Surf, snorkel, and kayaking—one Maui morning plan.

This all-in-one water day runs from Makena Landing Park with a morning surf lesson, then shifts to a kayak-and-snorkel session where you’re in the right place for turtles, fish, and (in winter) offshore humpbacks. The combo works well because you’re not just watching Maui’s ocean—you’re actually working with it.

I especially like the small-group surf instruction, capped at six people, so the instructor can correct your paddling and stance instead of just giving a demo. I also love the kayak-and-snorkel format: a short paddle (about 2 miles) plus around 45 minutes snorkeling, with guided eyes trained on wildlife like sea turtles and sometimes dolphins.

One thing to consider: transport between the surf spot and the next location isn’t included, so you’ll want a rental car and a clear meet point for each segment. And yes, it’s a lot of moving in salt water—expect to be tired.

Key things I’d bet on

• Small-group surf coaching (max six) means you get hands-on feedback on paddling and standing.
• Guided kayak + snorkel combo saves you the guesswork of where and how to go.
• Wildlife odds at Makena can include turtles, dolphins, and winter humpbacks offshore.
• Quality touring kayaks and full gear help you show up and just do the day.
• Paddling time is manageable (about 2 miles total), with about 45 minutes snorkeling.

7:00am Kickoff at Makena Landing Park

Your day starts early—7:00am—at Makena Landing Park (5083 Makena Rd, Kihei). That matters on Maui because the morning tends to be calmer for getting set up, and you’ll spend daylight enjoying the water instead of rushing at the end.

You’ll be out of the gate with a guide, safety basics, and paddling instruction before you really get moving. The tour includes professional guidance plus beach-side safety and paddling instruction, which is great if you’re new to kayaking or just unsure how to handle gear without feeling clumsy.

The other practical point: this is a multi-stop experience, with the surf part and the kayak/snorkel part handled separately. The tour does not include transport to/from locations, so I’d plan on driving between them. One review even highlights that you may be given directions on where to go, so don’t assume you’ll be shuttled.

Two Hours of Learn-to-Surf: Paddling, Standing, Etiquette

The headline here is a surf lesson designed for first-timers—teaching you how to ride waves with fundamentals that start before you ever try to pop up. In plain terms, the coaching focuses on:

• the best paddling-in method
• how to stand on the board
• surf etiquette and how to read the waves

That wave-reading part is bigger than it sounds. If you’ve never surfed, you might think it’s all about muscle. In reality, it’s timing. The better you understand what a wave is doing and where you should be, the faster standing up becomes possible.

The surf lesson runs for about two hours, and the group size stays small—maximum six people. That’s a real advantage. When you’re learning, you want quick fixes. If your arms are too stiff, your feet are landing wrong, or you’re paddling too early, you don’t want to wait your turn for feedback.

And there’s a safety and confidence boost built into the lesson style. The description notes that learning to surf and standing on the board is virtually guaranteed, and if you’re not riding by the end, you’re set up with additional help (the plan includes a next lesson at no cost). Even if you don’t think you’ll be a natural surfer, this is the kind of structure that turns uncertainty into tries.

Why Small Groups Change Everything in the Water

A lot of Maui tours say small group, then still feel like a crowded cattle pen once you’re wet. This one is tighter where it counts: six for surfing and a separate cap of 10 paddlers per guide for the kayak/snorkel portion (and a maximum of 10 travelers overall).

In practice, that means less waiting. You’re more likely to get multiple runs or corrections instead of one or two attempts and then a long break. Several reviews praise instructors for being patient and persistent—people who stayed calm while helping new surfers get up on the board. Names that come up include Kyle, Greg, Ashley, Alex, and Kylee for surf help and pictures, with a recurring theme: they don’t just toss you into the water and hope for the best.

If you’re going with a child or teen, this can be a good match because attention is available. Just note the age guidance: it’s not recommended for children age 5 and under. Most other travelers can participate, but if someone in your group has limited comfort in water, you’ll want to be honest with yourself about how much physical effort this includes.

Kalama Park to the Makena Bay Reef: Kayak and Wildlife Time

After surfing, you head to the next part of the day—where the Maui ocean shifts from “learn the waves” to “explore the reef edge.” The route described centers on Makena Bay and reef scenery, and the tour lists stops at Makena Landing Park and Kalama Park.

From there, you’ll paddle above colorful reef areas that are known for turtles and fish. The tour’s snorkeling section is set up to take you into reef habitat (and the guides help you stay oriented and safe). In winter, humpback whales may be seen offshore, and dolphins can show up any time of year.

This is also where the kayaking guide style matters. Reviews name Curtis, Aaron, Scott, and Greg for kayaking/snorkel guiding, with consistent praise for staying attentive and getting people to good wildlife spots. One review describes an early start for the snorkeling spot that helped them spend more time in the water before other groups arrived. Even without that guarantee, the whole design aims to get you to the good stuff first.

Paddling distance is about 2 miles, so you’re not signing up for a training session. It’s enough work to feel like an adventure, but not so much that it ruins your snorkeling time.

And if you’re a “wildlife first” person, this is one of the strengths. Reviews mention sea turtles most often, with other sightings like spinning dolphins, monk seals, starfish, and even a harmless shark. Wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, but the habitat and guide scouting are the reason these tours keep producing memorable moments.

Snorkel Time: Making the Most of 45 Minutes

You’ll snorkel for about 45 minutes. That time window is both a benefit and a constraint. It’s long enough to get comfortable, find turtles, and enjoy the reef. It’s not long enough to wander off on your own and still feel like you completed the experience.

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, and that takes friction out of the day. If you’ve snorkeled before, you’ll recognize the difference between having gear and fighting with it. If you haven’t, having a guide nearby helps because you can focus on breathing and movement, not on figuring out what the snorkel is supposed to do.

