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Private South Maui Stand Up Paddleboarding & Snorkel Adventure
Pricing
Price is per 1 person
Price is per 2 people
Price is per 3 people
Description
Private South Maui SUP & Snorkel Tour Through Turtle Town & Coral Reefs!
Glide across the crystal-clear waters of South Maui's most scenic coastline on this private stand up paddleboarding and snorkeling adventure. Starting from Makena Landing Beach Park, your certified naturalist guide will lead you through a stretch of coastline famous for its Hawaiian green sea turtles, underwater sea caves, rugged lava cliffs, and some of the most colorful and diverse coral reefs on the island. After paddling out from shore, you'll stop at some of Maui's best-kept snorkel spots, dropping into the water to explore the reef up close before continuing along the coast.
Along the way, you'll take in sweeping views of the Haleakalā summit, Molokini Crater, and Pu'u Ōla'i (the cinder cone known as "Red Hill"), all from the unique vantage point of your paddleboard. From December through April, keep an eye out for humpback whales — this stretch of South Maui sits right within the Au'au Channel, one of Hawaii's premier whale-watching corridors.
Duration of Adventure
- 2 Hours
Location / Where to Meet
- Check in/Departure Address: Makena Landing Beach Park, 5083 Makena Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
- Makena Landing is a small boat ramp and beach park located in South Maui, approximately 10 miles (16 km) south of central Kihei. Public restrooms are available at the park.
- There is a small parking lot at Makena Landing — arrive early as it fills quickly, especially on busy mornings. Street parking is available along Makena Road nearby.
Ages & Requirements
- Open to all experience levels — beginners are welcome!
- Guests must be able to paddle with some degree of physical exertion; easy-to-moderate fitness level recommended
- Must be comfortable in the ocean
- Guests must be at least 7 years old to paddle their own board. Younger children are welcome to ride on a parent's board or the guide's board!
- All tours are COMPLETELY private. It will be you or your party only paired with a tour guide. We will never mix you with other people or groups.
- The outfitter does not list an official weight limit, but paddleboards can often support up to 300 lbs (136 kg); guests closer to 250 lbs (113 kg) or under may have the most stable and comfortable experience in ocean conditions.
What's Included
- Private guided SUP tour (your group only)
- Stand up paddleboard, paddle, and personal floatation device (PFD)
- Snorkel Gear - Mask & Snorkel
- Comprehensive pre-tour instruction
- Certified naturalist guide
- Complimentary digital photo package
Not Included
- Gratuity - Never expected but if you have a great experience, please consider gifting 10-25% to your guide!
- Reef-safe sunscreen (bring your own)
- Wetsuit or rash guard (bring your own if desired)
What to Bring / Wear
- Swimsuit & Towel
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen
- Extra layers of clothing - sweatshirts and warm hats
- Dry bag
- Snacks & Water
- Required paperwork - Signed medical form if required, waivers, etc.
- Waterproof Camera - The company is not responsible for any damaged or lost items.
- 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 boat time. It is too late to take the medication if you are already seasick on the boat.
- Please remove any jewelry, watches, or anything that can get damaged by water or you don’t want to lose.
Wildlife Guidelines
Turtles, rays, sharks, seals, and dolphins are all protected species in Hawaii. You are not allowed to chase, harass, feed, or TOUCH any of the marine species. Please enjoy their company if they approach from a distance and calmly move away from them if in their path. Please also 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.
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Maui SUP Adventures
FAQs
What makes paddleboarding in South Maui special?
South Maui's Makena coastline is one of the most ecologically rich stretches of coastline in all of Hawaii. The area — often called "Turtle Town" — is renowned for its large resident population of Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu), pristine coral reef systems, lava formations, underwater sea caves, and crystal-clear visibility. Paddling here gives you a quiet, crowd-free perspective of the coastline that you simply can't get from the shore.
What wildlife can I see during my tour?
Hawaiian green sea turtles are commonly spotted on every tour — some reviewers have described encounters with dozens of turtles surfacing right alongside their boards. Other wildlife you may encounter includes colorful reef fish, moray eels, spotted eagle rays, and Hawaiian monk seals (rare but possible). From December through April, humpback whales are frequently seen and heard in the Au'au Channel.
Are the tours private?
Yes — all tours and lessons are fully private. Your group will be the only participants on your tour, and your guide will tailor the experience to your interests, pace, and ability level.
Do I need previous experience to join a tour?
No prior stand up paddleboarding experience is necessary. Your guide will provide comprehensive on-land instruction before you enter the water. Most guests are up and paddling comfortably within the first 15–20 minutes. Tours accommodate all skill levels, from first-timers to experienced paddlers.
What sunscreen should I use?
Please use only reef-safe sunscreen — common sunscreens contain chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate that harm coral reefs and are absorbed by marine organisms. Reef-safe and reef-SAFE sunscreens use non-nano mineral particles that are too large for corals to ingest. Look for products labeled non-nano and free of oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens. Sun-protective rash guards are an excellent alternative.
What snorkel spots do we visit on the SUP & Snorkel tour?
Your guide will select the best snorkel spots on the day based on current conditions and visibility. The area around Makena is often called Turtle Town for good reason — you'll likely snorkel over colorful coral reef formations, past lava formations, and alongside resident sea turtles. Specific sites are chosen the morning of your tour to ensure the best experience.
Cancellation Policy
A full refund is available up to 24 hours prior to the trip. Due to the fact that our tours sell out on a daily basis, no refund will be granted for a cancellation within 24 hours of the trip. Reservations booked within 24 hours are non-refundable. Maui SUP Adventures reserves the right to cancel, reschedule or adjust the trip due to dangerous weather conditions.
Availability
Reviews
Location
Address
5110 Makena Rd
Kihei, HI, 96753
US
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