Maui Outrigger Canoe Tour & Snorkeling with Local Guide

Summary

Paddle Maui’s Wailea coast, snorkel with turtles, and hear real stories

You’ll paddle an authentic Hawaiian outrigger canoe along Maui’s Wailea coast with a local guide who shares real family stories. Snorkel clear waters with sea turtles, spot seasonal whales if you’re lucky, and learn about ancient navigation firsthand. With gear included and cold water on board, it’s an experience you’ll remember long after your feet hit the sand again.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever tried paddling one of these?” our guide Kaleo grinned as he handed me the paddle on Polo Beach, Maui. I shook my head — honestly, I was just hoping not to embarrass myself in front of the others. The canoe felt solid but smooth under my hands, and there was this faint salty breeze mixing with sunscreen and plumeria. Kaleo started telling us about how his grandfather used to build canoes like this one — Ke Anuenue — and suddenly it wasn’t just a boat anymore.

We pushed off right from the sand, all of us a little clumsy at first (I splashed more than I paddled), but once we got going along the Wailea coast, it was quiet except for the slap of water and Kaleo’s stories about ancient navigation. He pointed out where the reef drops off — “that’s where turtles like to hang out.” When we stopped to snorkel, I actually saw one gliding past some coral, totally unbothered by us. The water was cooler than I expected, clear enough that you could see every flicker of fish scales. There was this moment when everyone went silent underwater — just bubbles and sunlight slicing through blue.

On the way back, someone spotted a humpback whale spouting in the distance (apparently winter is prime time for that). We all tried to get a photo but mostly ended up laughing at our blurry attempts. Kaleo shared more about Hawaiian history — stuff you don’t get from guidebooks. He even taught us how to say “mahalo” properly; Li laughed when I tried it in Mandarin too (probably butchered both languages). By then my arms were tired but in a good way. I still think about that view looking back at Maui from the water — it’s different seeing it from out there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sail and Snorkel Wailea Coast

• Learn Hawaiian canoe history and culture
• Sail on Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe 'Ke Anuenue'
• Snorkel with sea turtles and reef fish
• Whale watching (seasonal)

Top questions

Where does the Maui outrigger canoe tour start?

The tour begins on Polo Beach in Wailea, Maui.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, snorkel gear is included for all participants.

Will we see sea turtles during the trip?

You’ll have a chance to snorkel in spots where sea turtles are often seen.

Are whale sightings guaranteed?

No, but humpback whales are often seen during their seasonal migration.

How long is the canoe sailing experience?

The exact duration isn’t specified but expect a half-day activity including paddling and snorkeling.

Is bottled water included?

Yes, cold bottled water is provided during the tour.

Do I need previous paddling experience?

No prior experience is needed; guides will show you what to do.

What level of fitness is required?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended for paddling and snorkeling.

What’s included

Your day includes use of snorkel equipment so you don’t need to bring your own gear, plus cold bottled water throughout the trip. You’ll be guided by a local expert who shares stories and helps launch straight from Polo Beach before returning after your adventure along Maui’s Wailea coast.