Hawaii · CANOES & KAYAKS IN MAUI

15 Canoes & Kayaks in Maui Worth Booking

42 tours  ·  from $89 a head

This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 canoes & kayaks in Maui worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.

Maui Clear Kayak and Snorkel Tour: Swim with turtles (Makena) - What paddling the kayaks is really like
Canoes & Kayaks, Canoes & Kayaks in Maui, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Maui, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Maui, Turtle Snorkeling Tours

Maui Clear Kayak and Snorkel Tour: Swim with turtles (Makena)

1.Maui Clear Kayak and Snorkel Tour: Swim with turtles (Makena)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 551 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $130Our pick

Meet at Makena Landing at 7 a.m. for a three-hour clear-bottom kayak and snorkeling trip with Ohana Ocean Adventures. Guides such as Kyle, Curtis, Marc, and Michael lead small groups over Turtle Town reefs, where you may see turtles, fish, rays, seals, and winter humpback whales. Snorkeling is optional, and no prior experience is required.

“Kyle gets a five star review. He was very patient with my mom helping her get back in the kayak. Tour was great. Kyle talked about the area and pointed out some different fish. We saw lots of turtles. Busy area with other tours but the turtles seemed to enjoy the spectacle of finned people. Kayaks get a two star rating. Wide and clunky, hard to paddle because the paddle hits the sides. It’s scratched so you can’t see much of the bottom anyway and even if you could, you might get seasick which brings me to remind you to take your Dramamine before you go! Wish we did! Also…”

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Maui: Turtle Town Kayak and Snorkel Tour - Arriving at Makena Landing Park
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Maui: Turtle Town Kayak and Snorkel Tour

2.Turtle Town Kayak and Snorkel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 345 reviews · 3 hours · from $120

Paddle about 1.5 miles through Makena Bay with a small group of up to 10 people, then snorkel among Hawaiian green sea turtles, reef fish, and coral. Guides such as Tyler, Jake, John, and Jeremiah offer calm instruction for beginners, with early morning departures best for gentler water.

“We saw several humpback whales up close, a pod of dolphins and one sea turtle. We were enjoying the close encounters with the whales so much that we never bothered with the snorkeling. John, our guide, suggested that this was an unusually eventful trip. It seemed like we were with whales almost the entire time. We got to see a calf playing near its mom and a male singing right beneath us. John was informative, and clearly very passionate about the whales, ocean life, and Hawaiian culture. He was usually encouraging, and he spent a lot of time making sure we were prepared for the challenges of kayaking.”

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Turtle Reef Kayak Tour of Makena, Maui - What the morning actually looks like
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Turtle Reef Kayak Tour of Makena, Maui

3.Turtle Reef Kayak Tour of Makena, Maui

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 328 reviews · 2 hours 45 minutes (approx.) · from $121

Paddle 1.5 to 2 miles from historic Makena Landing with a CPR-certified guide, then snorkel above Turtle Town’s reef. Single and double kayaks, safety gear, snacks, and drinks are included. The 7:15am trip welcomes ages 5 and up and usually offers the best visibility, calmer water, and livelier reef activity.

“This was so much better than I could have ever imagined. Jeff was awesome and super knowledgeable. We lucked out and got to spend a ton of time with a mama and baby whale before snorkeling. We would go back in a heart beat! Don’t sleep on this tour! And ask for Jeff!”

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Private Stand Up Paddle Boarding Tour in Turtle Town, Maui - Turtle Town at water level
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Private Stand Up Paddle Boarding Tour in Turtle Town, Maui

4.Private Stand Up Paddle Boarding Tour in Turtle Town, Maui

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 293 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $169

Meet at 7:15 am in Makena for a two-hour private paddle with guides such as Aqua and Sky. Learn SUP skills, look for sea turtles, coral, fish, and possibly monk seals, hear about Maui’s culture and geology, and receive digital photos afterward. Equipment, life jackets, storage, showers, and changing rooms are included.

“My boyfriend and I had the best time paddle boating with Sky. Right off the bat he was so friendly and warming making us feel comfortable with our private tour with him. He went out of his way to explain everything to us in depth and took many nice pictures of us on his go pro. He even let us stay over time so we had time to snorkel a little and look around underwater. Highly recommend this tour to everyone of all ages!”

