South Maui: Waterfall Tour w/ Kayak, Snorkel, and Hike

Maui packs a lot into one day. This seven-and-a-half-hour outing joins ocean kayaking, turtle snorkeling, a rainforest hike, and waterfall swimming, so you get more than a single beach activity. I like the mix of water and trail time, and I like that guides such as Tim and Jacob add natural and cultural context along the way. The main drawback is the pace: this is an active day, not a lazy excursion.

The meeting point is Makena Landing Beach Park, and you must arrange your own way there. Cliff jumping is optional in spirit but central to the waterfall portion, so uneven trails, wet footing, and physical effort are part of the deal. Children under six cannot join, and a party of 10 or more pays a $300 gratuity before departure.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• Makena Landing starts the day on the water: You launch kayaks from the south Maui coast and paddle beneath the morning sun.
• Turtle watching is part of the snorkel stop: Look for Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles grazing below or floating near the surface.
• The rainforest section changes the mood: After the ocean, you cross a lush inland setting on a guided hike to waterfalls.
• Waterfall pools come with a little adrenaline: You can swim, relax, and jump from cliffs if conditions and confidence allow.
• Tim and Jacob have made a strong impression: Tim is praised for conservation work and rainforest stories, while Jacob brings plant knowledge and local suggestions.
• Bring real footwear: Running shoes or sports sandals are recommended, not flimsy flip-flops.

Starting at Makena Landing Beach Park

The day begins at Makena Landing Park, at 5083 Makena Road in Kihei. Since hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, build your morning around reaching this address on your own. That is easy to understand, but it adds one more task to a full day that already requires swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and sturdy footwear.

Makena Landing is the right kind of starting point for this outing. You begin beside the ocean rather than spending the first part of the day on a long transfer. Once the equipment is ready, your group takes kayaks onto the water and paddles along the south Maui coast.

The kayaking is not just a warm-up. It gives you a different view of the shoreline and gets you moving before the snorkel stop. You will need to handle a kayak on ocean water, and conditions can change. The company runs tours in most weather, but the plan may be adjusted when safety becomes a concern.

That flexibility is sensible. An ocean activity and a waterfall hike should not follow a rigid script when waves, rain, or trail conditions create a problem. You may not get every planned moment in exactly the same way, but a careful guide is more useful than a guide determined to force the schedule.

Snorkeling With Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles

After kayaking, you enter the water with snorkel gear and look for Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. The water is described as crystal clear, and the turtles may be grazing on the bottom or floating at the surface.

This is the part many people will picture first, and it can be the most rewarding section for anyone who enjoys calm wildlife encounters. The key is patience. Turtles do not perform on command, so keep watch below you and around the surface rather than expecting an instant sighting.

The equipment is included, along with the kayak. That matters at $260 per person because you do not have to rent those two main pieces separately. You still need to bring your own swimwear, towel, and sunscreen, but the central water gear is covered.

I also like the way the morning pairs movement with observation. You paddle first, then slow down and pay attention to the water. A past outing included turtle sightings, and another guest reported that a guide remained patient and fixed a kayak after it flipped three times. That detail tells you two useful things: ocean conditions can be lively, and the staff is prepared to help when the water does not cooperate.

Do not treat the turtle search as a guarantee of a close encounter. The activity promises a chance to look for Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, not a certain number of sightings. The value is still strong if you enjoy being on the water, since snorkeling and kayaking remain part of the day even if wildlife keeps its distance.

From Ocean Air to Maui Rainforest

The second half leaves the coast for a guided hike through Maui’s rainforest. This change gives the outing its strongest sense of variety. You go from salt water and open sky to a greener, wetter setting with plants, streams, and waterfall pools.

The hike is guided, and that makes a real difference here. A good guide can point out plants, explain what you are seeing, and keep the route moving at a reasonable pace. Jacob, a Hike Maui guide, is praised for his knowledge of the island, its plants, and secluded spots. Tim is also noted for his conservation work and for sharing the story of the rainforest.

Those names are useful because the guide is not just there to lead the way. The best part of this portion is likely the interpretation, the small details you would miss while walking alone. You can expect the trail to be part nature walk, part local lesson, and part route to the swimming holes.

The hike also requires more from you than a short stroll from a parking lot. Sports sandals or running shoes are recommended, and that advice deserves attention. Wet ground and uneven footing are poor partners for smooth sandals or casual street shoes.

The company says staff members have advanced CPR and first aid training. That does not make the hike risk-free, but it is a sensible safety measure for a day involving ocean water, slippery trails, and cliff jumps. You should still move within your limits and follow the guide’s instructions.

Swimming and Cliff Jumps at the Waterfalls

The waterfall stop is the day’s most playful section. Once you reach the pools, you can swim, relax in the water, and jump from cliffs. For some people, the jumps will be the highlight. For others, the pools and the setting will be enough.

You do not need to prove anything here. A waterfall swim is worthwhile without taking the highest available jump, and the correct choice depends on conditions, comfort, and the guide’s direction. The supplied details do not state the jump height or promise that every jump will be available, so keep your expectations flexible.

The route can also change if safety issues arise. Rain may affect trails and water levels, and the company notes that tours can be altered in most weather conditions when needed. That is especially important for a waterfall visit, where slippery surfaces and moving water deserve respect.

The payoff is the contrast. You have already spent time looking for turtles in the sea, and now you are surrounded by rainforest with a natural pool below a waterfall. It feels less like checking off separate activities and more like seeing two different sides of South Maui in one day.

What the $260 Price Really Covers

At $260 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. It is priced as a full-day guided outing, and the cost includes the kayak, snorkel equipment, lunch, snacks, and guided hike.

The value depends on how much you want to do in one day. If you only want to snorkel for an hour, the price will feel high. If you want ocean time, turtle searching, a rainforest hike, food, and waterfall swimming without organizing each piece yourself, the package makes more sense.

A guide also gives the day structure. You do not have to work out where to paddle, how to connect the coastal activity with the rainforest, or how to make the hike fit into the day. That convenience has real value on Maui, where separate activities can consume time and require their own bookings.

Still, remember the extras. Hotel transportation is not included, so you handle the trip to Makena Landing. Large groups of 10 or more also face a $300 gratuity collected before the trip. That is a significant additional amount for a big party, so add it to the budget before booking.

Lunch and snacks are included, which helps during a 450-minute outing. You should still arrive ready for a long active day, since food does not remove the need for water, sunscreen, and practical clothing.

The Guides Make More Than a Practical Difference

The strongest praise focuses on the guides. Tim is described as passionate about conservation, and his rainforest explanations have been singled out as inspiring. Jacob is praised for island and plant knowledge, as well as for pointing out beautiful, secluded places.

That matters because Maui is not just a collection of attractive stops. A guide can connect the plants, water, and local setting in a way that gives the hike more meaning. Even a simple walk to a waterfall becomes more memorable when someone explains what grows there and why the area matters.

Derek, associated with Kellie Tours for the kayaking portion, also received credit for staying patient after a kayak flipped three times. He made sure the equipment was fixed before the group returned to shore. You cannot predict whether your own kayak will remain steady, but you can see the benefit of having staff who do not panic when a basic water activity gets messy.

English is the tour language. If you are comfortable receiving instructions and explanations in English, that should be straightforward. No other language is listed.

Who Will Enjoy This Day Most

I would recommend this tour to you if you want an active Maui day with several types of scenery. It fits people who like to paddle, snorkel, walk on uneven trails, swim, and choose their own level of adventure at the waterfall.

It also works well for families with older children, couples, and small groups that want a guided outing instead of several separate reservations. Children under six are not permitted, and the physical mix makes this a poor match for anyone seeking a low-effort sightseeing day.

You should also be comfortable with changing conditions. The ocean may be calm or bumpy, a kayak can tip, and rainforest trails can be wet. The tour is designed around outdoor activity, not guaranteed comfort.

Bring:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen
• Running shoes or sports sandals
• A willingness to keep footwear on for the hike

You may want to avoid bringing anything that cannot handle water. The provided information does not specify storage arrangements, so pack simply and protect valuables.

Booking Flexibility and Practical Details

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also lets you hold a place without paying immediately, which is useful while you are still arranging a Maui schedule.

The activity lasts 450 minutes, or seven and a half hours. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule before you commit to other plans that day. With kayaking, snorkeling, lunch, hiking, and waterfall time all included, leave the rest of the day open.

The meeting point is Makena Landing Park, 5083 Makena Road, Kihei, Hawaii 96753. Since transportation is not included, confirm how you will get there before the morning of the tour. That small bit of preparation will keep the day from beginning with a scramble.

Should You Book This South Maui Adventure?

Book it if you want a full day of active outdoor time and like the idea of combining turtle snorkeling with a rainforest hike. The included gear, food, safety-trained staff, and guides such as Tim and Jacob give the $260 price a reasonable foundation.

Skip it if you want a slow beach day, dislike wet trails, or have no interest in kayaking and cliff-side waterfall swimming. The most important choice is not the price. It is whether seven and a half hours of moving between ocean and rainforest sounds like your idea of a good Maui day.

For the right person, this is a strong all-round package: paddle, search for turtles, walk under rainforest cover, and finish in a natural pool. Just arrive prepared for exercise, bring proper shoes, and keep an open mind when weather or water conditions change the plan.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is Makena Landing Park, 5083 Makena Road, Kihei, Hawaii 96753.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must arrange your own transportation to and from Makena Landing Park.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts 450 minutes, which is seven and a half hours.

What activities are included?

The day includes ocean kayaking, snorkeling, a guided rainforest hike, waterfall swimming, and the option to jump from cliffs at the waterfall area.

Are kayak and snorkel equipment included?

Yes. A kayak and snorkel equipment are included.

Is lunch provided?

Yes. Lunch and snacks are included.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and sports shoes. Running shoes or sports sandals are recommended.

Can children join the tour?

Children under six years old are not permitted to join.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve your place and pay later.