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Olowalu Reef Clear Kayak & Guided Snorkel Tour
Pricing
All Ages
Description
See the Reef Through Your Kayak—Then Jump In & Explore It for Yourself!
See Olowalu Reef from two completely different perspectives—first through the bottom of a clear kayak, then with your mask beneath the surface. Your transparent kayak gives you a window into the water below as you paddle across the reef, keeping watch for Hawaiian green sea turtles (Honu), tropical fish, coral formations, and other marine life along the way. Added pontoons provide extra stability, creating a comfortable platform for taking in the scenery and enjoying the view beneath your feet.
After your paddle, return to shore for a snack before swapping your kayak gear for a mask, snorkel, and fins. Your guide will lead you back onto the reef, this time putting you right in the underwater world you were just viewing from above. Search for sea turtles, octopus, reef fish, sea urchins, and smaller creatures hiding among the coral while your guide helps identify what you're seeing and shares more about Olowalu's marine ecosystem.
Your adventure also gives back to the Maui community. A portion of each clear kayak tour supports two Maui Community College funds, including student council initiatives and a program helping women pursue careers in the medical field. It makes an already unusual Maui adventure even more meaningful: paddle above the reef, snorkel beneath it, and support the local community while you're here.
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
- All ages are welcome! 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.
- Clear, pontoon-equipped kayak and paddle
- 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
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 previous kayaking or snorkeling experience?
No! Beginners are welcome, and your guide will help you get comfortable with the equipment before heading out. The pontoon-equipped clear kayaks are designed for added stability, making them approachable even if you've never kayaked before. Snorkeling instruction and flotation equipment are also available, and tours are kept small with no more than 10 guests per guide.
Do you have any tips for getting the best clear-kayak experience?
Yes! Wear reef-safe sunscreen, but try to apply sunscreen, lotions, and body oils before your tour and allow them time to fully absorb before getting into the kayak. Oily residue, fingerprints, and sunscreen can leave smudges on the clear surface and make it harder to see or photograph the reef below. Polarized sunglasses can also help reduce glare when looking through the kayak and across the water. And of course, clearer, calmer ocean conditions generally provide the best underwater views.
What makes a clear kayak different from a regular kayak?
Instead of looking over the side of an opaque kayak, the transparent bottom creates a window into the ocean directly beneath you. As you paddle across Olowalu Reef, you can look down at coral formations, tropical fish, sea turtles, and other marine life without even getting into the water. The clear bottom also magnifies the reef below, creating a unique perspective before you later explore the same underwater environment while snorkeling.
Why do the clear kayaks have pontoons?
The pontoons provide additional stability and buoyancy, making the clear kayaks extremely difficult to tip and helping create a more comfortable platform for sightseeing. This is especially helpful when you're looking down through the kayak, taking photos, or paddling with children or family members. The outfitter specifically designed the experience around creating a stable, confidence-inspiring way to explore the reef.
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 24 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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