Maui Outrigger Canoe Tours

Every year humpback whales, Kohola in Hawaiian, of the North Pacific group, journey down from the pristine cold waters off Alaska to the beautiful warm waters of Hawaii. Everyone welcomes these beautiful creatures with our glasses raised as they put on a show. Whale watching is a favorite of locals and visitors alike from mid December to mid April.

Most experience these majestic creatures from crowded whale watching boats or from the shore. However, everyone agrees there is no better way to experience kohola than from ocean level aboard an Outrigger Canoe. No crowds or engine noise with it’s fumes! You might even hear them singing outside of the water when there is no engine to drown them out. Nothing to distract you or the humpbacks.

During our water safety and paddling orientation we begin to immerse you in Hawaiian culture, using Hawaiian words and paddling commands. We’ll then go over how they read the ocean, so we can safely launch our outrigger canoe.

Leaving shore we paddle off at a relaxed pace to find these gentle giants. Usually, several pods are sighted with a wide variety of activity.

Breaches, spy hops, fluke and pec slaps can be seen in abundance during January thru April as the newborn whales gain confidence. Our knowledgeable Certified Marine Naturalists share facts and stories throughout the tour about humpbacks, marine life and Hawaiian culture.

After the whale watching portion of the tour, if time permits, we leisurely paddle to one of our favorite snorkel spots to cool off with Honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles).

After a water safety and paddling orientation we depart in our Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe from a beautiful beach in the heart of Turtle Town. As we glide across the pristine clear waters you’ll enjoy stunning views of Haleakala summit, Molokini Crater, Pu`u Olai, the Makena/Wailea coastline and surrounding Islands, including the Big Island on a clear day! Along the journey we stop at one of the many snorkel spots Turtle Town has to offer so we can begin to explore the underwater world we are visiting. This area offers unique reef structures and underwater caves, the best part is Turtle sightings are guaranteed. From time to time we also get visits from Dolphins (Nai`a) or Manta Rays (Hahalua). This trip is perfect for families with small children, beginner paddlers and first time ocean enthusiasts.
*Whale Watching Tour Dec-April (See description below)

After a water safety and paddling orientation we depart in our Outrigger Canoe from Olowalu Beach under the back drop of Mauna Kahalawai (West Maui Mountains). As your guide navigates you through the shallow coral gardens you won’t help but notice the vivid reef structures everywhere you look. This shallow water play ground opens to slightly deeper water where your guide leads you to a ‘turtle cleaning station’ with an abundance of turtles and marine life. The shallow sandy bottoms with patches of vibrant coral make this one of Maui’s visitors favorite places to snorkel. This trip is perfect families with older children and paddlers with some experience.
*Whale Watching Tour Dec-April (See description below)

Offered as a part of Jean-Michel Cousteau’s “Ambassadors of the Environment Program” this fun, educational and cultural tour is one of our guest favorites. After a water safety and paddling orientation we depart from DT Fleming’s Beach in front of the Ritz Carlton, Kapalua. As your guide navigates your Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe (Wa`a) along the sea cliffs (pali) its easy to get a sense of ancient Hawaii. The lack of development in area offers undisturbed beaches, sea cliffs, open ranch land and a stunning view of Moloka`i just across the Pailolo Channel. After an upwind paddle we arrive at Mokuleia Beach and the first bay of Honolua (Honolua literally means: two bays). On shore we learn of the Hawaiian’s ahupua’a system of land management and how the Hawaiians were able to thrive in the islands prior to western contact. Launching the canoe again we arrive around the corner at Honolua Bay, a part of the Mokuleia Marine Life Conservation District, these protected waters offer an abundance of marine life. While snorkeling your Marine Naturalist will guide you through this underwater playground to a ‘turtle cleaning station’, naming a multitude of fish along the way before allowing you some free time to snorkel on your own.
*Due to high surf in the winter months this tour is only offered June – September, surf and weather dependent.
 

So you want to go to Molokini? Most people take large snorkel boats…. but a few PADDLE an Outrigger Canoe there! This tour is not for everyone, only those looking for a challenge*. We’ll meet early in the morning at Makena Landing and go over water safety and paddling orientation. Then we set our course for Molokini Crater. You’ll glide across the calm waters as the sky slowly changes from purple, pink, red and orange while the sun slowly rises over the summit of Haleakala. Experience views only available from sea or one of our neighboring islands. After a healthy 3.5 mile paddle you’ll arrive at Molokini Crater, before the large snorkel boats, and enjoy an un-crowded snorkel in the crater. If you’ve been there on a boat before you’ll understand the value the last statement! If conditions allow we’ll paddle around the back side of the crater. The breathtaking back wall of wind and wave-swept stone is a sight you’ll carry with you for a lifetime, and one that very few ever see. As we paddle back to Makena you start to appreciate the name of this tour: Molokini Challenge. Don’t worry, our guides promise no matter how tired you get on the way back, we’ll hit land….somewhere!
*This trip is not for everyone. It is physically demanding and paddlers must be healthy, in good physical shape and have paddling experience. Conditions Apply.