THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Paddle Makena’s clear reefs, snorkel with Hawaiian green sea turtles, then trade salt for rainforest on a short hike to twin waterfalls and swimming pools. This full-day combo balances mellow paddling with an easy waterfall walk—perfect for families and active travelers.
Paddle Makena’s clear reefs, snorkel with Hawaiian green sea turtles, then trade salt for rainforest on a short hike to twin waterfalls and swimming pools. This full-day combo balances mellow paddling with an easy waterfall walk—perfect for families and active travelers.
You launch into a morning that tastes of salt and hot rock: a low sun picks out the ridgelines of Molokini and the reef flats stretch like a translucent field beneath your kayak. The ocean here moves with intent, inviting you to paddle through clear lanes where Hawaiian green sea turtles graze and surgeonfish dart like living coins.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Keliis Kayak Tours · Makena / Wailea, Hawaii
You launch into a morning that tastes of salt and hot rock: a low sun picks out the ridgelines of Molokini and the reef flats stretch like a translucent field beneath your kayak. The ocean here moves with intent, inviting you to paddle through clear lanes where Hawaiian green sea turtles graze and surgeonfish dart like living coins.
This combined Makena water-and-land day pairs a short ocean paddle and reef snorkel with a drive into the island’s wetter side for a one-mile roundtrip hike to twin cascades and swimming pools. Geologically, South Maui’s coastline is the eroded flank of ancient shield volcano flows; coral reefs have built on those lava shelves, producing the drop-offs and protected coves that make Turtle Town rich and snorkel-friendly. Culturally, the south shore has long been a fishing and gathering area for Native Hawaiians, and modern guides often point out wahi pana (storied places) and explain reef etiquette.
Expect 2 miles of paddling in ocean touring kayaks, roughly 45 minutes of guided snorkeling, then a roughly 2.5-mile, mostly level hike to waterfalls where you can swim and jump from recommended ledges. Guides provide life jackets, snorkel gear, lunch, backpacks, insect repellent and a rain poncho; minimum age is 6. Hydrate before you start, apply reef-safe sunscreen, and wear sturdy water shoes for the hike. Morning departures avoid trade-wind chop and offer the best light for photos. The day moves between the quiet, deliberate pull of the ocean and the sudden energy of a jungle pool—both demanding simple respect and offering clear rewards.
moderate.
6 hours.
Suitable for people in average fitness: basic paddling stamina and the ability to walk 2–3 miles on uneven, sometimes muddy trails.
The hike is about 1 mile roundtrip to the falls within a roughly 2.5-mile total walking component over mostly level terrain; expect some muddy or rocky sections but no technical scrambling.
Yes—minimum age is 6; life jackets are provided and guides tailor the pace for families but check with the operator about younger children’s comfort in kayaks and pools.
Common sightings include Hawaiian green sea turtles, reef fish like surgeonfish and butterflyfish, and occasional eagle rays; sightings depend on conditions and reef visibility.
Tours run weather permitting; full refunds are available if the operator cancels due to weather or insufficient participants—cancel at least 24 hours for a full refund per booking policy.
South Maui’s shores are formed from ancient lava flows off of Haleakalā; nearby valleys supported traditional taro terraces and small coastal fishing communities long before tourism developed.
Use reef‑safe sunscreen, avoid touching coral or feeding wildlife, and follow guide instructions—these small actions help protect Maui’s fragile reef ecosystems and freshwater pools.
Keliis Kayak Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You launch into a morning that tastes of salt and hot rock: a low sun picks out the ridgelines of Molokini and the reef flats stretch like a translucent field beneath your kayak. The ocean here moves with intent, inviting you to paddle through clear lanes where Hawaiian green sea turtles graze and surgeonfish dart like living coins.
You launch into a morning that tastes of salt and hot rock: a low sun picks out the ridgelines of Molokini and the reef flats stretch like a translucent field beneath your kayak. The ocean here moves with intent, inviting you to paddle through clear lanes where Hawaiian green sea turtles graze and surgeonfish dart like living coins.
This combined Makena water-and-land day pairs a short ocean paddle and reef snorkel with a drive into the island’s wetter side for a one-mile roundtrip hike to twin cascades and swimming pools. Geologically, South Maui’s coastline is the eroded flank of ancient shield volcano flows; coral reefs have built on those lava shelves, producing the drop-offs and protected coves that make Turtle Town rich and snorkel-friendly. Culturally, the south shore has long been a fishing and gathering area for Native Hawaiians, and modern guides often point out wahi pana (storied places) and explain reef etiquette.
Expect 2 miles of paddling in ocean touring kayaks, roughly 45 minutes of guided snorkeling, then a roughly 2.5-mile, mostly level hike to waterfalls where you can swim and jump from recommended ledges. Guides provide life jackets, snorkel gear, lunch, backpacks, insect repellent and a rain poncho; minimum age is 6. Hydrate before you start, apply reef-safe sunscreen, and wear sturdy water shoes for the hike. Morning departures avoid trade-wind chop and offer the best light for photos. The day moves between the quiet, deliberate pull of the ocean and the sudden energy of a jungle pool—both demanding simple respect and offering clear rewards.