Olowalu Kayak & Snorkel Tour Maui

Best West Maui Reef Snorkel

Experience one of West Maui’s most spectacular marine destinations with this comprehensive 3.5-hour kayak and snorkel adventure to Olowalu, renowned as one of Hawaii’s premier turtle cleaning stations and home to vibrant coral reefs. Combine the excitement of sea kayaking with world-class snorkeling in an area famous for frequent Hawaiian green sea turtle encounters and exceptional marine biodiversity.

Activity Price

119 USD

Duration

3.5 Hours

Age

Ages 5+

Location

Maryland, US

Amenities

Extended Duration – 3.5 hours for comprehensive reef exploration
Premier Location – Access to famous Olowalu turtle cleaning station

Special Instruction

Paddle to Olowalu's Turtle Paradise

World-Famous Olowalu Turtle Cleaning Station

Discover Olowalu’s legendary reputation as one of Hawaii’s most reliable turtle viewing locations, where Hawaiian green sea turtles regularly visit shallow coral reefs for cleaning services performed by small tropical fish. This natural cleaning station provides incredible opportunities to observe sea turtle behavior up close as they rest motionless while fish remove algae and parasites from their shells. The calm, shallow waters and high turtle density make Olowalu an ideal location for both novice and experienced snorkelers to witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

Sea Kayaking to Remote Reef Access

Paddle stable sea kayaks approximately 1-2 miles to reach Olowalu’s pristine offshore reefs, following West Maui’s dramatic coastline while enjoying spectacular mountain and ocean views. The kayaking adventure provides excellent exercise and unique perspectives of Maui’s landscape while serving as eco-friendly transportation to snorkeling sites that are less crowded than those accessible by large boats. Experience the satisfaction of self-powered ocean exploration while approaching marine life in the quietest, least disruptive manner possible.

Extended Coral Reef Exploration

Spend ample time exploring Olowalu’s extensive coral reef system, which features some of West Maui’s healthiest coral formations and highest marine life diversity. The 3.5-hour duration allows for thorough underwater exploration of multiple reef areas, each offering different coral species, fish populations, and underwater topography. The extended timeframe ensures relaxed snorkeling without rushing, providing opportunities for underwater photography, marine life observation, and peaceful reef meditation in one of Hawaii’s most pristine marine environments.

Olowalu Kayak & Snorkel Experience

About
Pricing

Kayak & Snorkel Adventure

Explore Maui’s Marine Sanctuary and Turtle Reef


Duration: 3.5 Hours

Snorkel Stops: 2


About the Experience

Set out on a breathtaking ocean adventure through the Hawaiian Islands National Humpback Whale Marine Sanctuary, one of Maui’s most remarkable coastal environments. This 3.5-hour kayak and snorkel experience invites you to paddle along Olowalu’s Turtle Reef, a protected marine haven home to stunning coral gardens, vibrant fish, and Hawaii’s beloved green sea turtles.

As you glide across the water, enjoy panoramic views of the West Maui Mountains rising dramatically above the coastline. Then, dive into the crystal-clear Pacific waters to explore two pristine snorkel sites teeming with marine life — from schools of tropical fish to the gentle sea turtles resting among the coral.

Our certified, eco-conscious guides are marine naturalists and hold American Red Cross Lifeguard, CPR, and First Aid certifications, ensuring a fun, safe, and informative experience. Along the way, they’ll share fascinating insights into Hawaiian history, marine ecology, and the importance of protecting these fragile ecosystems.


What’s Included

  • Life jackets
  • Snorkel gear (mask, fins, and snorkel)
  • Bottled water
  • Healthy snacks

Extras

  • HD underwater digital cameras available for rent to capture your adventure

Tour Schedule

  • Monday–Saturday: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM
  • Closed Sundays and Holidays

Requirements

  • No prior experience necessary
  • Ages 5 and up welcome
  • Basic swimming skills required

Departure Location

Olowalu Beach
📍 Honoapiʻilani Highway 30, Mile Marker 14


Why You’ll Love It

This all-in-one eco adventure blends kayaking, snorkeling, and marine discovery into an unforgettable morning on the water. Paddle through calm, scenic bays, snorkel with turtles, and encounter Maui’s underwater magic — guided by experts who share your love for the ocean.

Perfect for families, first-time snorkelers, or seasoned adventurers, this experience captures the essence of Maui: warm, welcoming, and teeming with life.

Pricing

  • Adults (Ages 18-64): US$119

  • Youths (Ages 12-17): US$109

  • Children (Ages 5-11): US$99

  • Seniors (Ages 65+): US$99

Olowalu Adventure Questions

  • Olowalu is famous as a turtle cleaning station where Hawaiian green sea turtles regularly visit shallow reefs for cleaning services. The combination of abundant algae-covered rocks for food, calm waters for resting, and cleaning fish creates ideal habitat conditions that attract consistent turtle populations year-round.

  • The paddle to Olowalu’s main snorkeling reefs is approximately 1-2 miles from the launch point, taking 30-45 minutes depending on ocean conditions and group pace. The kayaking is moderate difficulty with spectacular coastal scenery throughout the paddle to the snorkeling destination.

  • The extended timeframe allows for relaxed exploration without rushing between activities. You’ll have ample time for thorough reef exploration, multiple turtle encounters, underwater photography, and rest breaks, creating a comprehensive marine adventure rather than a hurried tour experience.

  • Yes! While basic fitness is helpful, comprehensive kayaking instruction is provided for beginners. We use stable touring kayaks suitable for ocean conditions, and guides stay close to provide assistance. The moderate paddle distance and calm Olowalu waters make this accessible for most fitness levels.

  • Olowalu’s healthy reefs support incredible marine diversity including eagle rays, white-tip reef sharks, octopus, moray eels, and abundant tropical fish species. The coral formations host nudibranchs, Christmas tree worms, and various invertebrates, creating a complete ecosystem for underwater exploration.

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