Hawaiian Canoe Experience
Paddle Maui’s turquoise waters aboard a traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoe alongside our resort ho‘okele (navigator), who shares the history, wayfinding traditions, and cultural significance of voyaging in Hawaiʻi. This guided ocean experience offers a uniquely peaceful perspective of the Wailea coastline, connecting guests to the rhythms of the sea much like early navigators once did.
During whale season, this experience provides an exceptional opportunity to whale watch, often allowing guests to see — and even hear — humpback whales as they surface and sing nearby. In the off-season, the calm morning waters frequently reveal Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu), tropical reef fish, and other marine life, making every paddle a memorable and authentic encounter with Maui’s ocean environment.
Jamie O'Brien Surf Experience
Experience the spirit of Maui’s surf culture through the Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience, offered in partnership with Wailea Scuba, Surf & Paddle and based at Fairmont Kea Lani. Guided by Maui watermen and expert instructors — blending more than 30 years of local ocean knowledge with the world-renowned approach of professional surfer Jamie O’Brien — this premium program is designed to make surfing accessible, fun, and unforgettable for all skill levels.
After meeting at the resort’s surf shop, guests are transported to nearby beginner-friendly breaks along the Wailea coastline, where gentle rolling waves and warm turquoise waters create the ideal environment to learn or refine technique. Instruction focuses on ocean safety, wave reading, and surf etiquette, all while immersed in Maui’s breathtaking scenery — and during whale season, guests may even spot humpback whales breaching offshore.
All equipment is provided, along with transportation, towels, and water, ensuring a seamless experience from resort to shore. Whether you’re a first-time surfer, a family seeking adventure, or simply looking to connect with the ocean in a new way, this guided experience offers an authentic and memorable introduction to surfing on Maui.
Wailea Scuba, Surf & Paddle
At Wailea Scuba, Surf & Paddle, guests are invited to experience Maui the way locals do — on the water. Located at Fairmont Kea Lani along the Wailea coastline, our knowledgeable watermen and certified instructors provide attentive, safety-focused guidance that transforms ocean activities into lasting memories and fosters a deeper connection to Hawaiʻi’s marine environment. With small group sizes, quality equipment, and a welcoming approach for beginners and seasoned ocean enthusiasts alike, each outing is thoughtfully designed to be comfortable, engaging, and fun.
Guests may explore the reef at their own pace with snorkel gear rentals, often spotting vibrant reef fish and Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) along Wailea’s calm shoreline, or venture below the surface with guided reef dives, introductory experiences, and full PADI certification courses led by experienced instructors. Surf lessons, offered offsite with convenient luxury transportation included, make riding a first wave seamless and approachable, while stand-up paddleboards and 15’ x 5’ Ohana boards — accommodating up to eight adults — provide a relaxed way to gather family and friends on the water. Kayaking excursions offer scenic coastal views and, during whale season, the possibility of encountering humpback whales offshore, and underwater scooters allow guests to effortlessly cruise beneath the surface while guided by trained staff.
Whether paddling, riding waves, or diving below them, every experience is led by a passionate team dedicated to creating a safe, engaging, and distinctly Maui ocean adventure.