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Clear Kayak Tour with Pontoons and Optional Snorkeling-Unlimited - Seeing Olowalu Reef through a clear hull
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Clear Kayak Tour with Pontoons and Optional Snorkeling-Unlimited

5.Clear Kayak Tour with Pontoons and Optional Snorkeling-Unlimited

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 224 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $134

Paddle Maui’s Alalakeiki Channel in a clear-bottom kayak with Gabriel, Jason, and their family team. You’ll see coral and marine life through the hull, with optional snorkeling, rash guards, dry bags, sunscreen, water, and snacks provided. The calm, patient instruction suits beginners, families, and nervous swimmers.

“We all enjoyed the kayaking, the snorkeling, Jason’s dad jokes, and the education about the marine life on Maui and surrounding islands. Great adventure!”

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Kayak & Turtle Town Snorkel(Turtles Guaranteed) + Whale Watching - Snorkeling at the Turtle Cleaning Station
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Kayak & Turtle Town Snorkel(Turtles Guaranteed) + Whale Watching

6.Kayak & Turtle Town Snorkel(Turtles Guaranteed) + Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 196 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $119

Paddle tandem kayaks from Olowalu with a guide such as Payson, Alec, Billy, Gene, or Robbie. After views of West Maui and nearby islands, snorkel at a turtle cleaning station. Whale sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed, but turtles are backed by a money-back promise.

“Amazing! Alec was a fantastic guide throughout the entire experience. He was extremely kind, knowledgeable about Hawaiian history, and took some great photos of us. Would highly recommend to anyone visiting Maui.”

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South Shore Turtle Kayak and Snorkel Experience - Paddling past Little Beach and Big Beach
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South Shore Turtle Kayak and Snorkel Experience

7.South Shore Turtle Kayak and Snorkel Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 184 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $118

Paddle gently along Maui’s south shore from Makena Beach, then snorkel for about 45 minutes among coral, fish, and green sea turtles. Guides such as Tyler, Cody, and Miah tailor help to beginners and confident paddlers alike. The 2.5-hour tour includes gear, instruction, refreshments, and a maximum of 10 guests.

“Amazing snorkel. Saw lots of fish and turtles. Guide was knowledgeable and very laid back. He took his time with each person. Expert to first time snorkeling….he was great! Would do this again definitely!”

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Lahaina Kayak and Snorkel Excursion - Snorkeling near the reef
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Lahaina Kayak and Snorkel Excursion

8.Lahaina Kayak and Snorkel Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 175 reviews · from $89Best value

Paddle calm West Maui waters from 505 Front Street, then snorkel near the reef with guides such as Ryan, Marc, Mike, or Tree. The 2.5-hour trip includes kayaks, snorkel gear, water, snacks, and a small group of up to 10. Sea turtles are a common highlight, but water clarity and wildlife vary.

“We weren’t able to snorkel because of the murky water but we ended up whale watching which was amazing! Great tour guide, very friendly and informative”

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Kayak Whale Watch and Snorkel Hawaiian Islands Whale Sanctuary - Key points to know before you book
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Kayak Whale Watch and Snorkel Hawaiian Islands Whale Sanctuary

9.Kayak Whale Watch and Snorkel Hawaiian Islands Whale Sanctuary

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 175 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $119

Paddle from Olowalu Beach to Turtle Reef, where you can snorkel among tropical fish and year-round sea turtles. From December through April, guides head into the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, using an underwater hydrophone to let you hear whale song. Guides may include Wes, Lance, Red, or Wesley, and no kayaking experience is required.

“Really awesome experience. I love Kayaking anyway, but being able to be so far out in the ocean and then to see the WHALES!!!??? Incredible. Honestly, I wish it had lasted about two hours longer! Also the whale-sounds microphone thingy Red has is REALLY cool, as well as the underwater cameras!!! An absolutely excellent deal on an incredible experience!!”

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South Maui: Premium Turtle Town Kayak and Snorkel Tour - The first paddle, about two miles along Makena
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South Maui: Premium Turtle Town Kayak and Snorkel Tour

10.Premium Turtle Town Kayak and Snorkel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 113 reviews · 3h 30m · from $151

Paddle about two miles along Makena’s south coast, then snorkel at two prime Turtle Town sites with a small group and English-speaking guide. South Pacific Kayaks provides kayaks, safety gear, snorkel equipment, snacks, drinks, and a dry bag. Winter mornings may add humpback whale sightings.

“Jake was a really great Guide and we have seen a lot of turtles.”

