KAHULUI KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Pali to Pools: A 7.5‑Hour Kayak, Snorkel & Waterfall Combo on West Maui
A full‑day, 7.5‑hour guided adventure from Kahului that combines 2.5 hours of ocean paddling along West Maui’s pali with snorkeling among green sea turtles and a short rainforest hike to two waterfall pools.
Pali to Pools: A 7.5‑Hour Kayak, Snorkel & Waterfall Combo on West Maui.
This is a compact, high‑intensity day on Maui that stitches three classic coastal and inland experiences into one outing: sea kayaking along the rugged West Maui pali, snorkeling from your kayak among fish, coral and large green sea turtles, then a short drive into rainforest for a one‑mile roundtrip hike to two waterfalls and freshwater pools where you can swim and jump from safe rock ledges.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Paddle the Pali — 2.5 Hours on the Ocean
The trip includes roughly 2.5 hours of kayaking along West Maui’s dramatic pali, hugging sea cliffs and coastal swell under guided instruction; Hike Maui partners with a local kayak operator for the ocean portion.
Snorkel with Green Sea Turtles
Participants snorkel directly off their kayaks into waters rich with coral and reef fish and have opportunities to encounter Hawaii’s large green sea turtles up close.
Short Hike to Two Waterfall Pools
After the ocean leg the group drives into rainforest for the Short Waterfalls Walk: a roughly one‑mile roundtrip trail to two waterfalls and pools where you can swim and leap from designated, safe rock ledges; nutritious lunch and snacks are included on the tour.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
The day moves from salt to spray to moss: a calm‑morning paddle along jagged cliffs, brief snorkeling interludes amid reef life, a scenic transfer into green, humid forest and a short, restorative hike to waterfall pools. It’s an active 7.5‑hour itinerary that layers immersion in ocean ecology with a freshwater finish.
THE COAST
Paddle the Pali — 2.5 Hours on the Ocean
The trip includes roughly 2.5 hours of kayaking along West Maui’s dramatic pali, hugging sea cliffs and coastal swell under guided instruction; Hike Maui partners with a local kayak operator for the ocean portion.
THE UNDERWATER
Snorkel with Green Sea Turtles
Participants snorkel directly off their kayaks into waters rich with coral and reef fish and have opportunities to encounter Hawaii’s large green sea turtles up close.
THE WATERFALLS
Short Hike to Two Waterfall Pools
After the ocean leg the group drives into rainforest for the Short Waterfalls Walk: a roughly one‑mile roundtrip trail to two waterfalls and pools where you can swim and leap from designated, safe rock ledges; nutritious lunch and snacks are included on the tour.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this combo tour suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The full program runs approximately 7.5 hours.
Rate listed for hikers: $249.
Nutritious lunch and snacks are included in the tour price.
The tour is run by Hike Maui; the kayak/snorkel ocean leg is conducted in partnership with Kelii’s Kayaks.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The combo tour lasts approximately 7.5 hours.
How long is the kayaking portion?
Expect about 2.5 hours of kayaking along the West Maui pali.
Will we see sea turtles while snorkeling?
The itinerary includes snorkeling opportunities where participants can encounter Hawaii’s large green sea turtles.
How long is the hike to the waterfalls?
The Short Waterfalls Walk is roughly one mile roundtrip to two waterfall pools.
Are meals provided?
Nutritious lunch and snacks are included as part of the tour.
Who operates the tour and the kayaking segment?
The tour is offered by Hike Maui; the kayak/snorkel ocean portion is run in partnership with Kelii’s Kayaks.