Visitor Paddle - Kihei Canoe Club

HomeVisitor Paddle

Our club is happy to offer an outrigger paddling experience to visitors on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Visitors MUST register INDIVIDUALLY via the Club Calendar by selecting Visitor Paddle on the desired date, completing the required information and making a tax-deductable $40 donation. (Kihei Canoe Club is an IRS 501(3)(c) organization.) The donation is used to maintain our canoes and to help support our club's paddling programs including two junior teams, and other expenses. Please sign up early as space is limited. We look forward to sharing this fun experience with you!

Visitors and Maui residents often ask about paddling when they see our bright red and gold wa`a (canoes) in the waters off Kihei, Wailea, Makena and Ma`alaea. In answer, we offer a visitor paddling program which includes an introduction to Hawaiian Culture, instruction in outrigger canoe paddling, and discussion of the local sea life. Paddling sessions usually begin with E Ala E, a traditional chant to welcome the rising sun. This is followed by paddling instruction. Depending on conditions, we may paddle to an outer reef to see large sea turtles, venture out to observe whales or head north toward Kealia Pond and Sugar Beach. After returning we end the program with a Mahalo chant to give thanks to the land, the sea and to Hawaiian deities such as nā kūpuna (ancestors) and nā aumakua (family gods.)

Green sea turtles (honu) abound in close proximity to the club and paddlers are very likely to see them up close. There’s also a chance to see dolphins and large rays. The biggest thrill comes during whale (kohala) season (December-April) when we encounter these gigantic creatures. We make no promises, but we see whales most days in February and March. We are extremely careful to respect the creatures who inhabit these waters, creatures recognized by the Hawaiians as family gods, the living embodiment of their ancestors.

The visitor program is offered on Tuesday and Thursday year round, conditions permitting. Adults and children over the age of 8 are welcome to paddle with experienced club members in single or double hull outrigger canoes. No previous experience required. Youth less than 18 must be accompanied by an adult responsible for them.

We will provide you a paddle if needed and a place to store your car keys. Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet or a bathing suit and bring a towel for after the paddle. Remember to bring your camera to capture the beauty of Maui in the early morning. While you may not be in the water, objects in the canoes may get wet so do not bring anything in the canoe that is not water proof.

Advanced online signup is required by selecting the Visitor Paddle event on the calendar for the date you want. This is a very popular activity and seating is limited and so please sign up early.

Visitor Paddling Program