Maui: West Side Discovery Kayak & Snorkel From UKUMEHAME

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Maui’s west side on the Discovery Kayak & Snorkel tour from Ukumehame Beach State Park. Participants aged 5 and up can paddle 1.5 miles, spotting vibrant marine life like sea turtles and tropical fish. With a knowledgeable guide, light snacks, and the chance to see humpback whales during season, this family-friendly adventure promises unforgettable memories. But what makes this tour truly unique? Read on to find out.

Key Points

• This guided kayaking and snorkeling tour departs from Ukumehame Beach State Park, allowing participants to explore the Olowalu or Ukumehame Coastline.
• The 3-hour tour covers approximately 1.5 miles of kayaking and provides opportunities to spot Hawaiian green sea turtles, tropical fish, manta rays, dolphins, and Hawaiian monk seals.
• The family-friendly adventure is suitable for children 5 years and older, offering a fun and educational experience with a focus on safety and enjoyment.
• Participants will receive a safety briefing, kayaking and snorkeling orientation, and will be provided with all necessary gear for the tour.
• Customer reviews praise the knowledgeable guides, their expertise in spotting marine life, and the overall creation of a memorable and personalized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers a guided kayaking and snorkeling experience in the West Maui region. Priced from €109.88, the 3-hour tour accommodates up to 10 participants and is conducted in English.

The adventure takes place at Ukumehame Beach State Park, where guests kayak along the Olowalu or Ukumehame Coastline for around 1.5 miles. Snorkeling provides opportunities to spot Hawaiian green sea turtles, tropical fish, manta rays, dolphins, and Hawaiian monk seals.

The tour is family-friendly for children 5 and older. All necessary equipment, including life jackets, is provided, along with a safety briefing before the activities commence.

Kayaking and Snorkeling Highlights

During the tour, guests have the opportunity to kayak along the Olowalu or Ukumehame Coastline, covering approximately 1.5 miles (2 km).

The tour offers a chance to:

• Snorkel with Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, tropical fish, manta rays, dolphins, and Hawaiian monk seals.

• Spot Northern Humpback Whales during the season (Late December to Late April).

• Enjoy a family-friendly experience suitable for children 5 years and older.

• Receive all kayaking and snorkeling gear, including life jackets and a safety orientation.

• Savor light snacks and beverages throughout the adventure.

Family-Friendly Adventure

Although the tour is suitable for adventurers of all ages, it’s especially tailored for families with children 5 years and older.

The guides provide a fun and educational experience, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of the whole group. Kids can marvel at the playful Hawaiian green sea turtles, colorful tropical fish, and if lucky, even spot majestic humpback whales breaching the surface.

With all the necessary gear provided, families can fully enjoy the natural wonders of Maui’s West Side without worrying about equipment.

Families can fully enjoy the natural wonders of Maui’s West Side with all the necessary gear provided.

This adventure creates lasting memories for children and parents alike.

Tour Itinerary

The tour begins with a safety briefing, where the knowledgeable guides provide a 20-minute orientation on proper kayaking and snorkeling techniques.

Then, guests embark on the approximately 1.5-mile (2 km) kayak journey along the Olowalu or Ukumehame Coastline:

• Paddling through tranquil waters and taking in the scenic views

• Watching for marine life like Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, tropical fish, manta rays, dolphins, and Hawaiian monk seals

• Snorkeling to observe the vibrant underwater ecosystem

• Spotting Northern Humpback Whales during the season (Late December to Late April)

• Returning to the starting point after 2 hours of exploration.

More Great Tours Nearby

Included in the Tour

This guided kayak tour includes all the necessary equipment and supplies to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

You’ll be provided with a kayak, paddles, and a life jacket for your safety. The tour also includes high-quality snorkel gear, allowing you to explore the vibrant underwater world.

During the tour, you’ll be treated to light snacks and refreshing beverages to keep you energized. The experienced guides will also provide a thorough safety orientation before the adventure begins, ensuring you’re prepared for the activities ahead.

Everything you need for an unforgettable kayak and snorkel experience is included in this tour.

Customer Praise

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable and engaging guides leading this West Maui kayak and snorkel tour.

Guests highlight the guides’ expertise in:

Guests praise the guides’ expertise in spotting marine life, providing insightful commentary, and ensuring a fun, safe adventure.

• Spotting marine life, including turtles, manta rays, and whales.

• Providing insightful commentary on the local ecosystem and Hawaiian culture.

• Adapting the tour to weather conditions to ensure the best possible experience.

• Ensuring a fun and safe adventure for both adults and children.

• Creating a memorable, personalized experience for each group.

The tour’s stellar reviews reflect the guides’ ability to deliver an exceptional adventure, from start to finish.

Whale Watching Opportunities

Although the West Maui kayak and snorkel tour operates year-round, visitors can enjoy the added bonus of whale watching during the peak season from late December to late April.

Northern Humpback Whales migrate to the warm Hawaiian waters to breed, calve, and nurse their young. Guests on the tour may spot these majestic creatures breaching, tail-slapping, or simply resting at the surface.

The calm, protected waters of the Olowalu and Ukumehame coastlines provide excellent opportunities to observe the whales in their natural habitat.

With a little luck, participants may even witness a mother and calf pair up close during their thrilling kayak and snorkel adventure.

Getting to Ukumehame Beach State Park

Ukumehame Beach State Park, the meeting point for the West Maui kayak and snorkel tour, is conveniently located along the Honoapiilani Highway, about 15 miles south of Lahaina.

The park offers:

• Free parking for visitors

• Beach access and picnic facilities

• Restrooms and outdoor showers

• Scenic views of the West Maui mountains

• Direct access to the Olowalu or Ukumehame coastline, the starting point for the kayak adventure.

Arriving at the park with ample time allows participants to prepare for the tour and enjoy the natural beauty of the area before embarking on their West Maui discovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

The tour is family-friendly and accepts children 5 years and older. The minimum age requirement for the tour is 5 years old, allowing for a fun and safe experience for the whole family.

Do Participants Need Prior Kayaking or Snorkeling Experience?

No, participants do not need prior kayaking or snorkeling experience. The tour includes a safety briefing and all necessary equipment, making it suitable for beginners and experienced adventurers alike.

What Should Participants Bring With Them on the Tour?

Participants should bring swimwear, sunscreen, towel, and water shoes or sandals. The tour provider supplies all necessary kayaking and snorkeling gear, including life jackets, so participants don’t need to bring their own equipment.

Are There Any Restrictions or Limitations on the Tour?

The tour has some limitations – it’s limited to 10 participants, and children must be at least 5 years old. Plus, the tour operates within specific seasons and is weather-dependent, so flexibility is required.

Can the Tour Be Customized or Personalized for Special Requests?

The tour can be personalized upon request. While group size is limited, the guides are willing to accommodate special requests, such as private tours or customized experiences, when possible. Travelers should inquire about customization options when booking.

The Sum Up

The West Side Discovery Kayak & Snorkel tour from Ukumehame Beach State Park offers a breathtaking way to explore Maui’s coastline. Guests can kayak, snorkel, and spot marine life like sea turtles and whales. With its family-friendly nature and knowledgeable guides, this adventure creates unforgettable memories amidst Maui’s stunning natural beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: