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Pair a calm kayak and reef snorkel in Makena Bay with a beginner surf lesson at Kalama Park. See turtles and reef life, and learn to catch your first wave in a single action-packed day on South Maui.
Pair a calm kayak and reef snorkel in Makena Bay with a beginner surf lesson at Kalama Park. See turtles and reef life, and learn to catch your first wave in a single action-packed day on South Maui.
You push off from Makena Landing with the ocean a bright sheet of blue ahead and lava-black coastline at your shoulder. The kayak rocks gently as a pair of honu—green sea turtles—break the surface a short paddle away, indifferent to the visitors below. Underwater, the reef holds schools of butterflyfish and the slow parades of parrotfish, while overhead the trade winds knot the palms and scent the air with salt.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by South Pacific Kayaks & Outfitters · Makena, Hawaii
You push off from Makena Landing with the ocean a bright sheet of blue ahead and lava-black coastline at your shoulder. The kayak rocks gently as a pair of honu—green sea turtles—break the surface a short paddle away, indifferent to the visitors below. Underwater, the reef holds schools of butterflyfish and the slow parades of parrotfish, while overhead the trade winds knot the palms and scent the air with salt.
This single-day package stitches two classic South Maui experiences together: a guided kayak and snorkel in Makena Bay followed by a surf lesson at Kalama Park in Kihei. Geologically, you’re skimming over basalt flows from ancient Haleakalā eruptions where lava met sea and left pockets for coral to take root. Culturally, these waters have been a food source and a playground for Native Hawaiians for centuries; surfing here is less a novelty than a revival of a long local lineage.
The morning paddle is purposeful—calmer water, clearer visibility—and guides brief you on marine etiquette: no touching coral or turtles, drift instead of chasing. Snorkel zones sit 100–300 yards from shore depending on swell; expect 1–2 miles round-trip of paddling with plenty of stops to float and scan the reef. After a short break, the group relocates to Kalama Park where instructors teach pop-ups, wave selection, and safety. Two hours of instruction turns awkward stands into short rides and, often, the first honest grin of someone who’s just caught a wave.
Practical edge: meet at Makena Landing (look for the small hill above the beach). Total tour time is about 5 hours—kayak/snorkel, a one-hour transition, then two hours of surf lesson. The company provides kayaks, snorkel gear, surfboards, booties, and rash guards; bring reef-safe sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and a towel. Spring and summer bring glassy water and warm temps; winter offers whale sightings (Jan–Apr) but can bring larger surf and current. Fitness need is moderate—comfortable swimming, basic balance, and the ability to sit in a kayak for an hour.
Safety and stewardship are woven into the day: wear a PFD while paddling, reef-safe sunscreen is required, and follow guide directions in currents. For photographers, a waterproof housing or compact underwater camera rewards you with turtle portraits and wave-riding silhouettes.
If you want to split the activities, the itinerary is flexible—make it a two-day affair to recover between sessions. Either way, this combo delivers a full-sensory introduction to why Maui’s south shore remains a top pick for ocean lovers.
moderate.
5 hours.
Moderate—comfortable swimming ability, basic upper‑body stamina for paddling, and balance for standing on a board.
No—beginners are welcome. Guides teach paddle technique and snorkeling basics; surf lessons start on the sand and progress in protected waves.
Yes—kayaks, PFDs, snorkel gear, surfboards, booties and rash guards are included.
Yes—winter months (January–April) are prime for humpback sightings from the kayak if conditions are calm.
Meet at Makena Landing Beach Park; there is limited beach parking—arrive early to secure a spot or carpool.
Tours cancel for unsafe conditions; the operator offers refunds if canceled for weather or insufficient travelers per policy.
Children are allowed but must be comfortable in the water; check with the operator for age recommendations and PFD sizing.
The shoreline around Makena formed from relatively recent basalt flows off Haleakalā; coastal areas here were historically used by Hawaiian communities for fishing and surf practice.
Use reef‑safe products and keep distance from marine animals. Tours operate under local rules to minimize anchor and trampling damage to coral.
South Pacific Kayaks & Outfitters operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You push off from Makena Landing with the ocean a bright sheet of blue ahead and lava-black coastline at your shoulder. The kayak rocks gently as a pair of honu—green sea turtles—break the surface a short paddle away, indifferent to the visitors below. Underwater, the reef holds schools of butterflyfish and the slow parades of parrotfish, while overhead the trade winds knot the palms and scent the air with salt.
You push off from Makena Landing with the ocean a bright sheet of blue ahead and lava-black coastline at your shoulder. The kayak rocks gently as a pair of honu—green sea turtles—break the surface a short paddle away, indifferent to the visitors below. Underwater, the reef holds schools of butterflyfish and the slow parades of parrotfish, while overhead the trade winds knot the palms and scent the air with salt.
This single-day package stitches two classic South Maui experiences together: a guided kayak and snorkel in Makena Bay followed by a surf lesson at Kalama Park in Kihei. Geologically, you’re skimming over basalt flows from ancient Haleakalā eruptions where lava met sea and left pockets for coral to take root. Culturally, these waters have been a food source and a playground for Native Hawaiians for centuries; surfing here is less a novelty than a revival of a long local lineage.
The morning paddle is purposeful—calmer water, clearer visibility—and guides brief you on marine etiquette: no touching coral or turtles, drift instead of chasing. Snorkel zones sit 100–300 yards from shore depending on swell; expect 1–2 miles round-trip of paddling with plenty of stops to float and scan the reef. After a short break, the group relocates to Kalama Park where instructors teach pop-ups, wave selection, and safety. Two hours of instruction turns awkward stands into short rides and, often, the first honest grin of someone who’s just caught a wave.
Practical edge: meet at Makena Landing (look for the small hill above the beach). Total tour time is about 5 hours—kayak/snorkel, a one-hour transition, then two hours of surf lesson. The company provides kayaks, snorkel gear, surfboards, booties, and rash guards; bring reef-safe sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and a towel. Spring and summer bring glassy water and warm temps; winter offers whale sightings (Jan–Apr) but can bring larger surf and current. Fitness need is moderate—comfortable swimming, basic balance, and the ability to sit in a kayak for an hour.
Safety and stewardship are woven into the day: wear a PFD while paddling, reef-safe sunscreen is required, and follow guide directions in currents. For photographers, a waterproof housing or compact underwater camera rewards you with turtle portraits and wave-riding silhouettes.
If you want to split the activities, the itinerary is flexible—make it a two-day affair to recover between sessions. Either way, this combo delivers a full-sensory introduction to why Maui’s south shore remains a top pick for ocean lovers.