Courtesy of Grand Wailea. Photograph by Parker Burr.
At eight a.m., the solar is already excessive and brilliant over Wailea, Maui. The ocean feels refreshing as we run into the water, pushing a six-person outrigger canoe into the mild waves. As soon as our information provides us the go-ahead, we climb in, seize our paddles and, inside 15 minutes, are anchored in a sea of neon coral reefs and slow-moving sea turtles.
Considered one of my favourite resort actions in Hawaiʻi is the morning outrigger canoe tour. For me, there’s nothing higher than beginning the day within the ocean.
Maui Pacific Excursions presents a two-hour snorkel outrigger canoe tour seven days per week at Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, in South Maui. It’s a singular option to get some train and join with nature—whereas collaborating in an expertise that preserves and honors Native Hawaiian tradition.
Snorkeling at Wailea Seashore
What makes paddling at Wailea Seashore so pleasant is the calm, reef-protected water stuffed with tropical fish. On clear days, you may see the neighboring islands of Kahoʻolawe, Molokini and Lānaʻi to the west. Through the winter months, it’s widespread to identify migrating humpback whales, misting the air and flapping their tails simply offshore.
Underwater, our information identified octopuses, sea stars, sea urchins and sea cucumbers—all the time cautious to not allow us to get too near the fragile coral or endangered sea turtles. We spent about 90 minutes floating on inflatable swim belts, a cool, restorative option to benefit from the ocean.
Book the Grand Wailea Snorkel Outrigger Canoe Tour
Wailea Seashore. Courtesy of Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
What’s the significance of Outrigger Canoes in Hawaiian Tradition?
The significance of outrigger canoes—often called waʻa in Hawaiian—can’t be overstated. These vessels symbolize the deep connection Native Hawaiians have with the ocean and neighboring Pacific islands. Traditionally, they have been important for survival, used for fishing, transportation and long-distance navigation guided by the celebrities.
Right now, outrigger canoe paddling is the official crew sport of Hawaiʻi. All Maui Pacific Excursions guides are state champion paddlers, bringing each authenticity and athleticism to the expertise.
As we paddled again to shore, I gazed up at Haleakalā – Maui’s majestic protect volcano within the east – a reminder of the island’s sacred lands and the way the encircling ocean is an extension of them. How privileged we’re to be right here in Hawaiʻi, collaborating in an historic custom that also thrives immediately.
Plan Your Tour
Tour identify: Grand Wailea Snorkel Outrigger Canoe Tour
Operator: Maui Pacific Excursions
Location: Wailea Seashore, South Maui
Length: 2 hours
Availability: Each day
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