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

The best part of this South Maui day is the change of pace: you start on the water, watching for green sea turtles, then trade your kayak for a rainforest trail and waterfall pools. It combines three very different ways to see the island in one outing.

I like that kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking are all part of the same guided day, with lunch and snacks included. I also like the chance to learn about Maui’s plants and conservation from guides such as Tim and Jacob, whose island knowledge has been a highlight of the trip.

The main consideration is the commitment: 450 minutes is seven and a half hours, and the day involves both ocean activity and a hike. You need to reach the meeting point yourself, and the waterfall portion may change if weather or safety conditions require it.

Key things to know before you go

• Start at Makena Landing Park: Meet at 5083 Makena Road in Kihei. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
• Watch for green sea turtles: Snorkeling gives you a chance to see them grazing below or floating near the surface, though sightings are not guaranteed.
• Expect a full day outdoors: The tour lasts 450 minutes and includes kayaking, snorkeling, and a guided rainforest hike.
• Waterfall swimming is part of the appeal: You can swim in natural pools and jump from cliffs, depending on conditions and your comfort level.
• Bring proper footwear: Running shoes or sports sandals are recommended for the hike. Pack swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen, too.
• Know the group gratuity rule: For parties of 10 or more, a $300 gratuity is collected before the trip.

From Makena Landing to the open water

The day begins at Makena Landing Beach Park, on Maui’s south side. This is the meeting point, not a hotel pickup location, so plan your own ride to 5083 Makena Road in Kihei and allow time to arrive ready for an outdoor day.

You’ll start by taking a kayak into the ocean. The tour description sets the scene as a paddle beneath the warm Hawaiian sun, but ocean conditions can vary. This is not a still-water paddle, and the possibility of waves is part of the outing. If you are new to kayaking, tell your guide what you need and follow the safety directions before heading out.

Once you have paddled, you’ll get into the water with snorkel gear. Clear water can make it easier to look for fish and sea turtles, including Hawaiian green sea turtles grazing near the bottom or floating at the surface. Keep your expectations flexible: wildlife sightings depend on conditions and luck, so a turtle is a possibility, not a promise.

This sea-to-forest transition is what makes the day more than a standard snorkeling trip. You get time on the coast, then a change of setting and activity inland. If you prefer a single, quiet beach stop, this packed mix may feel like a lot. If you like to stay active and see different sides of Maui, it offers a useful range in one booking.

Snorkeling for Maui’s green sea turtles

The snorkeling portion gives you a chance to search for one of Hawaii’s best-known marine animals, the green sea turtle. The tour specifically encourages you to look for turtles feeding on the seafloor or resting near the surface. Keep a respectful distance and let the animals set the pace if you spot one.

You do not need to bring your own snorkel or kayak equipment. Both are included, which saves you from renting and transporting gear for the day. The information provided does not specify how long you’ll snorkel, the exact site, or whether wetsuits are supplied, so ask the operator if any of those details matter to you.

The water portion is weather dependent in the practical sense that the tour may be altered when safety concerns arise. The outing runs in most weather conditions, but that is not a guarantee that every activity will proceed exactly as planned. A flexible attitude is useful when a day includes ocean paddling and swimming.

A rainforest hike with room to learn

After the coastal activities, the tour heads into Maui’s rainforest for a guided hike. The walk crosses a lush, green setting before reaching the waterfalls. The pace, trail length, elevation, and ground conditions are not specified, so don’t assume this is a flat stroll. Sports shoes or running shoes are recommended, and sports sandals are also suggested.

A guide can add context that you would miss on your own. Tim has been associated with conservation work, while Jacob has shared information about island history and plants. Those details can turn a walk between activities into a closer look at the place you’re visiting. Guide assignments can change, so treat those names as examples rather than a promise about who will lead your date.

For anyone who likes knowing what they are looking at, this is one of the tour’s strongest elements. The hike is not just a way to reach the water; it gives you time among Maui’s plant life and a chance to ask questions. The trade-off is that you need to be comfortable spending much of the day on your feet, in swimwear and outdoor gear.

Waterfall pools and cliff jumps

The hike leads to natural waterfalls and pools where you can swim and relax. Cliff jumps are also part of the experience, but they are an option, not a requirement. You can enjoy the setting without jumping, and you should follow the guide’s directions about where it is safe to enter the water.

Waterfalls can make a memorable finish to a day that began on the coast. They also bring variables: water levels, footing, and conditions can affect what is safe. The operator says tours run in most weather but may be changed for safety. Staff are trained in advanced CPR and first aid, which is reassuring for an active outing, though it does not remove the need to use your judgment.

Bring a towel and a change of dry clothes if you want them after swimming. The listed packing advice specifically calls for swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and sports shoes. Since the day combines ocean and forest activities, having your basic gear ready can make transitions easier.

What the $260 price covers

At $260 per person, this is a substantial day out, not a quick kayak rental. The fee includes a kayak, snorkel equipment, lunch and snacks, and a guided hike. You are paying for a sequence of activities with guides and equipment, rather than arranging separate outings yourself.

The value depends on whether you want all three parts. If kayaking, snorkeling, and a rainforest walk with a waterfall swim all appeal, combining them can make the price easier to justify. If you mainly want to snorkel, or would rather spend the day at one beach, you may get better value from a shorter, more focused activity.

No hotel pickup or drop-off is included, so factor in your own transport to Makena Landing Park. There is also a special gratuity condition: parties of 10 or more will have a $300 gratuity collected before the trip. If you are booking for a large party, confirm how that amount is handled before you commit.

Who will enjoy this day most

This tour suits active visitors who like variety and are happy to spend much of the day outdoors. It should appeal to people who want a guided introduction to both Maui’s coast and rainforest, and who value having equipment, food, and a hike bundled together.

It is not suitable for children under six. For older children, consider their comfort with kayaking, snorkeling, walking, and a long day outside; the provided information does not give a minimum age beyond the under-six restriction or describe the hike’s difficulty.

If cliff jumping is the main reason you are considering the tour, keep your plans open. The opportunity is part of the experience, but conditions and safety can affect what is possible. The stronger reason to book is the combination of ocean time, a guided forest walk, and waterfall swimming, with jumping as an extra if it feels right.

Practical details for planning your day

The tour lasts 450 minutes, or seven and a half hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date. The guide speaks English, and the experience is provided by Hike Maui.

Wear swimwear under or with your hiking clothes, and bring a towel, sunscreen, and running shoes or sports sandals. The tour includes lunch and snacks, but no further meal details are provided, so check with the operator if you have dietary needs or want to know what food is served.

The booking offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, as well as a reserve-now, pay-later option. Those terms can help if your plans are not settled, but check the current details when booking. Weather may alter the activity for safety, so avoid treating the waterfall or ocean portion as guaranteed under every condition.

Should you book the South Maui waterfall tour?

Book it if you want an active, full-day mix of kayaking, snorkeling, a guided rainforest hike, and waterfall swimming, and you’re comfortable meeting at Makena Landing without hotel transport. The included equipment, food, and guide support add value when you plan to take part in all three activities.

Skip it if you want a short outing, need door-to-door transport, or would rather avoid a long day involving ocean conditions and hiking. For the right kind of visitor, this is a practical way to move from Maui’s south coast into its rainforest in one day, with sea turtles and waterfalls as possible highlights rather than promises.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

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

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $260 per person.

Where is the meeting point?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What equipment and food are included?

The tour includes a kayak, snorkel equipment, lunch, snacks, and a guided hike.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and running shoes or sports sandals.

Can children under six join?

No. The tour is not suitable for children under six.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

Tours run in most weather conditions, but activities may be altered if safety issues arise.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.