Here’s my practical advice: treat the snorkel like a short, focused mission. Don’t spend the first few minutes trying to perfect your form. Watch the guide’s cues, settle your breathing, and then move with control. The best turtle encounters often happen when you’re not thrashing around.

One review calls out that this tour can sometimes lead to areas with fewer fish than you hoped for. That’s a reminder to manage expectations: reef conditions and animal behavior change day to day. Still, the repeated theme is that turtles are part of the experience, and guides do their best to take you to reef areas where wildlife is more likely to be active.

Also, keep an eye on your energy. Surf and kayak both use leg and core stability. By the time you snorkel, you’ll probably want to move slowly, float, and enjoy. That calm pace tends to produce better sightings.

What’s Included (and What You’ll Still Need to Plan)

This tour bundles the stuff that usually costs extra or adds hassle:

• professional guide support
• beach-side safety and paddling instruction
• late model ocean touring kayaks
• surfboard plus water booties and a rash-guard
• snorkeling equipment
• light refreshments

A couple of reviews add detail beyond the brief: a substantial packed lunch and even vegetarian options were mentioned, plus some groups described inflatable fun (like an inflatable slide). I can’t promise that every departure will include those extra touches, but it’s a good sign that the day often feels well-fed and not like a quick snack stop.

What isn’t included: transport to/from locations. That’s a key value factor, because it affects how easy the tour is for you. If you’re staying near Kihei or you have a car, it’s straightforward. If you’re trying to rely on rideshare for two separate water sites, you may feel stressed.

Here’s how I’d plan to make the day smooth:

• Wear swimwear you’re okay with getting salty and sandy.
• Bring a small bag for dry items, and protect your phone.
• Pack sunscreen and something for sun protection. Morning start + water time can add up fast.
• Expect wet hair, wet clothes, and a tired body. That’s part of the deal.

Price and Value: Is $216.14 Worth It?

At $216.14 per person, this isn’t a cheap activity—but it also isn’t only one thing. You’re paying for three connected experiences: surf instruction (with gear), then a guided kayak plus guided snorkeling (with gear and safety).

Where the value makes sense for me is in the time and coaching. Surf lessons can be pricey on their own, especially when they’re structured for beginners with small group attention. Then you add a guided kayak/snorkel with wildlife potential, not just a self-guided rental.

You’ll also notice the “gear problem” is mostly handled: surfboard, booties, rash-guard, and snorkel equipment are included, so you avoid the costs and hassle of renting multiple items separately.

If you’re the type who would normally do surf one day, kayak another day, and still wonder if you chose the right spot, the combo is a time-saver. One review even compares this as a better deal than booking activities separately, especially because they felt like they got close-to-private attention at times.

The main cost/value question isn’t the price. It’s whether you want the energy hit. If you want a relaxed beach day, this will feel like an overachiever.

Who This Maui Combo Works Best For

This is a strong fit if you:

• are new to surfing and want a lesson built around fundamentals
• like guided experiences where the instructor handles safety and technique
• want a day focused on water time, not lots of driving between random stops
• are excited about turtles and reef snorkeling

It’s also a good option for couples and families who want shared activities without splitting up. Several reviews mention parent-and-child setups where the guidance helped new surfers get up on board.

It may be less ideal if:

• you get motion sick or hate being in active water sports back to back
• you prefer long, leisurely snorkeling with minimal instruction
• you’re relying on the tour company for transport between locations

Should You Book This Maui Surf, Kayak, and Snorkel Tour?

If you’re dreaming of Maui as a water playground, I’d book it—especially for a first-time surf goal. The combination of small-group surf coaching and a guided kayak/snorkel setup gives you the best odds of both learning something and seeing real wildlife.

I’d book with confidence if you have a car and you’re okay with a full, exhausting few hours. You’ll feel the workload the moment you finish surf and realize you still have paddling and snorkeling ahead. But the rewards—standing on a board, floating above turtles, and the chance to spot dolphins or winter whales—are exactly the kind of Maui moments that don’t happen by accident.

FAQ

Where is the tour starting point?

The tour starts at Makena Landing Park, 5083 Makena Rd, Kihei, HI 96753, USA.

What time does the experience start?

The start time is 7:00am.

How long is the tour?

The tour duration is listed as approximately 5 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is $216.14 per person.

Are there limits on group size?

Yes. The surf portion has a maximum group size of six. For paddling, there’s a maximum of 10 paddlers per guide, and the overall tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

What surf gear is included?

The surf lesson includes a surfboard, water booties, and a rash-guard.

What kayak and snorkeling gear is included?

The tour includes snorkeling equipment and uses ocean touring kayaks for the paddling portion.

How far do you paddle, and how long do you snorkel?

The paddling distance is approximately 2 miles, and the snorkeling time is approximately 45 minutes.

Is transport provided to and from the locations?

No. Transport to/from locations is not included, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

FAQ

What should I do if weather cancels the experience?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is the tour recommended for young children?

It is not recommended for child aged 5 and under.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Can most travelers participate?

The tour notes that most travelers can participate.

What happens if I am new to surfing?

The lesson is designed for first-time surfers and includes teaching you paddling technique, how to stand up, plus surf etiquette and how to read waves.

How does the tour handle equipment?

You’ll receive the included equipment for surfing and snorkeling, including rash-guards and booties for the surf lesson.

What wildlife might I see on the kayak and snorkel?

You can expect turtles and fish, and in winter humpback whales can be seen offshore. Dolphins are also possible during any time of year.

Are there refunds mentioned for partial cancellations?

There is at least one example where the kayaking/snorkeling portion was canceled due to big waves and the kayaking portion was refunded, while surfing still happened.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.