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Private Paddleboard “Whale” of a Whale Watch Tour
Pricing
18 years of age and older
18 years of age and older
Ages 3- 17
Description
Private Paddleboard Whale Watching Adventure – Makena & Wailea!
Duration of Adventure
- Both 2 and 3 hour SUP tour options are available!
Location / Where to Meet
- Check in/ Departure Address: Makena Landing, 5083 Makena Rd, Kihei, HI 96753, United States
- There is a small free Makena Landing parking lot available but it can fill up quickly.
- There is also an option for street parking if the parking lot is full but please respect any “No Parking” signs and avoid those spots!
Ages & Requirements
- Minimum age of 3+ years old are allowed on the tour! Minors must wear a life vest and younger children will be sitting on the front of a guide’s board.
- Minors must be accompanied by a participating parent or legal guardian.
- There is a maximum of 10 guests for the tour.
- For optimal balance and stability, our paddleboards are best suited for guests weighing 250 lbs (113 kg) or less.
- This is a seasonal adventure only available between December 15th and April 1st!
What’s Included
- Paddleboard, Leash, & Paddle
- Life Vest (Must be Requested Ahead of Tour Time)
- Expert Guides
- Beginner Paddleboard 101 Lesson
Not Included
- Gratuity - Never expected but if you have a great experience, please consider gifting 10-25% to your guides!
- There is the option to add photo packages for an extra fee at checkout! All of our Lead Guides are professional photographers… so get ready for some awesome photos! The Photo Package includes professionally edited photos, that are colored & cropped beautifully to capture your Paddling experience!
- Celebrating a special occasion? You can also add Leis for the entire group for an extra fee at checkout!
What to Bring / Wear
- Swimsuit & Towel
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen – Please put on and allow it to dry before arriving at the tour!
- Polarized Sunglasses & Hats
- Extra Layers of Clothing - Sweatshirts and Warm Hats
- Dry Bag
- Snacks & Water
- Seasickness Medications
- Required paperwork - Signed medical form if required, waivers, etc.
- Waterproof Camera - The company is not responsible for any damaged or lost items.
- Please remove any jewelry, watches, or anything that can get damaged by water or you don’t want to lose.
Wildlife Guidelines
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 Tour Here!
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Paddle On! Maui
FAQs
What wildlife might we encounter along the Wailea-Makena coastline?
The waters along the Wailea–Makena coastline are part of the Hawaiian Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, making this area one of the best places in Hawaii to observe marine wildlife—especially during the winter months. The main highlight of this paddleboard tour is the chance to see North Pacific humpback whales, which migrate thousands of miles from Alaska to Hawaii each year between December and April to breed, give birth, and care for their calves. While paddling, you may see whales breaching, tail-slapping, or surfacing to breathe in the distance. Sometimes mothers and calves can be seen slowly traveling through the area as they learn to navigate the open ocean.
Beyond whales, the reefs along the Makena and Wailea shoreline are home to a variety of marine life. Paddling over the clear water often reveals Hawaiian green sea turtles (Honu) swimming beneath your board or resting along the reef. You may also spot tropical reef fish, rays, and occasionally octopus among the coral formations below.
It’s also common to see spinner dolphins traveling along Maui’s south shore, as well as seabirds such as frigatebirds, tropicbirds, and shearwaters gliding above the water. While wildlife sightings always depend on the day and ocean conditions, the combination of coral reef habitat and whale migration routes makes this coastline one of Maui’s most active marine environments.
Can I bring a waterproof camera?
Yes, you are welcome to bring a waterproof camera or a phone in a fully waterproof case to capture the experience. Paddleboarding along the Wailea–Makena coastline offers incredible opportunities for photos, from coral reefs visible beneath the board to whales surfacing in the distance.
Because you’ll be standing or kneeling on a paddleboard, it’s best to make sure your camera is securely attached with a wrist strap or floating attachment. Ocean conditions can vary, and having your equipment secured helps prevent it from being dropped or lost in the water.
Many guests enjoy bringing small action cameras or waterproof phones to capture the moment when a whale surfaces nearby or when turtles swim beneath the board. Just remember that all personal equipment is the responsibility of each guest, so it’s best to bring gear that is designed for ocean use and fully waterproof before heading out on the water.
Cancellation Policy
PLEASE NOTE: To ensure that EVERYONE has a chance to get on the water with us… We do ask that you give us 48 hours notice so that we can get someone else into that space. We do have a 48 hour cancellation policy of 100% so be sure to call us if something changes!
Availability
Reviews
Location
Address
Makena Road
Wailea/Makena, HI, 96753
US
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