Wailea Stand Up Paddleboarding Tour from Polo Beach

Yes! First-time paddlers are welcome. Your guide starts with a lesson on proper paddling technique, balance, and ocean safety before you explore the coastline, and our calm morning conditions are ideal for beginners and intermediate paddlers alike.

Green sea turtles are common, especially on calm mornings, along with reef fish and rays over the coral. Hawaiian monk seals are occasionally spotted along the coastline, and from December through April you may see humpback whales from your board — a peaceful, up-close encounter that's unique to Maui's South Shore.

Wailea's protected South Shore offers paddling conditions year-round, and mornings are typically the calmest time to be on the water. Visit between December and April if you'd like the chance to see migrating humpback whales.

Keep your leash attached at all times, stay with your guide and the group, and kneel down if the water gets choppy — it's much more stable. If you fall, aim to fall away from your board and the reef, and climb back on from the side. Children under 10 must wear a life jacket.

The pace is relaxed and your guide sets it for the group, but you'll be standing and paddling for much of the tour. If you have mobility or health concerns, feel free to contact the outfitter before booking.

All of our experiences check in at the Ocean Experience Center at the Fairmont Kea Lani resort, 4100 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI 96753. Our paddle, kayak, and scuba activities launch directly from Polo Beach, just steps from check-in. Surf lessons include a shuttle from the resort to the surf break in Kihei, so please always check in with us at the resort rather than meeting at the beach.

You can valet your vehicle at the Fairmont Kea Lani for a fee (we do not validate parking), or park for free at the public Polo Beach Park lot and walk to your right along the beachfront path to reach us.

No — our experiences are open to everyone. Fairmont Kea Lani guests do have a shorter cancellation window, which is noted in the Cancellation Policy on each listing.

Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled start time to check in, sign waivers, and get fitted for gear. Activities begin promptly so you get your full time on the water.

Our team includes PADI-certified dive professionals and experienced local watermen, and our guides and instructors are trained in CPR and first aid. We keep high training standards, run safety checks, and maintain careful instructor-to-guest ratios.

Time on the ocean can trigger motion sickness for some people. If you're prone to it, consider taking your preferred motion sickness medication about 30 minutes before your activity.

Common sunscreens contain chemicals that can harm coral reefs, as the particles are small enough to be absorbed by corals, causing toxicity and coral bleaching. Reef-friendly sunscreens are formulated without these harmful chemicals. Reef-SAFE sunscreens go a step further by using non-nano particles, which are too large for corals to ingest, helping to preserve marine ecosystems. Please avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens. Consider wearing sun-protective clothing, like long-sleeve rash guards, as an alternative to sunscreen. If you choose a mineral-based sunscreen, ensure it is labeled 'non-nano.'