up quickly. Please leave plenty of time to arrive and find parking!
Ages & Requirements
- Minimum Age: 4 years old! Younger children should be able to sit safely and comfortably in the kayak alongside their supervising adult throughout the paddle.
- No previous kayaking or snorkeling experience is required – First-timers are welcome, but guests should be ready for an active ocean adventure that combines both paddling and snorkeling.
- Basic swimming comfort is recommended – You’ll be snorkeling in open water at the reef, with flotation available for additional support.
- Participants should be comfortable getting in and out of a kayak and spending time paddling on the ocean. Conditions can vary with wind, waves, and currents.
- Fitted flotation vests are provided in sizes S–XXXL, featuring under-leg straps and a whistle and meeting U.S. Coast Guard standards.
- Guides remain with the group throughout the experience to provide instruction, help with equipment, and assist guests as needed.
What's Included
- Expert Guided Snorkeling – Explore Olowalu Reef alongside an experienced guide who helps spot marine life, shares insights about the reef, and provides support throughout your time in the water.
- Fitted Flotation Vest – Available in sizes S–XXXL, with secure under-leg straps and a whistle.
- Quality Snorkel Gear – Soft-silicone mask, dry-top snorkel with purge valve, and longer freediving-style fins with hydro-vents for easier propulsion.
- Long-Sleeve Rash Guard – Provided for additional sun and skin protection.
- Dry Bag – For keeping personal belongings protected around the water.
- Bottled Water & Granola Bar
- Fresh Local Pineapple with Li Hing Powder – A sweet island treat to enjoy after your snorkel.
Not Included
- Gratuity — never expected, but if you have a great experience, please consider gifting 10–25% to your guide!
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
Check Out Our Experience Here!
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Gabriel's Ohana
FAQs
Will we see dolphins or manta rays on this tour?
Guides paddle out into the Au'au Channel with an eye out for both, though as with any wildlife encounter, sightings aren't guaranteed.
How does the drone safety system work?
A photographer stationed on the beach flies a drone over the water during your snorkel to watch for any safety concerns. It's provided as a safety courtesy, not a paid add-on — any resulting photos are optional to purchase afterward.
What wildlife might we see snorkeling at Olowalu?
Olowalu Reef is home to an incredible variety of Hawaiian marine life. Keep watch for Hawaiian green sea turtles (Honu), tropical reef fish, octopus, moray eels, sea urchins, and many smaller reef creatures hiding among the coral. Your guide's marine biology knowledge can help you spot and identify animals that are easy to swim right past. Wildlife is wild, so specific sightings can never be guaranteed.
How does this tour help protect Olowalu Reef?
Every snorkel is also an opportunity to help care for the reef. While exploring, guides and guests keep watch for fishing line, weights, nets, trash, and other debris that doesn't belong in the ocean. Over the years, hundreds of pounds of harmful material have been removed from the reef. By visiting and regularly keeping an eye on the same ecosystem, the team can continue removing new debris and helping protect the marine life that calls Olowalu home.
Do I need prior snorkeling experience for this tour?
No previous snorkeling experience is required. First-time snorkelers are welcome, and your guide will help with equipment, provide snorkeling tips, and stay with the group throughout the experience. Because this tour combines ocean kayaking with open-water snorkeling, guests should be comfortable getting into the water and participating in an active ocean adventure. Fitted flotation vests are provided for additional support.
What safety measures are in place?
Your guides are hand-picked, safety-trained, and stay close by throughout the excursion. Life vests are individually fitted (sizes small through XXXL) with under-leg straps and a whistle, and every vest meets Coast Guard standards.
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. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.
Availability
Reviews
Location
Address
437 N. Wakea Ave.
Kahului, HI, 96732
US
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