Paddle Over History at Turtle Town: Makena’s Original Clear Kayak Tour

A: Yes, and it is strictly enforced for your safety. Because clear kayaks are constructed differently than standard plastic kayaks, they have specific limitations:

Per Person: The maximum weight for one individual is 220 lbs.

Per Kayak (Tandem): The maximum combined weight for two people is 420 lbs.

Important: Even if the combined weight is under 420 lbs, no single person can exceed 220 lbs in a clear kayak.

What if I weigh over 220 lbs? We want everyone to enjoy the ocean! We have a limited number of non-clear (standard) single kayaks available for guests up to 320 lbs (Makena) or 290 lbs (Olowalu). You must call us at +1 808 463 1703 before booking to reserve these, as supply is very limited. Note: If you book without calling and need to cancel due to weight limits, a 5% processing fee applies to refunds.

A: No prior kayaking experience is needed! Our tours are beginner-friendly. We do ask that you are comfortable floating in water if you plan to snorkel. You will be wearing a life jacket (PFD) at all times while in the kayak. If you don’t want to snorkel, you can stay in the boat and enjoy the view!

Note: You will need to walk into knee-deep water to board the kayak.

A: Absolutely! We love taking families out. We welcome children ages 3 and up.

• Ages 3-5: Can often sit in a “middle seat” (triple setup) between two adults.
• Ages 6-10: Will have their own seat paddling in a tandem with an adult.
• Ages 11+: Are considered adults for booking purposes.

A:Maui’s ‘Trade Winds’ usually arrive by 10:30 AM and can make the ocean choppy. We start early to make sure you are paddling in the safest, most secure conditions possible. Second to that, launching early means we get to enjoy calm, glass-like water, which creates the perfect conditions for viewing the reef and turtles through our clear kayaks.

A: Yes, a little bit. Kayaking is a water sport! You will get your feet wet entering the boat, and you may get splashed while paddling. If you choose to snorkel, you will obviously get wet. We recommend wearing a swimsuit and bringing a towel for after the tour.

A: Keep it simple!

• Swimsuit and towel.
• Reef-safe sunscreen (please apply before you arrive!).
• Sunglasses and a hat.
• Rash guard or long-sleeve swim shirt (great for sun protection).
• A reusable water bottle (we provide water refills, but we try to limit single-use plastic).

A: No, we provide everything. You’ll be supplied with high-quality masks, snorkels, fins, and life jackets. Of course, if you have a personal mask you love, you are more than welcome to bring it along!

A: We monitor the weather closely. Maui weather can be unpredictable—it often rains for 10 minutes and then becomes sunny! We do not cancel for light passing rain. However, if conditions are unsafe (high wind, lightning, or heavy storms), the Captain will cancel the tour. If we cancel due to weather, you will be offered a reschedule or a full refund.

A: Yes! The views are incredible, so we highly recommend bringing a GoPro or a waterproof phone case. Just keep in mind that any electronics brought out on the water are completely at your own risk.

A: We understand plans change. Please refer to your booking confirmation for the specific cutoff times (typically 48 hours notice is required for a full refund).

Note: If you need to cancel because of the weight limit restrictions and did not call us prior to booking, a 5% service charge will be deducted to cover credit card processing fees.

A: Yes. If you have an odd number of people in your group (e.g., 3 people), one person will be in a single clear kayak.