Flickr Photo By: Robmad87
Little could be more relaxing than kayaking the coastline of beautiful Maui, so as a visitor what are your options for kayaking? Do you rent a kayak at your hotel or resort or is it better to rent locally or even choose a kayak tour for your island kayaking experience? It really depends upon several factors. What is your level of kayaking experience, do you have a companion to kayak with, how much time do you have for kayaking and how much money do you want to spend?
According to Maui Revealed, which is an excellent guide for Maui, it was stated that kayaking rental regulations had changed so kayak rentals in West Maui were through resorts and hotels, which according to Maui Revealed were pricey. In South Maui they listed two options for kayak rentals, South Pacific Kayaks and Big Kahuna Adventures. Big Kahuna Adventures also offers surf lessons and one kayak and snorkel trip, which is a cool option.
For guided Kayak tours around Maui, I found several options. These Maui tour companies offered a variety of choices. Maui Kayaks, South Pacific Kayaks and Outfitters, Maui Eco Tours, and Ron Bass Maui Sea Kayaking Tours,
Each guided kayak touring company offers a variety of options, I will break down the specifics for you.
~Maui Eco Tours prides it’s self on having full time guides who are focused and experienced. They offer four separate tours that range in difficulty and time of kayaking. They offer tours that can include young children, as well as adult only tours that are more difficult. Tours range between 3 and 4 hours. Depending upon the tour, groups range generally from six to ten individuals. They offer trips that include snorkeling, whale watching and dolphin watching. Guides snorkel with their group for added personal attention and assistance. They also offer vegetarian meals for their guests. Tour prices ranged from $54 dollars to $84 dollars, with some days being discounted.
~Maui Kayaks Eco Adventures prides its self on enthusiastic, experienced guides, small groups and personalized attention. They have guides which are Red Cross certified life guards as well as CPR and first aid trained. They offer trips for both familes with children as young as five, and trips that are for only experienced kayakers. Their trips range in length from two hours to four hours. They also offer a sunset kayak trip and organize custom kayak trips for weddings and special events. Maui Kayaks tours are generally for six to eight kayakers and include snorkeling, whale watching and or dolphin watching. Their trips also include snacks or lunch. Trip prices range between 54 dollars up to 139 dollars. They offer a wide range of trips.
~ Ron Bass Kayaking Tours offers an assortment of tours, including a half day kayaking tour, Kayak Surfing, Youth Programs and he takes only small groups of four. He is trained to handle special need situations and has worked with youth at risk groups and senior citizen groups. Ron is a trained LPN as well as experienced in first aid. Ron’s tours may include lunch, but they aren’t mentioned on the website. He does include an email for additional information, his tours were listed at $85 dollars.
~ South Pacific Kayaks and Hiking Outfitters offers kayak trips as well as whale watching. Their site says they can take children and adults. Their kayak trips are two and a quarter hours to three hours. Their site says one trip includes snacks and drinks, but no mention is made of lunches on their trips, this may be because their trips are shorter. They have trips for new kayakers as well as experienced kayakers. They offer trips that include kayaking, snorkeling and whale watching. South Pacific Kayaks also rents and sells kayaks. South Pacific Kayaks didn’t offer prices on their website, but did offer a toll free contact number for more information.