Paddle Makena Bay, snorkel among colorful reef gardens and green sea turtles, then return to shore to learn to surf in Kihei—all in a single five-hour outing. Expect small-group instruction, modern touring kayaks, and an early-morning start.
Paddle Makena Bay, snorkel among colorful reef gardens and green sea turtles, then return to shore to learn to surf in Kihei—all in a single five-hour outing. Expect small-group instruction, modern touring kayaks, and an early-morning start.
Morning light slices across Makena Bay as paddlers shove off from a quiet shoreline, the ocean pressing forward with a steady blue pulse. Guides give a short safety talk, then the group settles into late-model touring kayaks and eases toward reef edges where Molokini and Haleakala frame the horizon. The sea here has personality—currents that test your stroke, reef gardens that demand slow, respectful movement, and reefs that reward attention with flashes of parrotfish and the slow rotation of green sea turtles.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Keliis Kayak Tours · Kihei, Hawaii
Morning light slices across Makena Bay as paddlers shove off from a quiet shoreline, the ocean pressing forward with a steady blue pulse. Guides give a short safety talk, then the group settles into late-model touring kayaks and eases toward reef edges where Molokini and Haleakala frame the horizon. The sea here has personality—currents that test your stroke, reef gardens that demand slow, respectful movement, and reefs that reward attention with flashes of parrotfish and the slow rotation of green sea turtles.
This full-day combo blends a roughly 2-mile guided kayak, about 45 minutes of guided snorkeling in protected reef gardens (including “Turtle Town”), and a beach-based surf lesson later in Kihei. Geologically, the coastline is recent volcanic outflow from Haleakala’s activity, with pockets of broken lava and sediment forming the fringing reefs you’ll explore. Culturally, guides often share Hawaiian place names and basic marine etiquette—important given the endangered status of local honu (green sea turtles).
Practically: expect five hours total, early starts (check-in around 7:00 a.m.), small group instruction (max ~10 paddlers per guide), and equipment provided for snorkeling and surfing. Wear reef-safe sunscreen, a snug swim top or rashguard, and shoes that can get wet. Hydrate and bring a light dry bag; ocean conditions can change quickly so listen to guides and defer to their route choices. The day balances skill development with wildlife viewing—active, social, and inherently marine-focused.
No—participants paddle and snorkel at Makena Bay then drive themselves to the Kihei surf shop for the afternoon surf lesson; confirm meeting times with the operator.
No prior experience required—guides teach basic paddling and snorkeling techniques and surf instruction starts on shore for beginners.
Not recommended for children five and under; older children must meet safety and swimming standards and be supervised as required by the operator.
Possibly; green sea turtles frequent local reefs but are wild animals—maintain distance and never touch or feed them.
Keliis Kayak Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




Morning light slices across Makena Bay as paddlers shove off from a quiet shoreline, the ocean pressing forward with a steady blue pulse. Guides give a short safety talk, then the group settles into late-model touring kayaks and eases toward reef edges where Molokini and Haleakala frame the horizon. The sea here has personality—currents that test your stroke, reef gardens that demand slow, respectful movement, and reefs that reward attention with flashes of parrotfish and the slow rotation of green sea turtles.
Morning light slices across Makena Bay as paddlers shove off from a quiet shoreline, the ocean pressing forward with a steady blue pulse. Guides give a short safety talk, then the group settles into late-model touring kayaks and eases toward reef edges where Molokini and Haleakala frame the horizon. The sea here has personality—currents that test your stroke, reef gardens that demand slow, respectful movement, and reefs that reward attention with flashes of parrotfish and the slow rotation of green sea turtles.
This full-day combo blends a roughly 2-mile guided kayak, about 45 minutes of guided snorkeling in protected reef gardens (including “Turtle Town”), and a beach-based surf lesson later in Kihei. Geologically, the coastline is recent volcanic outflow from Haleakala’s activity, with pockets of broken lava and sediment forming the fringing reefs you’ll explore. Culturally, guides often share Hawaiian place names and basic marine etiquette—important given the endangered status of local honu (green sea turtles).
Practically: expect five hours total, early starts (check-in around 7:00 a.m.), small group instruction (max ~10 paddlers per guide), and equipment provided for snorkeling and surfing. Wear reef-safe sunscreen, a snug swim top or rashguard, and shoes that can get wet. Hydrate and bring a light dry bag; ocean conditions can change quickly so listen to guides and defer to their route choices. The day balances skill development with wildlife viewing—active, social, and inherently marine-focused.