Picture this: You’re gliding through crisp, cerulean blue water, feeling the gentle breeze against your cheeks as you paddle towards Turtle Town on Maui. To your left lies a majestic sea honu (turtle), mere feet from your kayak. The honu looks up at you curiously as you snap a quick selfie with it. Glancing at the photo, you smile. It’s epic.
Kayaking in Turtle Town on Maui is an incredible experience. There’s nothing like looking into the eyes of sea turtles as they flip and swim in the glistening moana (ocean).
Here’s everything you need to know about kayaking in Turtle Town on Maui:
What is Turtle Town
Turtle Town on Maui can be found at Maluaka Beach, about 20 minutes south of Kihei. Sea turtles of all shapes and sizes call the area home. Turtle Town is a hidden gem on Maui. There is no sign for the beach and the entrance can be easy to miss. The area’s aloofness helps keep it isolated and free of large crowds, letting you experience the maika’i (beauty) of the area and of the turtles undisturbed.
What Kinds of Marine Life Live in Turtle Town
Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles typically swim in shallow waters and frolic in the sea near South Maui year-round. The water is calm and crystal clear so you can see the colorful array of ke ola moana (marine life) in the area. In addition to turtles, you can find angelfish, butterfly fish, triggerfish and sometimes even humpback whales in Turtle Town!
When to Go Kayaking in Turtle Town on Maui
It’s likely you will see honu anytime you go kayaking in Turtle Town on Maui. However, Turtle Town in the morning will take your breath away. Marine life is especially visible during this time.
How to Go Kayaking in Turtle Town on Maui
Hawaiian Ocean Sports offers two kayaking tours for turtle-enthusiasts. Our 30 minute Kayak Turtle Tour is designed for turtle watchers and those who prefer to see marine life from above the water.
But, don’t worry underwater lovers! We’ve got a tour for you too! You can snorkel with turtles and fish indigenous to only these islands on our 90 minute Kayak Snorkel Tour. Imagine hopping out of your kayak and landing in an underwater wonderland full of sea creatures! Don’t forget to bring your waterproof camera to snap the ultimate Instagram picture of your new honufriends!
When you book a kayak tour with Hawaiian Ocean Sports, you’re in for a real treat. We don’t just take you out on the waters. We give you a taste of our rich Hawaiian ka mo’omeheu (culture) and share our knowledge about our islands and the sea. Most of our friendly guides have grown up on the islands and in the sea. You will feel their deep love, appreciation and respect for the ocean throughout your entire tour!
In Hawaiian culture, honu symbolize good luck, endurance and long life. We would love to show you the beauty of our islands, our culture and our sea. Our Aloha way will have you longing to stay.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can make your trip to Maui unforgettable.