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Kayak and Snorkel: Maui West Shore - Snorkeling over reefs and looking for turtles
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Kayak and Snorkel: Maui West Shore

11.Kayak and Snorkel: Maui West Shore

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 104 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $118

Paddle about 1.5 miles along Maui’s West Shore with a guide such as Jake, Jeremiah, Cody, or Tyler, then spend about 45 minutes snorkeling over reefs. You’ll use provided kayaks and gear, look for green sea turtles and fish, and enjoy West Maui Mountain views. Weather may change the launch site.

“Wonderful paddling and snorkeling trip. We got far enough out when snorkeling that the reef healthier. Large schools of fish and turtles bro see. Tyler took very good care of us!”

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Turtle Town Clear Kayak & Snorkel Tour (8am-11am) - How the morning usually unfolds
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Turtle Town Clear Kayak & Snorkel Tour (8am-11am)

12.Turtle Town Clear Kayak & Snorkel Tour (8am-11am)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 100 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $130

Paddle a clear kayak from Makena Landing to a nearby reef, then snorkel among sea turtles and colorful fish with a guide such as Kris, Chris, KP, or Kim. The three-hour morning tour includes kayak and snorkeling gear, bottled water, and a small group capped at 10 people. Digital photos are available for purchase.

“The experience was great! Macarana sent us a text to make sure we had the locations correct and directions on where to meet. There were 10 people in the group with our family being 4 of those, spread across 5 kayaks and Macarana man”

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South Maui: Whale Watch Kayaking and Snorkel Tour in Kihei - Paddling at whale level
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South Maui: Whale Watch Kayaking and Snorkel Tour in Kihei

13.Whale Watch Kayaking and Snorkel Tour in Kihei

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 93 reviews · 3 hours · from $118

Paddle a sit-on-top kayak from Makena Landing with a guide such as Jake, Kyle, Madison, or Jon, watching for humpback whales before snorkeling along Maui’s reef. The three-hour trip includes instruction, equipment, snacks, water, and juice. Whale sightings vary, but turtles, fish, coral, and calm-water coaching add plenty of value.

“Our guide, John, was charismatic and knowledgeable. The kayaking was a blast and we got to kayak alongside dolphins! The snorkeling was also excellent, we saw a wide variety of fish and our guide found a huge sea turtle for us to see! Was overall an excellent tour and was the perfect amount of time. Would definitely recommend it and do it again ourselves next time we’re in Maui. Just FYI the whales are only around Jan-March.”

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Maui South Shore Premier Kayak and Snorkel Tour from Makena Beach - Sea-level views of Haleakala and the islands
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Maui South Shore Premier Kayak and Snorkel Tour from Makena Beach

14.Maui South Shore Premier Kayak and Snorkel Tour from Makena Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 73 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $151

Start early at Makena Beach for a guided kayak and snorkel outing along Maui’s South Shore. Paddle single or double kayaks to turtle and reef-fish sites, with possible winter whale sightings. Guides such as John, Jake, Rabbit, and Scuba Steve add safety advice, local stories, and personal help in the water.

“Our kayak and snorkel trip in Maui with this company was one of the highlights of our trip. Our guide, Jake, was especially knowledgeable about the history of the islands, the ocean, and everything in it. We saw many animals and a large amount of beautiful reef during our trip. The fish were amazing and all the turtles were beautiful. I highly recommend this tour - it was worth every penny!”

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Ultimate Maui Kayak Snorkel Experience - Anchoring over a sandy bottom
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Ultimate Maui Kayak Snorkel Experience

15.Ultimate Maui Kayak Snorkel Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 72 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

Meet Griff or another Aloha Kayaks Maui guide at Makena Landing at 7:15 am for a three-hour kayak and snorkel trip. After a shore briefing, paddle along Maui’s south coast, anchor over a sandy bottom, and swim among coral, tropical fish, and Hawaiian green sea turtles. The tour suits first-timers and families, but requires moderate fitness.

“We had an amazing time with Griff as our guide (although he wasn’t that funny.... juuuust kidding, he was hilarious but I joked I would write that in his review!!) my two kids ages 8 and 10 each went with me and my husband and sat in the front of the kayak. It was a total of 3 miles altogether. We saw some whale tails on our way out. We needed up snorkeling close to a rock wall where turtles love to be. We saw three sea turtles, a white tipped reef shark, and then gobs of different fish among the coral. They have dry bags so you can bring…”

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