Float over coral gardens and paddle past lava cliffs on a private SUP tour from Makena Landing. This two-hour excursion pairs beginner-friendly instruction with close encounters with green sea turtles and wide views of Molokini and Haleakala.
Float over coral gardens and paddle past lava cliffs on a private SUP tour from Makena Landing. This two-hour excursion pairs beginner-friendly instruction with close encounters with green sea turtles and wide views of Molokini and Haleakala.
You push off from Makena Landing and the ocean answers with a glassy hush; Haleakala’s rim hangs as a pale silhouette while Molokini’s crescent sits like an outpost on the horizon. The board rocks beneath you, then steadies, and the world narrows to the rhythm of your paddle and the occasional bob of a green sea turtle surfacing to breathe.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Maui Stand Up Paddle Adventures · Makena, Hawaii
You push off from Makena Landing and the ocean answers with a glassy hush; Haleakala’s rim hangs as a pale silhouette while Molokini’s crescent sits like an outpost on the horizon. The board rocks beneath you, then steadies, and the world narrows to the rhythm of your paddle and the occasional bob of a green sea turtle surfacing to breathe.
This stretch of South Maui sits on young volcanic flows from Haleakala; black lava cliffs meet shallow reefs carved into benches and channels. Native Hawaiian voyagers fished these waters for centuries and the coastline still carries place names and practices tied to those traditions—respect for the kai (sea) is part of the experience. Geology shows in every cliff and submerged lava tube you paddle past, and the clear water exposes coral gardens that support reef fish and honu.
Practically speaking, the tour is private, guide-led, and beginner friendly—most newcomers are standing and paddling within 30 minutes. Expect a 2-hour outing: introductory instruction in protected Makena Bay, then exploration of sea caves, reef flats, and turtle feeding areas. Morning departures usually offer calmer seas and clearer visibility; winter brings larger swells and whales offshore.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat with a strap, and a locked bag for phones—you'll get a free digital photo pack. Guides provide USCG life jackets, boards, and technique coaching. Watch currents near channel cuts, give wildlife space, and hydrate; a mellow paddle here feels like exercise and a lesson in island natural history all at once.
moderate.
2 hours.
Light to moderate fitness; you should be comfortable standing and balancing for short periods and able to paddle for 60–90 minutes.
No. Tours include an introductory lesson in calm, shallow water and guides coach balance and stroke technique until you feel confident.
The operator lists a 300 lb weight limit and will request age/height/weight during booking; minors can usually join with parental consent.
Green sea turtles are commonly sighted in Turtle Town; sightings are frequent but never guaranteed—wildlife is seasonal and situational.
Tours are weather-dependent. If canceled due to conditions you'll be offered an alternate date or full refund; mornings are generally the most reliable time to go.
South Maui’s coastline is shaped by relatively recent Haleakala lava flows; local place names and fishing practices reflect centuries of Hawaiian stewardship of the sea.
Practice reef-safe sun protection, never touch coral or hold wildlife, and follow guide instructions to minimize impact on fragile reef ecosystems.
Maui Stand Up Paddle Adventures operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




You push off from Makena Landing and the ocean answers with a glassy hush; Haleakala’s rim hangs as a pale silhouette while Molokini’s crescent sits like an outpost on the horizon. The board rocks beneath you, then steadies, and the world narrows to the rhythm of your paddle and the occasional bob of a green sea turtle surfacing to breathe.
You push off from Makena Landing and the ocean answers with a glassy hush; Haleakala’s rim hangs as a pale silhouette while Molokini’s crescent sits like an outpost on the horizon. The board rocks beneath you, then steadies, and the world narrows to the rhythm of your paddle and the occasional bob of a green sea turtle surfacing to breathe.
This stretch of South Maui sits on young volcanic flows from Haleakala; black lava cliffs meet shallow reefs carved into benches and channels. Native Hawaiian voyagers fished these waters for centuries and the coastline still carries place names and practices tied to those traditions—respect for the kai (sea) is part of the experience. Geology shows in every cliff and submerged lava tube you paddle past, and the clear water exposes coral gardens that support reef fish and honu.
Practically speaking, the tour is private, guide-led, and beginner friendly—most newcomers are standing and paddling within 30 minutes. Expect a 2-hour outing: introductory instruction in protected Makena Bay, then exploration of sea caves, reef flats, and turtle feeding areas. Morning departures usually offer calmer seas and clearer visibility; winter brings larger swells and whales offshore.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat with a strap, and a locked bag for phones—you'll get a free digital photo pack. Guides provide USCG life jackets, boards, and technique coaching. Watch currents near channel cuts, give wildlife space, and hydrate; a mellow paddle here feels like exercise and a lesson in island natural history all at once.