Sea turtles and waterfalls in one morning. This Makena tour pairs a guided kayak snorkel along a historic stretch of shoreline with a hike through remnants of Old Hawaii, ending at Twin Falls. You’ll hear stories of early impacts on Native Hawaiians as you paddle and scan the water for Hawaiian Green sea turtles near the surface.

What I like most is the way the day balances water and land without turning into a full-day marathon you can’t recover from. I also love the small-group feel—this runs with a maximum of 8 travelers—and the fact that you get real instruction at the start, even if you’re new to ocean kayaking and snorkeling. In past groups, guides like Justin and Cody were praised for teaching first-timers well and for making turtle encounters feel safe and exciting.

One thing to plan for: the hike includes wet, uneven footing. A review notes the walk finishes with a knee-deep stream over a rocky bottom, and if you show up in the wrong shoes, you may end up with sore feet.

Key highlights you’ll actually feel

• Sea turtles in Makena Bay: snorkel time is about 45 minutes, with chances to see Hawaiian Green sea turtles close to shore
• Two-and-a-half hour ocean time: enough time to paddle, reach a protected cove, snorkel, and not feel rushed
• Twin Falls + Old Hawaii sites: you’ll hike past remnants tied to Maui’s last lava flow from about 220 years ago
• Small groups: up to 8 travelers, which helps on a tour with paddling and ocean safety needs
• Guides who get hands-on: examples include Justin swimming with guests and Cody helping guests spot and understand marine life

Makena’s volcanic coast: where the stories match the scenery

Makena is dramatic in a very practical way. It’s rocky, volcanic, and built for ocean exploration—so your kayak route feels like real coastline travel, not a “pretty but nowhere to go” experience. You start at Makena Landing Park (5083 Makena Rd, Kihei), which puts you right in the thick of Maui’s south side.

The tour also leans into the place’s human story. As you paddle along the coastline, you’ll hear tales about early explorers and their impact on Native Hawaiians. That cultural context matters because it changes how you look at what you’re moving through: you’re not just scanning for turtles and fish, you’re also learning how people have interacted with this shoreline for generations.

Timing helps too. The start time is 7:15 am, so you’re getting moving early enough to make good use of calmer morning conditions (and to finish the hike without feeling like your day got eaten by the clock). And because the tour ends back at the meeting point, you’re not dealing with complicated end-of-day logistics.

Kayak + snorkeling: sea turtles without the chaos

This is not a “sit on the beach and hope” snorkeling setup. You paddle out together, then link up the kayaks at a protected cove and splash in for snorkeling. The snorkel window is about 45 minutes, which is long enough to enjoy the water, but not so long that you lose focus or get cold.

The goal is close marine life encounters. You’ll scan for Hawaiian Green sea turtles as they swim and surface for air, and you’ll also have a chance to swim past colorful tropical fish. One past group even described the turtle sightings happening not far from shore, which is exactly what you want if you’re trying to see sea turtles without a major swim.

If you’re a beginner, you’ll likely feel more confident because the tour includes beach-side safety and paddling instruction. In reviews, guides like Justin and Cody were specifically praised for teaching first-timers how to kayak and snorkel off the kayak. That hands-on instruction is the difference between “we saw some cool stuff” and “we were actually able to do it.”

One more detail I appreciate: life jackets are provided. That matters on an ocean route where conditions can change. You’re not left to improvise your safety setup.

The hike to Twin Falls and Old Hawaii ruins (and why the footing matters)

After about 2.5 hours in the ocean, you trade saltwater time for boots. The hiking part takes you through remnants of Old Hawaii along evocative coastal sites and ruins. You’ll walk through areas connected to Maui’s last lava flow from roughly 220 years ago, which gives the hike a strong sense of place: you’re moving across land that’s tied to how the island formed.

A key stop is Twin Falls Maui. In past experiences, the hike has included two different waterfall spots, and there’s sometimes an opportunity to swim and jump off cliffs—so keep that in mind if you’re bringing kids or anyone who prefers dry land only.

Now for the practical side: the terrain is described as a 2.5-mile hike on level terrain, but the “level” part doesn’t mean “easy.” One review calls out the end of the hike finishing with a walk through a knee-deep stream over a rocky bottom. That’s where you want to be ready with the right footwear.

My advice is simple: wear water shoes or other sturdy footwear you don’t mind getting wet and scuffed. If you’re tempted to go barefoot or in flimsy flip-flops, don’t. You’ll be glad you planned for wet rocks instead of hoping your feet will tough it out.

Lunch, timing, and how the day actually runs

A lot of tours list activities. This one also gives you the fuel and small comfort items that help the day feel doable.

Included for the land and water:

• Light refreshments during the tour
• Lunch (served during the day)
• Snorkeling equipment
• Hike supplies: a backpack, rain poncho, and insect repellent
• Life jackets
• Quality late-model ocean touring kayaks

That hike supply bundle is more helpful than it sounds. Rain ponchos are useful in Hawaii even when the sky looks fine in the morning, and insect repellent makes the rainforest hike part more comfortable.

