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South Maui Kayak, Snorkel & Waterfall Hike
Pricing
Ages 6 and up
Description
Paddle the Coast, Snorkel the Reef & Swim Beneath Waterfalls!
Why choose between Maui's ocean and rainforest when you can experience both in one incredible day? This full-day adventure combines kayaking, snorkeling, and waterfall hiking, taking you from the lava-lined coastline of South Maui to freshwater pools hidden deep within the rainforest. You'll paddle above coral reefs in the morning, slip beneath the surface in search of sea turtles, then trade your kayak for hiking shoes and spend the afternoon swimming beneath waterfalls.
Your adventure begins at Makena Landing, where you'll paddle a tandem kayak along South Maui's dramatic volcanic coastline. Along the way, you'll stop to snorkel over coral reef habitat frequented by Hawaiian green sea turtles (Honu) and tropical reef fish. During Maui's humpback whale season, generally December through April, you may even hear distant whale songs carrying through the water while snorkeling—a remarkable reminder of just how much life surrounds you in Maui's ocean.
After approximately 2.5 hours of kayaking and snorkeling, you'll leave the coast behind and head into Maui's rainforest for an entirely different adventure. Follow your naturalist guide along approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) of streamside trail, navigating rocky sections and stream crossings as you make your way toward two waterfalls tucked into the valley. Once there, cool off in the freshwater pools, relax beneath the falls, or try an optional rock jump when conditions allow.
Lunch is enjoyed beside a waterfall, giving you time to slow down and take in the rainforest before hiking back out. By the end of the day, you'll have experienced Maui from nearly every angle—paddling across the Pacific, snorkeling beneath the surface, hiking through rainforest, and swimming beneath waterfalls. For travelers who want more than a single-activity excursion, this is one of the most varied ways to pack a full day with Maui adventure.
Duration
- Total tour time: approximately 7.5 hours, including kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, lunch, and travel between sites
- Kayak & snorkel portion: about 2.5 hours on the water
- Hike & waterfall portion: covers roughly 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip to two waterfalls
Location / Where to Meet
- Meeting Point: Makena Landing Beach Park, 5083 Makena Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
- The hiking portion takes place at a separate rainforest valley location; you will be transported between sites as part of the tour!
- Restrooms are typically available at the beach park.
Ages & Requirements
- Minimum age: 6 years old
- Difficulty: Moderate — easier for some, more challenging for others!
- This tour is appropriate for participants ages 6 and up with no mobility issues.
- Participants should be comfortable both paddling a kayak and walking a natural rainforest trail!
- Basic swimming comfort is recommended for the snorkeling portion.
What's Included
- Guided kayak tour with the outfitter's partner kayak company, including kayak, paddle, and related gear
- Snorkel gear for reef snorkeling
- Rainforest hike to two waterfalls with a naturalist guide
- Lunch, served beside a waterfall
- Backpack
- Poncho, in case of rain
- Insect repellent, if needed
- Hand sanitizer
Not Included
- Gratuity — never expected, but if you have a great experience, please consider gifting 10–25%, split between your kayak guide and hiking guide!
What to Bring / Wear
- Swimsuit or quick-drying clothing & towel
- Water shoes or sandals with a secure strap
- Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Insect repellent (DEET-free recommended)
- Dry bag for valuables
- Reusable water bottle & snacks
- Extra layer for the boat ride or shaded hiking sections
- Waterproof camera, if desired — the outfitter is not responsible for damaged or lost personal items.
- Please remove jewelry, watches, or anything you don't want to risk losing or becoming damaged in the water.
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Hike Maui
FAQs
What if it rains?
We’ve found that a little rain adds to the adventure and complimentary ponchos are available if needed. Plus, swimming under a waterfall in the rain is an unforgettable experience. We do run our tours in most weather conditions but reserve the right to alter tour parameters if safety issues arise.
Do I need previous kayaking or snorkeling experience?
No experience is required for either the kayaking or hiking portions of this tour, though it's rated moderate rather than beginner, since conditions on the water can vary.
Do I need to bring anything on the tour?
Bring water, a towel if your tour includes swimming, and reef-safe sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide-based sunscreens are recommended). You're responsible for any personal gear you choose to bring along.
Does your guide provide gear and food for the tour?
Your guide provides most of what you need for a comfortable day outdoors, including snacks (or lunch, depending on the tour), a backpack, a poncho in case of rain, insect repellent when needed, and hand sanitizer.
What wildlife might I see while kayaking and snorkeling?
South Maui’s coastal waters are home to an incredible variety of marine life. Hawaiian green sea turtles (Honu) are commonly encountered around the reefs, along with butterflyfish, parrotfish, triggerfish, surgeonfish, wrasses, and other tropical reef species. You may also spot rays, eels, octopus, or seabirds along the coastline. During humpback whale season, generally December through April, whales may be seen from the kayak, and you may even hear their songs carrying through the water while snorkeling. Wildlife is wild, so specific sightings can never be guaranteed.
How far do we hike to the waterfalls, and what is the trail like?
The rainforest portion covers approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip on a natural streamside trail leading to two waterfalls. Expect a true rainforest trail rather than a paved walkway, with rocks, roots, potentially muddy or slippery sections, and stream crossings along the way. There’s plenty of time built into the adventure to stop at the waterfalls, cool off in the freshwater pools, and enjoy the scenery before hiking back out.
Is lunch included, and where do we eat?
Yes! Lunch is included and is enjoyed beside one of the waterfalls during the hiking portion of your adventure. After a morning of kayaking and snorkeling followed by a rainforest hike, it’s a pretty incredible setting to stop, refuel, and relax before continuing the adventure.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel 48 hours or more prior to the date of the event, you will receive a full refund. If you cancel within 48 hours for any reason, you will receive no refund. Private tours are subject to 72 hours’ cancellation, except between December 20 and January 5 when it’s one week.
Refund Requests
If you would like to request a refund due to unforeseen circumstances please visit our partner TourClaim and submit a refund request.
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Availability
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Location
Address
106 S. Kane St.
Kahului, HI, 96732
US
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