Guided Wailea Beach Outrigger Canoe & Snorkel Tour with Hawaiian Culture and Maui Marine Life

Paddle into the waters of South Maui with Hawaiian Ocean Sports on a 90-minute outrigger canoe and snorkel tour from Wailea Beach. After learning basic paddling techniques, work together with your group as guides share stories of Hawaiian canoe culture and explain how Polynesian voyagers crossed the Pacific using non-instrumental navigation. From the canoe, take in views of Haleakala, the West Maui Mountains, Lanai, Molokini, and Kahoolawe before stopping near Wailea Point to snorkel above a coral reef. Swim through clear coastal waters and look for Hawaiian green sea turtles, eagle rays, endemic fish, and other marine life, with dolphins and seasonal humpback whales sometimes seen in the surrounding ocean. This family-friendly Wailea experience combines hands-on paddling, Hawaiian history, South Maui scenery, and time in the water.

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Why do travelers choose this tour?

Hawaiian Culture and Canoe Paddling: Learn the art and sport of traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoe paddling while guides share cultural stories and explain how Polynesian voyagers navigated across the Pacific without modern instruments.

Snorkeling off Wailea Point: Enter the clear waters off South Maui and snorkel above a coral reef that supports Hawaiian green sea turtles, eagle rays, endemic fish, and other marine life.

Scenic South Maui Setting: Depart directly from Wailea Beach and enjoy views of Haleakala, the West Maui Mountains, Lanai, Molokini, and Kahoolawe while paddling along the coastline.

Family-Friendly Ocean Adventure: This 90-minute experience combines hands-on paddling, Hawaiian history, snorkeling, and time on the water for families, couples, and small groups visiting Wailea.

What to expect

• Meet your Hawaiian Ocean Sports guides at Wailea Beach in South Maui
• Learn basic paddling techniques before launching from the beach
• Work together with your group to paddle a traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoe
• Hear about Hawaiian canoe culture and Polynesian non-instrumental navigation
• Take in views of Haleakala, Lanai, Molokini, Kahoolawe, and the West Maui Mountains
• Stop near Wailea Point to swim and snorkel above a coral reef
• Look for sea turtles, eagle rays, endemic fish, dolphins, and seasonal humpback whales

Local expert tips

• Wear your swimsuit under your clothing so you are ready to enter the water after the canoe paddling portion of the tour.
• Bring only the personal belongings you need for the activity, since anything taken aboard the canoe may get wet.
• Use a waterproof case or dry bag for phones, cameras, wallets, and other items that could be damaged by water.
• Wildlife sightings vary by day because sea turtles, rays, dolphins, whales, and other marine animals are wild and cannot be guaranteed.
• Consider staying in Wailea after the tour to visit nearby beaches, restaurants, shops, and resort areas in South Maui.

What to bring

• Swimsuit worn under your clothing
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Towel
• Sunglasses with a secure strap
• Hat that can be secured
• Waterproof camera or phone case
• Waterproof bag for personal belongings

Outrigger Canoe Information

Guests travel aboard a traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoe designed for group paddling and stability on the ocean. Each participant helps paddle while guides provide instruction and share information about Hawaiian canoe culture, Polynesian voyaging, and traditional navigation. The canoe launches directly from Wailea Beach before traveling into the coastal waters of South Maui.

How to get there?

The tour departs from Wailea Beach in South Maui, near the major hotels and resorts of the Wailea area. Public and private parking options are available near the beach. Guests should allow additional time to park, gather their belongings, and walk to the beachfront meeting area before check-in.