Waterfall Hike and Kayak Snorkel & Paddle from Makena

If you’re considering a day trip that combines adventure, culture, and a chance to see Maui’s marine life, the Waterfall Hike and Kayak Snorkel & Paddle tour from Makena might just catch your eye. It’s a well-rounded experience that promises a little bit of everything: ocean kayaking, snorkeling with sea turtles, and a cultural hike through historic Hawaiian sites. We’ve looked into it so you can decide if it’s a good fit for your trip.

What we love about this tour is how it balances active water-based activities with a meaningful land exploration. It’s perfect if you want to see Maui’s coast from the water and then get a taste of its historical roots on land. Plus, the guides seem to be a highlight, with many reviews praising their friendliness and knowledge. On the flip side, keep in mind that the total activity time can feel a bit short for those craving longer sessions—some reviews mention wanting more time in the water or on the hike.

This tour is likely best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of outdoor activities and can handle a full, sometimes exhausting day. It’s family-friendly, with a minimum age of 6, making it accessible for kids. But, if you’re looking for a relaxing, slow-paced day or have specific needs like transportation from your hotel, you’ll need to plan accordingly since hotel pickups aren’t included. Overall, it offers good value—especially given the variety of activities packed into one day.

Key Points

• Balanced Experience: Combines ocean adventures with cultural exploration.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides are frequently praised for their friendliness and expertise.
• Marine Encounters: Snorkel in Makena Bay with chances to see sea turtles and tropical fish.
• Historical Insights: Guided hike through ancient Hawaiian sites, including remnants of old Hawaii and lava flows.
• Duration & Group Size: About 6 hours with a small group (max 8), creating an intimate experience.
• Cost & Value: Priced at around $270 per person, offering a mix of activities that many reviews find worthwhile.

The Experience: What You Can Expect

This tour kicks off early in the morning at Makena Landing Park, with a start time around 7:15 am. From there, you’re in for a full day of exploring Maui’s outdoors, with each part of the trip offering something unique.

Kayaking Along Makena’s Coastline

The adventure begins on the water, paddling along the rocky and historic Makena coastline. You’ll be in quality, late-model ocean touring kayaks, with safety and paddling instructions from your guides. For those unfamiliar with kayaking, don’t worry—your guides are there to teach you, making it accessible whether you’re a beginner or experienced paddler.

What makes this part special is the scenery. The Makena coast is a blend of volcanic rock formations, coves, and clear waters. As you paddle, guides will share stories about the island’s explorers and native peoples, adding a layer of cultural context to your surroundings. Many travelers mention how friendly and knowledgeable the guides are—making the experience not just fun but informative.

Snorkeling in Makena Bay

After about 2.5 hours of paddling, you’ll reach a protected cove perfect for snorkeling. Here, you can link your kayaks and splash into the water, where marine life abounds. Snorkeling is roughly 45 minutes long, giving you plenty of time to swim and observe.

The reviews highlight the chance to swim with sea turtles, which many find a highlight. One recent visitor said, “We swam with several sea turtles. It was amazing.” The water’s clarity and the colorful tropical fish make for a vivid underwater scene. Guides often point out interesting marine creatures, making it a great experience even for those new to snorkeling.

The Cultural Hike

Once back on land, the adventure continues with a guided hike through Hawaii’s past. You’ll walk through remnants of Old Hawaii, including sites from the last lava flow in Maui’s recent history, about 220 years old. The hike, led by a native cultural guide, takes you through lush landscape, ancient ruins, and places that tell stories of the island’s volcanic origins and Hawaiian traditions.

While some reviews mention the hike ending unexpectedly due to local events, the overall sentiment is that it’s an informative and scenic walk. Guides are attentive and eager to share knowledge about local plants, history, and Hawaiian culture. Dawn, one reviewer, noted, “The waterfall hike was fabulous. Dawn provided a lot of detail about local plants and showed us some amazing spots.”

Additional Highlights

The tour also includes light refreshments and a hearty lunch, often sitting by a waterfall or in a scenic spot. The supplies for the hike—backpack, rain poncho, insect repellent—are provided, so you’re ready for the terrain.

