Kayaking is a fun and beginner-friendly way to get out on the water in the Hawaiian Islands. It’s an easy to learn, family-friendly, and active way to explore an area. Even better, you launch right off the beach.
Ready to get out on the water? Here’s what you need to know about kayaking on Maui.
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Best Places to Kayak Around Maui
Technically, you can kayak anywhere you can access the ocean. That said, kayaking mostly takes place on the west side of Maui, where the water is generally calmer, where there are an abundance of beaches to launch from, and where all the kayak tour companies are located.
ps: are you also going to Oʻahu? If so, check out our guide to best kayaking spots on Oʻahu.
Kayaking at Kaʻanapali Beach
Kaʻanapali Beach is one of the longest white-sand beaches in the islands, and the sandy, sloping beach makes launching a kayak easy. With views of both Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi, it can be a very beautiful and calm place to kayak, especially in the morning.
A variety of tours are also available in this area, such as those from Kayak Kaʻanapali and Maui Paddle Sports.
Kaʻanapali Beach stretches a gorgeous mile of coastline filled with powder white sand, gentle waves, and stunning views of the island’s West Maui mountains. Photo by Josh Williams on Unsplash.
Kayaing at Kīhei
Kīhei is loaded with options for kayakers. It’s home to an abundance of rental and tour agencies, including Hawaiian Paddle Sports, Aloha Kayaks Maui, Maui Kayak Adventures, and more. Launching from Kīhei is easy thanks to a stretch of beaches that runs throughout the greater area.
Kamaole Beach Park II in Kihei is a 2.2-acre beach park featuring a lifeguard station, picnic tables, grills & restrooms. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Vincent Lim
Kayaking at Launiupoko Beach and/or Olowalu Beach
South of Lāhainā is a string of beaches, including Launiupoko and Olowalu, that are excellent for kayaking, offering sandy beaches for launching and coral reefs close to shore. Bring a snorkel mask to check out the waters below your boat.
Located between Olowalu and Lahaina on the shores of West Maui, Launiupoko is a favorite hangout and surf spot for tourists and locals alike. Image credit: Kirt Edblom, source.
South Maui Kayaking Spots
South of Kīhei, you’ll find a couple areas of interest, including Wailea, the ʻĀhihi-Kīnaʻu Natural Area Reserve, and La Perouse Bay.
- Wailea is a resort area with options for rentals or tours, including Clear Kayaks Maui. This area of the coast alternates between sandy beaches and high cliffs, making it a scenic place to paddle. There are also great snorkel destinations nearby, including Turtle Town.
- The ʻĀhihi-Kīnaʻu Natural Area Reserve is a protected marine sanctuary featuring a coastal lava field. It’s a great place to bring a snorkel mask and check out the reefs below. Take care getting into and out of the boat around the lava rock.
- La Perouse Bay is another coastal lava flow with high lava cliffs and an abundance of coral reefs. You will need to transport your own kayak to both La Perouse Bay and ʻĀhihi-Kīnaʻu, as there are no rental agencies nearby.
Wailea Beach can’t shake the resort feel but sometimes that’s just what makes a beach special. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson
Recommended Kayak Tours on Maui
Here are some of the kayak tours we recommend on Maui:
- Whale watching kayak tours
- Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Cultural and Turtle Tour
- Olowalu Snorkel
- The Ultimate Maui Experience
Whale Watching Kayak Tours
Maui is the BEST island for whale watching. Most people choose to go on a boat tour to see the whales, but you can also take the paddle in your own hands and go out on a kayak.
Humpback whale breaching off the west Maui coast. Photo by Steve Wrzeszczynski on Unsplash
Operator: There are many operators that run whale watching kayak tours. In fact, just about any kayak tour off West Maui between the months of November and March can be a whale watching kayak tour.
For example, see this kayak whale watching tour by Paddle On! Maui that departs from Wailea, or this 4-hour kayak whale watch departing from Kihei by Aloha Kayaks.
Why Go: Each year in the winter, more than 10,000 humpback whales visit the Hawaiian Islands, and the majority of them hang out off the west coast of Maui. Many companies offer special whale watching kayak tours during this time. Sightings are pretty much guaranteed, but a close encounter is also possible. A wonderful experience and a great way to avoid the crowded whale-watching boats.
After: Beach picnic.
Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Cultural and Turtle Tour
An outrigger canoe is not *technically* a kayak, however…
Outrigger canoeing holds historic significance to Hawaiians (the Polynesians first arrived at the islands on these vessels) and is becoming more and more popular. It also is the official state team sport!
Operator: Hawaiian Ocean Sports
Why Go: This is a unique “2 in 1” opportunity. You get very close to the turtles *and* you learn about Hawaiian history and traditions. This tour gives you the experience of paddling off Wailea to and get acquainted with the honu and honu‘ea (Hawaiian Green Sea & Hawksbill Turtles) at turtletown. Even better? if you bring your swimwear you can jump in the water to swim alongside the turtles!
After: Beach picnic (did you notice we are a big fan of these picnics?).
Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Cultural and Turtle Tour
Enjoy the pristine waters off Wailea point and abundant sea life (including turtles!) while you experience a traditional Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Tour and learn the culture, art, and sport of canoe paddling.
from:
$89
What is a suggested tour?Our suggested tours are hand-picked tours that receive consistent good reviews, give back to the community, and work hard to minimize their impact on the environment. Read more about these tours on our website.Olowalu Snorkel
Operator: Maui Kayak Adventures
Why Go: Olowalu is a protected marine sanctuary, home to many sea turtles and a large Hawaiian coral reef. The water here is usually calm, making it a great place for both kayaking and snorkeling. On this tour, you’ll have a marine biologist as a guide, who will lead you around the reef, offering a glimpse at a turtle cleaning station as well as narration and advice for further snorkeling.
After: Head just north of Olowalu to Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop for a well-deserved treat.
The Ultimate Maui Experience
Operator: Aloha Kayaks Maui
Why Go: Another kayak-snorkel combo tour (which we think are the best kind!), this one explores the reefs off the coast of South Maui near Wailea, including the infamous Turtle Town, a place known for an abundance of Hawaiian green sea turtles.
After: The tour launches from the beautiful Makena Beach, making it a great place to hang out after the tour. Otherwise, head into Wailea for lunch at one of its many restaurants, or great grab-and-go options at Island Gourmet Market.
Located in south Maui at only minutes from Wailea and Kihei and also known as Big Beach, Makena Beach is known for its beauty and spaciousness. Photo by Pawan Thapa on Unsplash
Where Can I Rent a Kayak on Maui?
The two main hubs for rental shops and tour companies are Kaʻanapali and Kīhei. See our descriptions below for more details on the options you’ll find in these two towns, as well our favorites in other areas.
Some companies, like Maui Ocean Rentals and Bring Me a Kayak Maui, will deliver the kayak to wherever you are, with prices starting at $120 per day (you can also rent vehicle racks for self-transport).
At some beachside locations, you’re also able to rent kayaks by the hour or two, such as at Kayak Kaʻanapali.
Kayaking Tips
Here are our tips for getting the most out of your kayaking experience on Maui:
- Check the conditions prior to launching. Safety is priority number one, but you’ll also enjoy yourself much more if you go out on the right day. Kayaking in heavy chop, wind, or large swells, for example, could be difficult or uncomfortable.
- Consider an organized kayak tour. Kayaking is easy to do on your own, but if you’re new to the sport, you may enjoy the safety net of an organized tour. Having a guide can also enrich your experience by teaching you new techniques, pointing out wildlife, and providing narration of the area.
- If you’re new to kayaking, double up. Kayaks come in single and double capacity options, so if you lack experience, it’s possible to go with a buddy. This way, you’re not on your own if you get tired.
- Paddle into the wind and against the current to start. Always paddle against the wind and current to start, when you are fresh with energy. Then, you can have the wind at your back as you return to shore.
- Bring water and sun protection. There’s no shade when kayaking, so wear a hat, sun shirt, and sunscreen.
- Bring a snorkel mask. It’s possible to snorkel right off your kayak in some areas, so bring a mask with you. You can hang from your kayak (or hold a rope) while checking out the sea life below.