About South Pacific Kayaks
South Pacific Kayaks is Maui's longest-running kayak tour company, operating continuously since 1991 from their launch point at Makena Landing in South Maui. Over three decades of guiding have given their team an intimate knowledge of Makena Bay's currents, reef systems, and turtle haunts that newer operators simply cannot match. The bay itself is widely regarded as the single best spot on the island for combining kayaking and snorkelling, with calm conditions, stunning coastal scenery, and one of the densest populations of Hawaiian green sea turtles anywhere in the state.
Their flagship Turtle Reef Discovery tour is a three-hour excursion that begins with a beachside safety and paddling class before launching tandem kayaks along the Wailea coastline. Guests paddle to prime snorkel sites near Turtle Arches, where sea turtle sightings occur on nearly every trip, and the package includes all kayak gear, life jackets, premium snorkel equipment, and post-paddle snacks and beverages. The tour is family-friendly—ages five and up—and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Beyond kayaking, South Pacific also runs surf lessons and stand-up paddle tours for guests who want to try multiple water sports during their stay.
Guides like Jake, Dan, and Steve are regularly praised by name in reviews for their knowledge, calm demeanour, and genuine enthusiasm for sharing Maui's marine environment. The company maintains the newest equipment fleet on the island, ensuring every kayak, paddle, and snorkel set is in top condition. With over 30 years of experience and consistently strong ratings on TripAdvisor and Yelp, South Pacific Kayaks remains the benchmark for guided ocean adventures in South Maui.
