Explore MakenaExplore Olowalu

Where are you from? Originally from New Jersey – yes, the Jersey Shore is a real place and yes, it actually has decent waves sometimes.

What is your ocean background? I grew up surfing, fishing, sailing, kayaking, and free diving. The ocean has always been a playground for me, and over the years I’ve built a pretty well-rounded toolkit for moving through it.

Safety Superpowers: CPR and Stop The Bleed certified – I like knowing that if something goes sideways, I’m prepared to handle it.

Favourite Ocean Activity: Surfing. It’s the one thing that never loses its magic no matter where in the world you’re doing it.

Favourite Marine Animal to spot on a tour: Spotted eagle rays – the way they glide through the water is something else. Every time feels like a privilege.

  • Curtis
    Chris | Guide |

    Where are you from? Grew up in Florida. Have lived all over: Illinois, Tennessee, Georgia, South Africa, Arizona, Kaua’i.

    What is your ocean background? Grew up around the water, fishing, boogie boarding, snorkeling, jumping out of trees into springs and rivers. Loved being in the water. 

    Safety Superpowers: CPR and First Aid certified.

    Favourite Ocean Activity: When not guiding I love kayaking, surfing, body surfing, fishing and Spearfishing. 

    Favourite Marine Animal to spot on a tour: I love seeing turtles and eels.

  • Curtis 3
    Marc | Guide | Guide

    Where are you from? Born and raised right here on Maui – I’ve had salt water in my veins from day one.

    What is your ocean background? I’m a lifelong waterman. Growing up on Maui means the ocean isn’t just something you visit – it’s where you spend your time, build your skills, and find your people.

    Safety Superpowers: CPR and First Aid certified, so you’re in good hands out there.

    Favourite Ocean Activity: Surfing. There’s nothing quite like reading a wave and committing to the drop — it never gets old no matter how many years you’ve been doing it.

    Favourite Marine Animal to spot on a tour: Whales, turtles, and snorkellers — lol 😂. Honestly though, every encounter is a little different and that’s what keeps it exciting.

  • Curtis 2
    Kyle | Guide | Guide

    Where are you from? Originally from New Jersey – yes, the Jersey Shore is a real place and yes, it actually has decent waves sometimes.

    What is your ocean background? I grew up surfing, fishing, sailing, kayaking, and free diving. The ocean has always been a playground for me, and over the years I’ve built a pretty well-rounded toolkit for moving through it.

    Safety Superpowers: CPR and Stop The Bleed certified – I like knowing that if something goes sideways, I’m prepared to handle it.

    Favourite Ocean Activity: Surfing. It’s the one thing that never loses its magic no matter where in the world you’re doing it.

    Favourite Marine Animal to spot on a tour: Spotted eagle rays – the way they glide through the water is something else. Every time feels like a privilege.

  • Curtis 1
    Curtis | Co-Founder & Guide |

    Curtis brings a level of safety to eco-tourism that is rare to find. A U.S. Coast Guard Veteran, he spent 4 years on Maui participating in Search and Rescue and drug interdiction. As a 100-Ton Captain and adamant waterman, he has spent years driving charter boats and surfing Maui’s outer reefs (and the legendary “Jaws”).

  • Tiff
    Tiff | Co-Founder & Customer Experience | The Voice of Ohana

    Tiffany is the friendly voice you’ll likely speak to when you call. Originally from Australia, she moved to Maui in 2020. She manages the heartbeat of the business, ensuring every guest feels welcomed before they even arrive. A surfer and snorkeler herself, she knows exactly what makes a tour magical.

  • Niya
    Niya | Chief of Smiles | The "Little Dolphin"

    Spelled “Naia” in Hawaiian (meaning Dolphin), Niya is the newest member of the crew. She shares her parents’ deep love for nature. While she’s too young to guide you yet, she is the reason we work so hard to protect these oceans for the future.

  • Chris Guide
    Chris | Guide | Guide

    Where are you from? Born and raised in Wyoming, I then spent 15 years in Alaska, and I have lived in Hawaii for the past 15 years.

    What is your ocean background? 
    have spent lots of time in and around the ocean. I have worked on boats ranging in size from small Zodiacs to 100-foot trawlers. I’ve done sea kayaking trips in Alaska, Mexico, and Hawaii. 

    Safety Superpowers: CPR/First Aid certified, formerly certified as a wilderness EMT.

    Favourite Ocean Activity: Going snorkeling with my 11-year-old son and his 3-prong spear, nicknamed Britney. I also like surfing small kine waves.

    Favourite Marine Animal to spot on a tour: Humans. Spending time in the ocean is therapeutic. If more people spent time in the ocean, the world would be a better place.