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

Makena Landing gives you a busy Maui day in one package: ocean kayaking and snorkeling in the morning, followed by a rainforest hike to waterfalls and swimming pools. You may paddle over small waves, look for Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, then trade your boat for a trail through thick greenery.

I like the range here. The three-part design keeps the day moving, and the guides bring more than basic directions. Tim has shared rainforest history and local tips, while Jacob has explained island plants and led families to quiet spots. The catch is simple: this is an active seven-and-a-half-hour outing, not a lazy beach day.

Key points at a glance

• Makena Landing start: Meet at 5083 Makena Road and begin with ocean kayaking from South Maui.
• Turtle search: Snorkel in clear water while watching the seafloor and surface for Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles.
• Rainforest walking: A guided hike adds plant knowledge, island stories, and access to waterfall areas.
• Waterfall swimming: The day ends with natural pools, swimming, and cliff-jump opportunities.
• All-day value: Kayak gear, snorkel equipment, lunch, snacks, and the guided hike are included in the $260 price.
• Active outing: Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and sturdy sports shoes. Children under 6 cannot join.

A full Maui day that changes pace

This experience lasts 450 minutes, or 7.5 hours. That matters because you are not squeezing in a quick paddle and a short photo stop. You get enough time for three different settings, each with its own appeal.

The morning centers on the water at Makena Landing Beach Park. After kayaking, you snorkel in clear water and search for turtles. Later, the setting changes to a rainforest trail, where the focus shifts from wildlife in the sea to plants, waterfalls, and freshwater pools.

I like this structure for a first visit to Maui. You see more than one side of the island without booking separate activities on different days. At the same time, the range means you should arrive ready for physical effort, wet clothes, sun, uneven ground, and a long day.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to reach Makena Landing Park at 5083 Makena Road in Kihei on your own. That is an important planning detail, especially if your accommodation is outside South Maui or you prefer tours that handle every transfer.

Kayaking from Makena Landing

The first activity puts you in a kayak on the ocean beneath the Hawaiian sun. The supplied kayak is included, so you do not need to arrange a separate rental before arriving.

Ocean kayaking sounds gentle, but conditions can affect the experience. Waves may make launching and paddling more demanding, and one outing included a kayak that flipped more than once. Derek stayed patient, corrected the problem, and helped get the boat back into working order. That detail tells you what kind of support matters here: calm assistance when the water does not behave perfectly.

You should expect to get wet. Wear swimwear from the start, keep your towel handy, and use sunscreen before you launch. Sports sandals or running shoes are recommended for the wider day, though you should choose footwear that can handle both wet conditions and a rainforest trail.

Kayaking is also a good way to begin because it gives you time on the water before the snorkel session. You get a feel for the waves, the sun, and your own energy level. If paddling feels tiring, tell the guide early rather than waiting until the hike begins.

Snorkeling with Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles

After kayaking, you enter the clear water for snorkeling. The main goal is to look for Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles grazing along the bottom or floating near the surface.

That search gives the snorkeling a purpose beyond simply swimming around. Keep your eyes moving between the seafloor and the water above you. Turtles can be easy to miss when you focus only in front of your mask.

The clear water can make this one of the day’s most rewarding parts, but wildlife is never a timed performance. You may see turtles, as previous outings have, but no one can promise a particular animal will appear. The experience is best if you treat turtle watching as a patient search rather than a guarantee.

Bring a calm attitude into the water. The provided information does not list special snorkeling qualifications, but kayaking and swimming in the ocean still require comfort around water. If you are uneasy in waves, tell the guide. The staff members have advanced CPR and first-aid training, and tours may be changed when conditions create safety concerns.

From salt water to Maui rainforest

The second half takes you inland for a guided rainforest hike. This is where the tour gains its strongest educational element.

Guides such as Tim and Jacob have added information about Maui’s plants, island history, and less obvious spots along the route. That can change the feel of a hike. Instead of simply walking toward a waterfall, you have someone pointing out what you are seeing and explaining why the area matters.

The trail crosses a green rainforest setting, so sturdy footwear is more useful than casual flip-flops. Running shoes or sports sandals are recommended. Expect the ground to be uneven or wet enough that you will want secure footing, even though the exact trail conditions can vary.

I especially like this portion for visitors who want more context than a quick scenic stop provides. A waterfall is easy to photograph, but a guide can help you pay attention to the plants and surroundings along the way. Jacob has also shared local suggestions for places to try, a useful bonus if you want ideas for the rest of your Maui stay.

The hike does add work after the water activities. By this point, you may be carrying wet gear, dealing with sun exposure, and feeling the day in your legs. Eat the included snacks and lunch instead of trying to push through on little food.

Waterfalls, pools, and cliff jumps

The rainforest trail leads to waterfalls and natural pools. Here, the pace changes again. You can relax in the water, swim, and take in the setting after the walk.

The outing also includes opportunities to jump from cliffs into the pools. This is the most adventurous part of the day, but it should not be treated as a requirement. If you do not want to jump, you can still enjoy the waterfall area and swim in the pools as conditions allow.

Ask the guide about the current water and jumping conditions before you commit. The tour can be altered when safety issues arise, and natural swimming areas are not the same as a controlled pool. Follow the guide’s instructions, check the landing area, and skip the jump if you feel unsure.

The combination of a rainforest walk and waterfall swim gives the day its strongest sense of place. You are not only looking at Maui from a marked viewpoint. You are moving through the forest and entering the water itself, with the tradeoff that natural settings demand more care and flexibility.

What the $260 price covers

At $260 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. I think the price makes the most sense for someone who would otherwise book separate kayaking, snorkeling, and rainforest activities.

The fee includes:

• Kayak
• Snorkel equipment
• Lunch
• Snacks
• Guided hike

You are paying for a long day, several kinds of equipment, food, and guide support. The value improves if you want a packed itinerary and would rather coordinate one outing than arrange three separate bookings.

The price is harder to justify if you mainly want a relaxed snorkel or a short waterfall visit. You may spend much of the day being active, and the package includes activities you might not use fully. Someone who dislikes kayaking, hiking, or cliff jumping should choose a narrower experience.

Large parties need to note one extra cost. For groups of 10 or more, a $300 gratuity is collected before the trip. The information does not say whether this amount is per person or for the party, so ask for clarification before booking if you are organizing a large group.

Guides who add more than directions

The guide can shape this outing. The names connected with this experience include Tim, Jacob, and Derek.

Tim has brought rainforest history and local food suggestions into the day. Jacob has explained plants and island details while guiding families through scenic, quieter areas. Derek has shown patience when kayak trouble made the water portion more difficult.

You may not have all three guides on your departure, and guide assignments can vary. Still, the outing is designed around live English-speaking guidance rather than a self-guided rental. That matters when you need help with a kayak, want to understand the rainforest, or need a safety call at the waterfall.

The staff also have advanced CPR and first-aid training. That does not remove the ordinary risks of ocean paddling, snorkeling, hiking, or cliff jumping, but it is a reassuring part of the setup for an active day.

Who should book this outing

I would choose this for an active adult, older child, couple, or family that wants variety. You should be comfortable spending a full day outdoors and moving between water and trail activities.

It suits you if:

• You want kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and waterfall swimming in one booking.
• You hope to see Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles.
• You enjoy learning about local plants and island history.
• You like the idea of a natural swimming area and possible cliff jumps.
• You are willing to arrange your own transportation to Makena Landing.

I would look elsewhere if you need hotel pickup, dislike getting wet, or want a short and easy excursion. Children under 6 are not allowed, and the overall schedule may be tiring for anyone who is not used to a full day of outdoor activity.

What to bring and how to prepare

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and sports shoes. A pair of running shoes or secure sports sandals is more useful than flimsy beach footwear because the day includes both kayaking and rainforest walking.

Apply sunscreen before the first water activity, then follow the guide’s advice about reapplying. You will spend time in direct sun and may be wet for part of the day.

Arrive ready to eat on the schedule provided. Lunch and snacks are included, which helps keep the long itinerary practical. You should not assume you can leave the group easily to buy food once the day is underway.

Keep your expectations flexible. Tours operate in most weather, but the plan can change if safety conditions require it. That could affect the water, the hike, or the waterfall portion. A flexible attitude is part of booking any outing built around ocean and natural-water conditions.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are still arranging a larger Maui itinerary.

My call: book it if you want variety

Book this South Maui outing if you want one active day that combines ocean time, turtle searching, rainforest walking, and waterfall swimming. The guides add useful island context, and the included gear, food, and hike make the $260 easier to defend than a simple kayak rental.

Skip it if you want hotel transport, a quiet beach day, or a predictable schedule with little physical effort. For everyone else, the strongest reason to book is the variety: if the ocean is lively, the rainforest brings a change of pace; if the hike tires you, the waterfall pools offer a place to cool off. Just pack properly, leave room for weather changes, and treat the cliff jumps as an option rather than the main event.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

Meet at Makena Landing Park, 5083 Makena Road, Kihei, Hawaii 96753.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How long does the activity last?

The activity lasts 450 minutes, or 7.5 hours.

What activities are included?

The day includes ocean kayaking, snorkeling, a guided rainforest hike, waterfall swimming, and opportunities for cliff jumping.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkel equipment is included.

Is a kayak included?

Yes. A kayak is included in the activity price.

Is lunch provided?

Yes. Lunch and snacks are included.

Can children join the tour?

Children under 6 are not suitable for this activity.

What should I bring?

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

What happens if the weather is poor?

Tours run in most weather conditions, but the activities may be changed when safety issues arise.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The live tour guide speaks English.