From Our Ohana to Yours: Welcome to the Family
We are surfers, divers, veterans, and ocean lovers. But mostly, we are a family dedicated to showing you the real Maui.
Built on Saltwater & Adventure Ohana Ocean Adventures isn’t just a business; it’s a life built around the sea.
Our story spans oceans – literally. It began when Curtis, a U.S. Coast Guard Veteran stationed on Maui, met Tiffany, an adventurous Australian, on a surf trip in Bali. Bonded by a shared obsession for travel and the ocean, they eventually dropped anchor in Maui to build a life together.
When we proudly took over Maui’s original clear kayak tours, we made a commitment to a simple mission: to share the magic of our home with visitors in a way that is safe, respectful to the reef, and unforgettable.
Today, we are a family of three. You might hear Tiffany’s Aussie accent on the phone when you book, know that Curtis is ensuring the highest safety standards behind the scenes, and (if you’re lucky) catch a glimpse of our daughter Niya (Hawaiian for “Dolphin”) dipping her toes in the water at the landing.
Meet Our Ohana
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 | Co-Founder & Customer Experience
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 | Chief of Smiles
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.
Meet Our Guides
Your Experts on the Water While Curtis and Tiffany steer the ship, our incredible team of guides are the ones who will paddle out with you.
We don’t just hire anyone. We hand-pick “Watermen and Waterwomen” – true ocean athletes who respect Mother Ocean like no other. Our crew consists of big wave surfers, free divers, boat captains, and fellow Veterans.
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.
Marc | 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.
Kyle | 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.
Chris | 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.
What you can expect from your guide
- Safety Expertise: Every guide is CPR and First Aid Certified.
- Local Knowledge: They don’t just point at fish; they share the history, legends, and marine biology of Maui.
- Passion: This isn’t just a job for them. They are in the water on their days off, too.
When you are out on the water, you are in the hands of Maui’s best
Our Values
1. Safety is Non-Negotiable Being Coast Guard Veteran owned means we take safety seriously. We monitor weather conditions obsessively and maintain our equipment to the highest standards.
2. Malama Ke Kai (Protecting the Ocean) We are guests in the ocean’s home. We are committed to zero-impact tourism. We advocate for reef-safe sunscreen, pick up marine debris whenever we see it, and educate our guests on how to interact passively with wildlife.
3. The Spirit of Ohana "Ohana" refers to extended family. We welcome a connection with our community and our guests. Whether you are a local resident or visiting the island for the first time, we invite you to join our Ohana and share in our unique adventures.
Get In Touch
We are surfers, divers, veterans, and ocean lovers. But mostly, we are a family dedicated to showing you the real Maui.
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