Sit Down Paddle Board Rentals in Kihei, Wailea, and Makena
25% Off When You Book Online!
Kihei • South Maui • Kayak-Style SUP • Double-Bladed Paddle • Life Jacket Included • No Experience Needed
Questions about sit down paddle board rentals or any other Maui rental? Text or call us at (808) 298-3021 daily. We are fun specialists and island experts, and we can help you plan the perfect Maui beach day. We are Maui family-owned and operated, and we’re Maui’s highest-rated activity and rental shop!
It’s easy to book your Kihei sit down paddle board rental right here online.
Auntie Snorkel offers the lowest prices guaranteed!
Free cancellation anytime prior to pickup.
Text or Call (808) 298-3021 Daily!
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Why You’ll Love Our Sit Down Paddle Board Rentals
⭐ All the Joy of Paddle Boarding, Without the Balancing Act
Sit down paddle boarding is a kayak-style experience built on the stability of a wide, premium SUP board. We set up one of our quality stand up paddle boards with a double-bladed kayak paddle so you can sit, paddle, and cruise across calm coastal water without ever having to stand up and balance. It is comfortable, accessible, and genuinely enjoyable from the very first stroke. If you have ever wanted to try paddle boarding but felt uncertain about the standing-up part, this is the answer.
⭐ Two Minutes From Kamaole Beach Park I
Our Kihei shop is a two-minute walk from Kamaole Beach Park I, one of Maui’s most popular paddling beaches. The calm morning waters, sandy beach entry, and colorful reef right across the street make it one of the best launch spots on the island. Pick up your board, walk to the water, and you are on the ocean within minutes of leaving our shop. No car, no parking, no logistics.
⭐ Life Jacket Included
Every sit down paddle board rental includes a life jacket. You are out on the open ocean and having the right flotation is part of enjoying the experience with complete peace of mind. It is included, not an add-on.
⭐ No Experience Needed
If you can sit and paddle, you can do this. Our staff provide free basic instruction at pickup covering how to launch safely, how to paddle efficiently, and how to get back to shore. Most guests are moving confidently and comfortably within minutes of hitting the water.
⭐ Paddle in the Morning for the Best Conditions
South Maui’s afternoon trade winds can make paddleboarding genuinely challenging. Morning sessions, before the trades pick up, offer calm, glassy water that is ideal for beginners and enjoyable for everyone. We strongly recommend picking up your board in the morning and being on the water by mid-morning at the latest.
⭐ Great for Sightseeing, Wildlife Spotting, and Relaxed Exploration
Sitting on the board puts you in a comfortable, stable position to take in everything around you: the coral formations below, the West Maui mountains above, and the sea turtles that frequent the reef at Kamaole Beach Park I. It is exercise, sightseeing, and meditation rolled into one easy morning activity.
⭐ Free Delivery on Weekly Rentals
Renting for five or more days? We offer free delivery to Kihei, Wailea, and Makena on rentals of five days or longer. Text or call us at (808) 298-3021 after completing your online reservation to arrange a delivery time.
⭐ Pick Up and Return at Our Kihei Shop
Sit down paddle board rentals are available at our Kihei store. Please return your board to the Kihei shop at the end of your rental period.
Staying in West Maui? Check out our Lahaina Sit Down Paddle Board Rentals.
Prefer to stand up? Check out our Kihei Stand Up Paddle Board Rentals instead.
What’s Included in Your Sit Down Paddle Board Rental
✔ One stable wide-body SUP board configured for sit-down paddling
✔ One double-bladed kayak paddle
✔ Life jacket
✔ Free basic instruction at pickup
✔ Local tips from our Fun Specialists
✔ 25% off the standard rental rate when you book online
✔ Pickup and return at Auntie Snorkel’s Kihei shop
✔ Free delivery on rentals of 5 days or longer in Kihei, Wailea, and Makena (call to arrange)
✔ Free cancellation anytime prior to pickup
How Your Sit Down Paddle Board Rental Works
Renting from Auntie Snorkel is fast and simple. Here is what to expect from booking to return.
Step 1 — Book online. Select your rental dates and complete your booking. You’ll receive an order confirmation email to show at pickup. If you would like delivery, text or call us at (808) 298-3021 after booking to arrange a time.
Step 2 — Pick up at our Kihei shop. Come in during shop hours and our staff will get you set up with your board, your double-bladed kayak paddle, your life jacket, and free basic instruction on launching, paddling, and landing.
Step 3 — Walk to the beach or load your board for transport. Kamaole Beach Park I is a two-minute walk from our shop, no car needed for most guests. If you are heading to a different spot and need soft racks and straps, rent them at the shop for $9. Our staff will provide a clear instruction sheet with a loading diagram and come outside to check your setup before you drive away.
