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

The best part of this South Maui day is the change of scenery: you start by paddling over the ocean, then trade salt water for rainforest trails and waterfall pools. Along the way, you may spot Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, swim in fresh water, and jump from cliffs if you are comfortable with it.

I like the generous mix of activities, especially the chance to pair ocean time with a guided rainforest walk. I also like that lunch, snacks, kayak gear, and snorkel equipment are included. The main drawback is the long, active schedule and the lack of hotel pickup, so you need to reach Makena Landing on your own and be ready for a full day outdoors.

Key points to know before booking

• Two very different sides of Maui: Begin at Makena Landing with kayaking and snorkeling, then head inland for rainforest trails and waterfalls.
• Sea turtles are part of the search: Keep watch below the kayak and at the surface for Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles.
• The rainforest walk has real local insight: Guides such as Tim and Jacob explain island plants, history, and conservation work.
• Waterfall swimming is optional, not the whole point: You can relax in the pools or try the cliff jumps if you feel ready.
• The $260 price covers a lot: Kayak, snorkel gear, guided hike, lunch, and snacks are included, but transportation is not.
• Plan for an active 7.5 hours: Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and sturdy running shoes or sports sandals.

From Makena Landing to Maui’s rainforest

This is not a one-note beach outing. You meet at Makena Landing Beach Park on South Maui, at 5083 Makena Road, and begin with the sea before moving into the forest. That combination gives you a fuller look at Maui than a short snorkeling trip or a standalone waterfall stop.

The day lasts 450 minutes, or 7.5 hours. That is enough time for several activities, but it also means you should not book this casually between other fixed plans. You will spend much of the day outside, changing between paddling, swimming, walking, and resting.

The tour is conducted in English, with a live guide leading the day. Guides may include Tim, Jacob, or other members of the team. Tim has been especially noted for his conservation focus, while Jacob brings detailed explanations about island plants and secluded parts of the rainforest. Those details matter because the hike is more than a walk to a pool. You get help understanding what you are seeing.

Kayaking from Makena Landing

The first activity gets you onto the water in a kayak. You paddle out from Makena Landing beneath the South Maui sun, with the ocean providing the first setting of the day. Kayaking gives you a slower, more active way to reach the snorkeling area than simply walking into the water with a mask.

I like this opening because it makes you part of the outing right away. You are not just being taken from one viewpoint to another. You handle the paddle, work with the water, and get a different view of the shoreline from sea level.

Kayaking does require some effort and coordination. You should expect to paddle over waves, and one account of the outing involved a kayak flipping three times. Derek from Kellie Tours stayed patient, repaired the kayak, and made sure the group could return safely. That detail gives you a useful picture of the activity: it can be fun and manageable, but the sea is not always perfectly calm.

If you are not comfortable with a little ocean motion, kayaking may be the part that tests you most. Bring a practical attitude, listen closely to the guide, and understand that the tour may be changed if weather or water conditions create a safety issue.

Snorkeling and the search for Green Sea Turtles

After kayaking, you get into the clear water with snorkel equipment provided by the tour. The goal is to look for Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, which may be grazing on the bottom or floating near the surface.

That search gives the snorkeling a purpose without promising a guaranteed wildlife sighting. You are looking for turtles in their natural setting, not visiting an aquarium or a managed animal encounter. Keep your eyes moving between the seafloor and the surface, since turtles may appear in either place.

The water is described as crystal clear, which should help you see beneath the surface when conditions cooperate. Still, visibility can vary with weather and water movement. The tour runs in most weather, but the plan can change when safety requires it.

I like that the kayaking and snorkeling work together. You first cover water by boat, then stop to see what is below it. The equipment is included, so you do not need to arrange a separate kayak rental and snorkel rental for the morning.

You should bring sunscreen and swimwear, along with a towel for the transition back to land. The supplied information does not specify how long you snorkel or how close you may get to turtles, so treat the wildlife search as a highlight rather than a promise of a particular encounter.

Into the rainforest on a guided hike

The second half of the day moves inland, where you cross through Maui’s rainforest. The setting changes quickly from open ocean to a shaded, green environment, and the guide helps connect the scenery with the island itself.

This is where the quality of the guiding matters most. Tim has been praised for his conservation work and for explaining what the group was seeing. Jacob has also been singled out for his understanding of plants, island history, and quieter spots in the forest. You are not simply following a path and waiting for the waterfall to appear.

The walk is described as scenic, but you should treat it as a proper hike. Running shoes or sports sandals are recommended, and sports shoes are on the packing list. Flip-flops would be a poor choice for a day that includes both wet ground and a forest trail.

The exact trail length and difficulty are not provided, so I would not book this expecting a precise, easy walk. The tour is not suitable for children under six, and the overall schedule is better for people who can handle a long day of changing activities.

The guide-led format adds value here. A rainforest can look like a wall of green when you do not know what to notice. Plant explanations, local history, and conservation details give the walk more purpose and help you see beyond the next photo stop.

Waterfall pools and optional cliff jumps

The payoff of the hike is a waterfall area with pools where you can swim and relax. You can also jump from cliffs into the water. That combination gives the stop a playful edge, but the jumping should be treated as an optional activity, not an obligation.