Practical Details: Timing and Group Size

This is a small-group tour, capped at 8 travelers, which means more personalized attention. The entire experience lasts around six hours, which can feel long, especially if you’re not used to this much activity. The start time at 7:15 am helps you make the most of the day, but with no hotel pickup included, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

The paddling covers about 2 miles, and the hike is on level terrain over roughly 2.5 miles. It’s suitable for most ages 6 and up, but keep in mind that participants need to be comfortable being active.

Value and Price Analysis

At roughly $270 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest option out there, but it packs a lot into one day. You get guided instruction, equipment, snorkeling gear, snacks, and lunch—all included. Many reviews emphasize how the experience offers good value, especially considering the diversity of activities and expert guides.

However, some mention the short duration of each activity—like the kayaking and hiking segments—being somewhat brief. If you’re craving a longer, more relaxed experience, this might not fully satisfy you. Still, for a busy traveler wanting a taste of Maui’s best outdoors and culture, it hits the mark.

The Real Review: What Travelers Say

One reviewer summed it up well: “This was a great sampling of all three activities. We get just enough of each in one day.” Many rave about the guides’ friendliness and knowledge, with comments like “The guides were attentive and informative,” and “Justin, our kayak guide, had no problem teaching first-timers.”

The underwater encounters are often highlighted; swimmers and snorkelers especially loved the chance to see sea turtles up close. One snorkeler said, “We saw many turtles while snorkeling not far from shore and had plenty of time in the water.” The scenic hike also gets high praise for its natural beauty and educational aspects.

A few reviews mention wishing the activities lasted longer, or that they could have been extended. One reviewer noted a brushfire after the hike, which cut the day short, but this was an isolated incident and not typical.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience works best for those who enjoy being active and want a comprehensive outdoor day. It’s great for families with kids aged 6 and up, especially if everyone likes to snorkel or hike. The small group setting makes it suitable for travelers who prefer a more intimate, guided experience.

If you’re someone who appreciates cultural stories, marine encounters, and scenic views all in one go, you’ll likely find this tour satisfying. Just be prepared for a busy day—it’s not for those seeking a slow, relaxing afternoon.

Final Thoughts

For travelers looking to tick off multiple Maui highlights in a single day, this Waterfall Hike and Kayak Snorkel & Paddle tour offers a solid mix of adventure and culture. The guides’ friendliness and expertise, combined with the chance to see sea turtles and ancient Hawaiian sites, make it a memorable experience.

While the activities are somewhat brief, they’re thoughtfully curated to give you a taste of Maui’s natural beauty and history. The price reflects the comprehensive nature of the trip, and many reviews suggest it’s worth the investment for the variety and quality of experiences.

If you’re in the mood for an active day that blends land and sea, and you don’t mind a packed schedule, this tour is well worth considering. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate guided experiences and small groups, making it easier to connect with your guides and fellow travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
No, this tour does not include hotel pickup. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point at Makena Landing Park.

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 7:15 am, giving you a full day of activities.

What is the minimum age?
The minimum age to participate is 6 years old, making it suitable for families with kids.

How long is the snorkeling?
Snorkeling lasts approximately 45 minutes, with opportunities to see sea turtles and tropical fish.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, many reviews praise guides for their friendliness and expertise, sharing stories about the island’s history and marine life.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers professional guiding, safety and paddling instruction, quality kayaks, snorkeling gear, light refreshments, lunch, and hike supplies like a backpack and rain poncho.

What should I bring?
You should bring your own footwear suitable for walking in streams (if hiking), sun protection, and a towel. The tour provides most other supplies.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. Guides are experienced in teaching first-timers how to kayak and snorkel.

How long does the entire tour last?
Approximately six hours, from start to finish.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

If you’re after a day that combines Maui’s sea, land, and cultural sights, this tour is a solid choice. It offers a good blend of adventure and storytelling, guided by friendly experts who know their stuff. Perfect for active families, curious adventurers, or anyone wanting a well-rounded outdoor experience on this beautiful island.