Food is also part of the value. In one past group, the hike guide shared fresh fruit like pineapple, and it’s the kind of detail that turns lunch from a basic box meal into a moment you remember while you’re surrounded by plants and water.

The itinerary flow is straightforward: paddling and snorkeling first, then the hike to Twin Falls and Old Hawaii sites, and then you return back to the meeting point. There’s no sense of “we’ll figure out the rest later,” which matters when you’re moving from ocean gear to hiking boots.

Guides in action: what Justin, Cody, Pasco, and Jake do well

The tour’s reputation isn’t just about turtles and waterfalls—it’s about the guides. Reviews repeatedly praise two different skill sets: ocean confidence and on-the-ground storytelling.

On the kayak/snorkel side:

• Justin is highlighted for teaching first-timers and providing sea turtle encounters that felt both fun and controlled.
• Cody is praised for swimming with guests and photographing the group while sea turtles appeared, plus for bringing a harmless urchin for guests to touch and learn about.
• Gerimia is another name that comes up with strong guidance and knowledge during turtle spotting.

On the hike and culture side:

• Pasco is noted for taking guests through Twin Falls with an easy, upbeat approach, including getting into the water for photos and sharing facts about plants, fruit, and animals.
• Tim and Jake are mentioned with emphasis on history and island knowledge, and Jake specifically came up with being a native Hawaiian guide who added humor and lots of context.
• Dawn and Ashley also received credit for plant and history detail while making the hike feel rewarding.

What I take from this: you’re not relying on luck. The guides actively help you look better, move safer, and understand what you’re seeing—whether it’s a turtle surfacing, a fish flashing under the water, or a cultural site tied to the island’s older layers.

Price and value: does $270.20 make sense?

At $270.20 per person for about 6 hours, this tour isn’t cheap. But it’s not paying for just one activity, either.

You’re paying for:

• Guided ocean kayaking with safety instruction
• Kayak-based snorkeling with equipment included
• Real time in the water (about 2.5 hours total, with ~45 minutes snorkeling)
• A guided hike to Twin Falls with included lunch
• Extras that usually cost extra elsewhere: rain poncho, insect repellent, life jackets, and more

If you were to book kayaking instruction, snorkeling gear, and a separate rainforest hike on your own, the price would likely climb fast. Here, the “all-in-one day” format is the value engine—especially since the group size is capped at 8, which makes the instruction more practical.

My take: this is a strong choice for people who want a full Maui snapshot without hopping between too many vendors. It’s also a good fit if you’re traveling with kids (minimum age is 6) and want one organized day that covers both ocean and waterfalls.

Who should book this and who might skip it

This tour fits best if you want:

• A guided way to see Hawaiian Green sea turtles while snorkeling off a kayak
• A hike that includes Twin Falls and Old Hawaii sites, not just a scenic walk
• A small group day that feels hands-on and guided

You might think twice if:

• You’re sensitive to wet, rocky footing (bring proper water shoes)
• You’re hoping for a long, slow hike or extended paddle time. Some reviews describe kayaking and hiking as on the shorter side.

It also suits couples and families. Multiple reviews mention it as a “perfect sampling” day, and the small group size helps keep the experience friendly rather than chaotic.

Should you book this Makena Waterfall Hike and Kayak Snorkel & Paddle?

I’d book it if your ideal Maui morning looks like: learn the basics, get out on the water with a guide, see turtles if conditions cooperate, then end up at Twin Falls with a real sense of place and lunch in hand.

Do it thoughtfully if footwear is your weak spot. Plan for wet rocks, because the hike includes a stream crossing and rocky bottom. And since there’s no hotel pickup, make sure you can get yourself to Makena Landing Park by 7:15 am.

If you’re okay with a full, active day and you want the ocean-and-land combo in one package, this is a solid value choice for Maui.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

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

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

No. Hotel pickup and drop off are not included.

What time does it begin, and how long is it?

It starts at 7:15 am and runs about 6 hours (approx.).

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 8 travelers.

Is there a minimum age?

Yes. The minimum age is 6 years.

How far do you paddle and hike?

Paddling distance is approximately 2 miles. The hike is approximately 2.5 miles on level terrain.

How long is snorkeling?

Snorkel time is approximately 45 minutes.

What snorkeling and safety gear is included?

You get snorkeling equipment and life jackets, plus beach-side safety and paddling instruction from the guides.

What footwear should I plan for the hike?

The hike can include wet, rocky footing, including a knee-deep stream with a rocky bottom at the end. Bring footwear that can handle getting wet and stay comfortable over uneven terrain.

What happens if the tour is canceled?

It runs weather permitting. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. It can also be canceled if the minimum number of passengers (4) isn’t met, with an alternative or full refund offered. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund.