Makena Bay: Our most recommended tours and activities

Maui: Turtle Town Kayak and Snorkel Tour

1. Maui: Turtle Town Kayak and Snorkel Tour

Explore the ocean and see marine wildlife on this family-friendly kayaking tour, great for children 5 and up. Go snorkeling and feast on complimentary snacks and beverages as you go. Take a group kayaking tour where you will kayak roughly 2.5 miles through Makena Bay. Turtle Town is known as one of Maui's best kayaking and snorkeling destinations. Spot ocean wildlife as you battle through the blue Hawaiian surf. This location is famous for the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle population and exceptional paddling conditions on Maui's calm blue waters. It is also very common to see manta rays and dolphins as well as the Hawaiian monk seal. During whale season (October through April) you will have the opportunity to see Humpback whales during their annual migration to the Islands to mate and give birth. Take advantage of the opportunity to snorkel in this unique environment. Enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages as part of your tour.

South Maui: Self Guided Clear Bottom Kayak Tour

2. South Maui: Self Guided Clear Bottom Kayak Tour

Leave dry land behind and sail around Makena Landing, also known locally as “Turtle Town”. Feast your eyes on the incredible biodiversity of green sea turtles and reef fish, as well as the occasional manta and spotted eagle rays, octopi, dolphins, monk seals, humpback whales (December through April) and little white-tip reef sharks. The entire rental process takes 2 hours. Normal time to get checked in, waivers signed, provide paddle and safety instruction as well as an overview of the area is 5-15 min depending on your group. You will then have the remainder of your reserved time to paddle the waters far from the tourist crowds, paddling where you want on a steady and easy-to-use kayak. The more you take your time, the more you're likely to see!

South Maui: Premium Turtle Town Kayak and Snorkel Tour

3. South Maui: Premium Turtle Town Kayak and Snorkel Tour

On this premier tour you will have a full morning of kayaking and snorkeling in Maui’s beautiful south coast. Anyone needing more water time, snorkeling and sunshine, this 3-mile paddle is the trip you're looking for. Expect a full morning of kayaking, exceptional snorkeling, reef life, beautiful corals, and turtles everywhere. Based on the weather and ocean currents, your expert tour guide will adjust your trip to either be more kayaking or more snorkeling to ensure the best excursion. In this small group setting, you will have more time to be in the water and see more marine wildlife! Before the action begins, you will receive an orientation with your guides, ensuring that you have all the appropriate snorkel and kayaking gear you require. During your guided tour you will get to stop at 2-3 prime snorkeling spots. These spots have been chosen to maximize your chances of seeing beautiful underwater marine life. You will also have the chance to enjoy some delicious snacks and beverages throughout the day, provided by your friendly and informative guides.

South Maui: Beach Parks Self-Guided Driving Tour

4. South Maui: Beach Parks Self-Guided Driving Tour

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Note: This 25+mile-long tour covers the essentials of Maui Beach Park in 2-3 hours Discover the best beaches of Maui on a self-guided driving tour. Explore Kalepolepo Beach, Wailea Beach, Makena Cave, and more with an audio guide. You will receive the download instructions after booking. Download the app and start the tour with your mobile phone as your guide. You will start the journey in the quaint town of Kahului. From there, head towards the south while hearing about Maui’s history, legends, and the origins of surfing. Visit Mai Poina Beach, a perfect place for windsurfing, and Kalepolepo Beach to witness the stunning seaside scenery. Next, reach Waipuilani Park, a popular spot for a picnic with a view. You will continue to Kamaole Beach and admire the dramatic rocky points perfect for pictures. Afterward, drive towards Molokini, a volcanic crater followed by the Keawakapu beach. Uncover an underwater world at Ulua Beach before trying out surfing at Wailea Beach and Palauea Beach. Enjoy kayaking opportunities at Maluaka Beach and also see the Makena Cave.  Finally, your tour will end at the famous lava fields of Maui. Spend some time and learn how this remarkable landscape formed in the first place.

Maui: Beginner Level Private Stand-Up Paddleboard Lesson

5. Maui: Beginner Level Private Stand-Up Paddleboard Lesson

Start out with a brief lesson on the shore before getting into the ocean with your paddleboard. Feel secure as your professional guide leads you every paddle of the way. Review your shore lesson out on the water and you'll be stand-up paddleboarding in no time. For small children, expert help is at hand. Kids will be able to sit on the front of the paddleboard with a guide. Children will be safe as they paddleboard along with the rest of the family. Ages 3+ welcome! Look back on the experience with a specialty photograph documenting your paddleboarding success available on for purchase at the end of the tour.. We will talk about the amazing islands that surround us on the ocean while checking out the stunning scenery of Haleakala Crater from the ocean.

South Maui: Makena Bay Stand-Up Paddle Tour

6. South Maui: Makena Bay Stand-Up Paddle Tour

See Maui the adventurous way with a stand-up paddling (SUP) lesson or tour. Make the most of your private guide, who will lead small groups along the idyllic coastline in Makena Bay for a 2-hour tour or lesson. Enjoy an unforgettable experience getting up close to nature in Maui’s warm, clear blue waters. Start with an early check-in where you will get all the paddling equipment you will need. Your guide will plan out the ideal route based on your interests. Let your guide know ahead of time if there is anything you want to see so the tour can be customized especially for you. Paddle along the coastline, where you will get great views of the bay. Make sure to look out for green sea turtles, manta rays, tropical reef fish and fantastic coral reef. If it’s the right season, be sure to look out for whales and dolphins, too.

Other Sightseeing Options in Makena Bay

Want to discover all there is to do in Makena Bay? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Makena Bay

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 313 reviews

It was a magical experience. I'm so happy my family and I decided to participate in this activity. We were all adults with little experience in kayaking and snorkeling. Our guide, Tyler, was fantastic. He was very chill, patient, helpful, caring, and informative. He definitely set the mood for the experience. The only downfall is that a few of my family members got seasick. However, that still doesn't take away from the beautiful experience. We saw turtles, fishes and corals. Definitely recommend!

We had a great time on this tour. Our guide Tyler was very knowledgeable and did a superb job helping all of us first-time kayakers and snorkellers have a good experience! We saw probably about 8 sea turtles, a lot of the coral reef, and a bunch of tropical fish. Definitely do this tour if you are thinking about it, even if you’ve never done this sort of thing before. We will definitely be doing this next time we’re in Maui!

our guide was fantastic - i never really dug snorkeling, and i mentioned that. He took extra time with me and explained best ways to use snorkel. They also made a GREAT suggestion to show up to an earlier time because afternoon kayaking can be windy and sometimes less to see when snorkeling. Best kayak and snorkeling i've ever done! Our guide, John, was funny, educational and super fun!

Our guide "Jake from State Farm" made it a truly memorable experience. Being that it was the first time several of us had snorkeled, we were glad he was patient and thorough. Nature did her thing, clear, warm waters and plenty of turtles and sea life to look at. I would absolutely recommend.

Our guide Jon was absolutely brilliant. His passion, knowledge, and excitement made this experience unforgettable.