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Makena Landing SUP Rental – Explore Maui’s Turtle Town Coastline

Rental

Maui• Wailea-Makena

Locally Owned

Wildlife

Free Cancellation

On the Water

Instant Book

Duration: 1 hour

Pricing

One Hour Rental

$40

Two Hour Rental

$75

Description

Stand-Up Paddleboard Rentals at Makena Landing – Turtle Town, Maui!

Paddle the pristine Wailea–Makena coastline aboard a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) launched right from the heart of "Turtle Town" — one of South Maui's most celebrated stretches of reef, named for the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (honu) that regularly swim and rest in its clear, sheltered waters.

Your rental experience begins with a short ocean briefing: a few quick ocean pointers and safety tips before you hit the water. Staff will assist you launching into and returning from the ocean at every session — a hands-on level of support that sets this operation apart on the south shore. Once you're out, the thriving coral reef at Polo Beach unfolds beneath you. Paddle over lava-tube formations, watch colorful reef fish dart through the coral, and keep your eyes peeled for honu (sea turtles) gliding just beneath the surface. Visibility is typically excellent in this protected bay, especially in the calm morning hours.

Choose between a 1-hour or 2-hour rental to match your schedule and energy level. The launch location at Polo Beach provides a sandy, easy entry into a shallow, generally calm bay — ideal conditions for experienced paddlers looking to explore at their own pace. During whale season (roughly December through April), humpback whale sightings from the water are an added bonus!

Please note: Prior stand-up paddleboarding experience is required to rent.

Duration of Rental

1 Hour & 2 Hour Options Available
Arrive at your reserved time — no need to arrive early unless you want time to park!

Location / Where to Meet

Rental Pickup Address: Makena Landing Park, 5083 Makena Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
The launch point is at Polo Beach, directly adjacent to Makena Landing.
Free public parking is available in the Makena Landing Park lot. Note that parking can be limited during peak hours — arriving early in the morning is recommended to secure a spot.
Public restrooms are on-site at the parking area.

Ages & Requirements

Prior stand-up paddleboarding experience is required. First-time paddlers must complete a beginner lesson before renting.
Guests should already feel comfortable balancing, paddling, and maneuvering a paddleboard independently in open ocean conditions. The waters off Makena Landing can include wind, chop, currents, and reef areas that may be challenging for first-time paddlers.
There is no specific minimum age listed for this rental. For children or teens, participation should be based on the parent or guardian’s judgment of their paddleboarding experience, swimming ability, strength, and comfort in the ocean. Younger paddlers should only participate if they can safely manage a paddleboard or ride in a way that does not affect the stability of the board.

What's Included

Stand-up paddleboard rental
Paddle
Personal flotation device (PFD / life jacket)
Assisted launch and landing into the ocean
Ocean safety briefing and on-site orientation

Not Included

Gratuity — never expected, but if you have a great experience on the water, please consider gifting 10–20% to your attendant.
Guided tour or lesson - this is solely an SUP rental, you are expected to have plenty of experience as there is no guide or lesson before renting the SUP
Snorkel gear — not included with the rental; available for purchase or rental separately in Kihei (approximately 10 minutes north)
Wetsuit or rash guard — not provided; bring your own as desir

What to Bring / Wear

Swimsuit & Towel
Reef-Safe Sunscreen — please use non-nano mineral sunscreen free of oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens; consider a long-sleeve rash guard as an alternative
Water shoes or sandals with straps — helpful for the rocky sections near the boat ramp
Hat & Sunglasses — UV protection is important in Maui's strong sun
Reusable Water Bottle
Dry Bag — to protect your phone, keys, and valuables while on the water
Waterproof Camera (optional) — the company is not responsible for any damaged or lost items
Required Paperwork — signed waiver as required at check-in
Please remove any jewelry, watches, or items you don't want lost or damaged by saltwater

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 Turtle Town SUP Rentals

FAQs

What is Turtle Town?

"Turtle Town" is the local nickname for a broad stretch of reef along South Maui's coastline — centered around Nahuna Point, also known as Five Caves or Five Graves — that is renowned for its large, resident population of Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (honu). These protected animals frequently rest under lava ledges, graze on the reef, and surface near paddlers. It's one of the most reliable spots on Maui to spot turtles in the wild.

What wildlife can I expect to see while paddleboarding at Makena?

Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (honu) are the highlight — they are commonly spotted swimming just beneath the surface and surfacing to breathe near paddlers. The reef also supports colorful reef fish including yellow tang, parrotfish, surgeonfish, and butterflyfish. Spotted eagle rays and Hawaiian monk seals are occasionally seen. In the winter months (December–April), humpback whale sightings from the water are also possible.

Do I need prior paddleboarding experience?

Yes — prior stand-up paddleboarding experience is required to rent from this location. If you've never paddleboarded before, a beginner lesson from the sister company is the right first step. That lesson provides the fundamentals and the green light you'll need to paddle independently at Turtle Town.

What is the best time of year to paddleboard at Makena Landing?

Stand-up paddleboarding is available year-round at Makena. Morning sessions — especially in the first few hours after opening — typically offer the calmest conditions and best water visibility. Trade winds can pick up in the afternoon. December through April is whale season, adding the potential for humpback sightings on the water. Sea turtle encounters are year-round.

What sunscreen should I use and why does it matter?

Common sunscreens contain chemicals — including oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens — that can harm coral reefs by causing coral bleaching and toxicity. Reef-SAFE sunscreens use non-nano mineral particles that are too large for corals to absorb. Please avoid chemical sunscreens and choose products labeled reef-safe and non-nano. Wearing a long-sleeve rash guard is an excellent alternative that also reduces sun exposure. Protecting this reef protects the turtles and marine life you came here to see.

How does the launch and landing work?

Staff will be on-site to assist you getting your board into the water and help you return safely to shore. This includes hands-on support at entry and exit — a level of on-beach assistance not typically offered at other SUP rental locations on the island.

Can I bring my camera?

Absolutely — a waterproof camera or GoPro in a waterproof case is highly recommended for capturing turtle encounters from the surface. The company is not responsible for damaged or lost items, so ensure your camera is secured properly.