
Maui: Turtle Reef Kayak Tour of Makena
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 336 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Maui: Turtle Reef Kayak Tour of Makena worth booking?
Maui: Turtle Reef Kayak Tour of Makena is a 2.8-hour experience in Maui, United States, from $121 per person. It scores 79 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 336 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 79 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (336)
- Duration
- 2.8 hours
- From
- $121 per person
This fun and educational Maui kayaking tour starts at Makena Landing and paddles around the bay area. The calm, clear ocean is perfect for various water activities including swimming, snorkeling and animal watching. Floa
What you get
About this experience
This fun and educational Maui kayaking tour starts at Makena Landing and paddles around the bay area. The calm, clear ocean is perfect for various water activities including swimming, snorkeling and animal watching. Float next to peaceful turtles and admire the stunning tropical underwater world. Leave all your worries behind and join this unique Hawaiian experience.
What's included
Included
- Quality Touring Kayaks - Singles and Doubles Available
- Light refreshments
- Local taxes
- Guide Assisted Launch and Landings
- CPR and First Aid Certified Guides with Many Years Ocean Experience
- Quality Snorkel Equipment, PFD, and dry bag if needed
- Beach Instructions and Safety Talk
Not included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop off
What you'll see and do
Makena Landing Park
We launch from the historic Makena Landing area. Very interesting history of cattle ranching and using the landing as a loading / drop off are for cattle coming off ships.
Pass by without stopping
Makena
The famous Makena area just south of Wailea offers gorgeous beaches and access to Makena Bay. Makena Bay is world famous for excellent snorkeling, beautiful beaches, and "Turtle Town".
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Maui
*** Google / Apple Map "Makena Landing" **** DO NOT GO TO A RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS ---------------------- From Makena Landing parking lot, walk 100 yards over little hill with ocean on right - you'll see kayaks there. Please google map "Makena Landing beach Park" or "Maluaka Beach Parking Lot" option B
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
*** Google / Apple Map "Makena Landing" **** DO NOT GO TO A RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS ---------------------- From Makena Landing parking lot, walk 100 yards over little hill with ocean on right - you'll see kayaks there. Please google map "Makena Landing beach Park" or "Maluaka Beach Parking Lot" option B
Options you can book
10:30am Departure
Guests 16 years and older only: This tour is only available to guests who are 16 years and over. 10:30am Departure
7:15am Departure
Guests ages 5+ 7:15am Departure
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- South Pacific Kayaks & Outfitters
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Paddling distance is approx 1.5 to 2.0 miles
- The 10:30am tour is only available to guests who are 16 years and over.
- The 7:15am departure offers ideal weather conditions, more active reef life, better visibility, etc. Best Experience!
- 715 tour time ages 5+ / 1030 tour time ages 16+
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 336 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
336 verified traveler reviews for Maui: Turtle Reef Kayak Tour of Makena. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
So many turtles you don’t know where to look
Absolutely a fantastic kayaking and snorkeling experience for the whole family. Our girls , 10 and 11 along with my husband and I made sure that this tour was on our list of things to do based on our experience 3 years ago. Our guide Miah who was the dad of our previous guide made the morning fun and we had a great time all around. There were so many turtles at one point, I didn’t know where to look. Such a great morning to spend on the ocean with a great company. We had the option to purchase a great package of photos from our trip and they are the highlight of the week. Looking forward to when we return. Book this trip - you won’t be disappointed.
Response from the operator: Mia is so fun! Glad you enjoyed the excursion out and got to see some of the local hang out spots for the famous turtles. Mahalo for joining us.
via Tripadvisor
Great Kayak and Snorkel tour
A great experience. Our guide, Tyler, was knowledgeable and friendly. His orientation and guidance was thorough. He took us to the best spots to snorkel and see the fish and turtles. He was even able to help some of our group get back into the kayaks as that can be tricky. Overall, it was a delightful morning!
via Viator
Na
Enjoyed the massive turtle population, great tour. Awesome weather. Thank you Mia! Definitely will be back.
Response from the operator: Thanks for your feedback. Makena Bay (aka "Turtle Town") is a hands down winner for turtles. Travel safe and we'll see you again on the next go round!
via Viator
This was a great...
This was a great experience! We went on the 10:30 tour but still had calm waters and lots of turtles. Jeremiah was a great guide. He explained everything down to the basics so that I felt comfortable even with no kayak or snorkeling experience. The kayaks were very fun and sturdy and Jeremiah shared a lot of great stories and facts along the way. The snorkeling site had so much to look at and Jeremiah was super patient as I figured out the snorkeling portion. Overall, an awesome experience.
via Viator
We were given great instructions Tyler was so helpful kind and so much fun!!
Tyler was the best! Knowledgeable home grown and a whole lot of fun!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $121 to $124
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 118
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 79
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Maui: Turtle Reef Kayak Tour of Makena: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Maui.
How much does Maui: Turtle Reef Kayak Tour of Makena cost?
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Prices start at $121 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Maui usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Maui: Turtle Reef Kayak Tour of Makena take?
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Plan for about 2.8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Maui is not rushed.
Is Maui: Turtle Reef Kayak Tour of Makena worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 79 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 336 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Maui, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Maui: Turtle Reef Kayak Tour of Makena?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Maui: Turtle Reef Kayak Tour of Makena suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Maui: Turtle Reef Kayak Tour of Makena?
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Around 118 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Maui can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Maui and add a light layer if any part of the 2.8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Maui: Turtle Reef Kayak Tour of Makena start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Maui within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Maui?
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Maui's three signature days are the Hana road, the Haleakala summit sunrise and the Molokini snorkel sail, and all three are logistics problems as much as experiences. Sunrise summit entry is permit-controlled, Hana is a ten-hour driving day, and Molokini boats vary wildly in size. Our ranking rewards operators who handle permits and keep boat capacity low. On Outty we rank every Maui experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Molokini Crater + South Maui Coast Adventure from Kihei, Maui, Maui: VIP Private Road to Hana Tour with Pick Up, Road to Hana Adventure Maui Tour with Lunch. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Maui?
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April to May and September to October. Whale season runs December to April. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Maui?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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