Maui Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Cultural and Turtle Tour from Wailea Beach
by Hawaiian Ocean Sports
Overview
This one-hour canoe tour in Maui starts at Wailea Beach, where you board a traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoe. The guide explains the ancient techniques of Wayfinding and Celestial Navigation once used by Polynesian voyagers to navigate the Pacific. As you paddle along Maui’s south shore, you’ll see marine life including endangered green sea turtles near Turtletown off Wailea Point. If visiting between November and April, you might spot migrating humpback whales in the waters. The tour includes canoeing equipment and a professional guide who shares cultural stories, including the history of the Hawaiian Monarchy’s overthrow in 1893. You’ll participate in traditional Hawaiian chants while paddling and take in views of Haleakala, the West Maui Mountains, and nearby islands like Lana’i and Molokini. Swimming with the turtles is optional if conditions allow. Local taxes and the outrigger canoe excursion are included, but food, drinks, gratuities, souvenir photos, and hotel transfer are not. Check-in is required 20 minutes before the start. Participants should be able to paddle at least half a mile. Children under six are not recommended for this tour.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Hawaiian Ocean Sports
This stop allows you to experience a traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoe tour while learning about the illegal occupation of Hawai'i and the 1893 overthrow of the monarchy. You participate in traditional Hawaiian chants as you paddle the canoe along Maui’s south coast. Scenic views include Haleakala, the West Maui Mountains, Lana’i, Kaho’olawe/Kanaloa, and Molokini. The canoe paddling leads to Turtletown off Wailea Point, where you can see green and hawksbill turtles. Swimming with turtles is optional.
Wailea Beach
Your tour begins at Wailea Beach, south Maui. Here you learn about the Polynesian Voyagers who sailed the Polynesian Triangle, using celestial navigation and wayfinding. This location honors the traditions and knowledge passed down by Hawaiian ancestors. Wailea means 'Waters of Sacred Happiness' in ancient Hawaiian.
Meeting point
There is free public parking at Wailea Beach Park. After parking, walk towards the ocean and take a left at the "Y" along the beach boardwalk and take your first right down the staircase leading to the beach. Look for canoes to your right. You've made it!
End point
There is free public parking at Wailea Beach Park. After parking, walk towards the ocean and take a left at the "Y" along the beach boardwalk and take your first right down the staircase leading to the beach. Look for canoes to your right. You've made it!
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
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