If cliff jumping is not for you, the pool and waterfall still provide a place to cool off after the walk. You can choose the quieter version of this stop and spend your time swimming or resting. The information does not specify the jump heights, pool depths, or exact safety rules, so ask the guide before attempting any jump.

This is one reason the guide matters throughout the day. Staff members are equipped to handle emergencies, and their certifications include advanced CPR and First Aid Training. That does not remove the need to make sensible choices, but it is reassuring for an activity that combines open water, wet trails, and cliff jumping.

Bring a towel and wear footwear that can handle the hike. You will want clothes that work both in the water and on the trail, rather than treating this as a polished sightseeing excursion.

What the $260 price really covers

At $260 per person, this is a fairly substantial day-trip price. The value depends on whether you want all three parts of the outing: kayaking, snorkeling, and a guided rainforest hike with waterfall time.

The price includes:

• Kayak
• Snorkel equipment
• Lunch and snacks
• Guided hike
• English-speaking guide

That bundle saves you from arranging separate equipment rentals, a food stop, and a second excursion inland. It also gives you a full 7.5-hour schedule instead of a short single-activity booking.

The weak point is transportation. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to get to Makena Landing Park yourself. That adds planning and may add a separate transportation cost, depending on where you are staying.

The price also comes with a special gratuity rule for larger parties. Groups of 10 or more are charged a $300 gratuity before the trip. If you are organizing a big family gathering or group vacation, check how that amount applies to your booking before committing.

For a small party that wants a full day with gear, food, and guides included, the price can make sense. If you only want to snorkel for an hour or two, this is more activity than you need.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this tour to active adults, older children who meet the age requirement, couples, and families that want variety rather than a slow beach day. You need to be happy moving between water and trail, carrying on through a long schedule, and getting wet more than once.

It suits you especially well if:

• You want to see both the coast and rainforest in one day.
• You enjoy guided nature walks rather than walking without context.
• You would like to look for sea turtles in the ocean.
• You want the option of swimming beneath a waterfall.
• You prefer an outing with lunch, snacks, and gear already arranged.

I would think twice if you dislike ocean kayaking, have no interest in hiking, or want a short and restful excursion. The tour is also not a good fit for children under six, and the lack of hotel pickup matters if reaching Makena Landing is difficult for your party.

Practical packing advice for the 7.5-hour schedule

Keep your packing simple, but do not skip the basics. You should bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Running shoes or sports sandals

Footwear is important. The same day includes a kayak launch, snorkeling, rainforest walking, and waterfall pools. Running shoes or sports sandals give you a better chance of staying comfortable than soft beach footwear.

Sunscreen is also essential, since the opening portion takes place under the warm Hawaiian sun. You will want a towel when you leave the water, and swimwear that works for both snorkeling and the waterfall stop.

The supplied details do not specify dry-bag service, storage, changing rooms, or hotel transport. Do not assume those extras are available. Meet at the stated Makena Landing address and keep your personal planning straightforward.

Tours run in most weather conditions, but the schedule can be altered when safety issues arise. That flexibility is sensible for an outing that depends on both ocean and waterfall conditions. Leave room in your day rather than booking an important evening event immediately afterward.

How the guides shape the experience

The guides are not just there to point out the next activity. Their role is especially useful during the hike, when local plant knowledge, island history, and conservation context can turn a pretty walk into a meaningful one.

Tim has been described as passionate about conservation, which should appeal to you if the care of Maui’s natural areas is part of your interest. Jacob is associated with detailed explanations of plants and beautiful, quieter parts of the forest. Derek, who helped with the kayaking portion, showed patience when a kayak needed repeated attention.

Names may vary by departure, but the overall setup is clear: you have live English-speaking guidance, rather than simply collecting equipment and setting off alone. That is a strong reason to choose this outing over separate rentals.

The guide also helps keep the day practical. Staff members have advanced CPR and First Aid Training, and the operator says tours can be adjusted for safety. You should still speak up about your comfort level, especially before entering the ocean or attempting a jump.

Booking flexibility and final decision

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those policies are useful when your Maui schedule is still shifting, though they do not change the need to plan your own way to Makena Landing.

I would book this tour if you want a packed day that links three popular Maui experiences without making you arrange every piece yourself. The strongest reasons are the ocean kayaking, the chance to look for Green Sea Turtles, and the rainforest guide who adds plants, history, and conservation context.

I would skip it if you want a quiet beach morning, dislike active outings, or only want one focused activity. Also check the transport plan carefully, since hotel pickup is not included. For the right person, $260 buys a varied day with equipment, food, safety-trained staff, and enough time to see Maui from both the sea and the forest.

FAQ

Where does the South Maui tour meet?

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

How long does the activity last?

The tour lasts 450 minutes, which is 7.5 hours.

What activities are included?

The experience includes ocean kayaking, snorkeling, a guided rainforest hike, and time at waterfalls where you can swim and jump from cliffs.

Are kayak and snorkel equipment included?

Yes. A kayak and snorkel equipment are included in the price.

Is lunch provided?

Yes. Lunch and snacks are included.

Can I look for Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles?

Yes. The snorkeling portion includes the chance to look for Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles in the water.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must reach Makena Landing Park on your own.

What should I bring?

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

Is the tour suitable for young children?

The activity is not suitable for children under six years old.