Step 4 — Get on the water in the morning. Afternoon trade winds can make paddleboarding difficult. Aim to be on the water before mid-morning for the calmest conditions.
Step 5 — Return when you’re done. Bring the board back to our Kihei shop by the end of your rental period. Sit down paddle boards must be returned to the shop from which they were rented.
Shop hours: 7:30am – 5pm daily
Kihei shop address: 2439 S Kihei Road, #101A, Kihei, HI 96753
Phone/Text: (808) 298-3021
🚗 Transporting Your Board by Car
Planning to drive your board to a different launch spot? Here is everything you need to know before you load up.
🛒 Pick Up Soft Racks and Straps at Our Shop — $9
We rent soft roof rack pads and tie-down straps for $9. These protect your car roof and keep your board secure during transport. Grab them at the shop when you pick up your board.
📋 You’ll Receive a Loading Instruction Sheet With a Diagram
Every guest who transports a board receives a clear, illustrated instruction sheet showing exactly how to position, pad, and strap the board to your roof. Our staff will also talk you through the process verbally at pickup.
✅ Our Staff Will Inspect Your Setup Before You Drive Away
Before you leave our parking lot, a team member will come outside to verify that your boards are properly loaded and the straps are tight and secure.
📌 Key Rules for Safe Board Transport
- 🏄 Fins up. Always load boards fins facing up to protect the fins and the roof of your car.
- 🚗 Two boards maximum per vehicle. Do not attempt to load more than two paddle boards or two surfboards onto one car.
- 📡 Remove your antenna before loading boards. A board shifting during transport can snap an antenna.
- 🟰 Place one pad at the front door frame position and one pad at the rear door frame position. The straps will cross directly over each pad.
- 🔒 Run one strap through the front door frame. Open both front doors, drape the strap over the boards at the front pad, feed both ends through the front door frames, and buckle inside the car. Pull firmly until tight.
- 🔒 Run one strap through the rear door frame. Repeat at the rear pad using the back door frames. Make sure both straps are taut with no slack.
- 🪢 Secure the leashes. Tuck or tie off any board leashes so they do not drag or flap at highway speed.
⚠️ Liability Note
Our staff provide instructions and inspect your setup, but loading and securing the boards is your responsibility. Our liability waiver includes a note that Auntie Snorkel is not responsible for damage to your vehicle or equipment resulting from improper loading or strapping. By driving away, you confirm that your boards are loaded to your satisfaction.
Sit Down vs. Stand Up: Which Rental Is Right for You?
Not sure whether to go with a sit down or a stand up paddle board? Here is a simple guide.
Sit Down Paddle Board Is the Right Choice If:
- You want to enjoy the ocean at a completely relaxed, no-pressure pace
- You are new to paddling and prefer not to focus on balance
- You want to paddle longer distances in comfort without tiring your legs
- You are paddling with a partner and want to match pace easily
- You have any concerns about balance, mobility, or stability on the water
- You want to bring a pet or a young child on the board with you
Stand Up Paddle Board Is the Right Choice If:
- You want a more active, fitness-oriented experience on the water
- You are comfortable with balance challenges and want to improve your skills
- You have some prior SUP or surfing experience and want to build on it
- You want the fuller field of view and elevated perspective that standing provides
Our Fun Specialists are happy to help you choose at pickup or over the phone at (808) 298-3021. There is no wrong answer. Both options put you on the water enjoying one of Maui’s most beautiful coastlines. See our Kihei Stand Up Paddle Board Rental page if you think that might be the better fit.
Where to Paddle in Kihei
Sit down paddle boards work best in calm, protected water with easy beach access. These South Maui spots are our top recommendations.
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Kamaole Beach Park I (Kam I)
- A two-minute walk from our Kihei shop and the top recommendation for first-time sit-down paddlers. The morning waters here are typically calm and glassy, the beach entry is sandy and gradual, and the colorful reef directly offshore is home to Hawaiian green sea turtles. For most Kihei guests there is no reason to drive anywhere. This is the spot!
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Kamaole Beach Park II (Kam II)
- A short walk south of Kam I with its own sandy beach entry and good morning water conditions. Kam II tends to be slightly less crowded than Kam I and offers a long stretch of open water for paddlers who want a bit more room to explore.
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Kamaole Beach Park III (Kam III)
- The largest of the three Kamaole parks, with a long stretch of open beach and water. A good destination for paddlers who want to cover more distance along the coastline. Easy parking and facilities on site.
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Keawakapu Beach
- A beautiful, less crowded beach just south of the Kamaole parks at the northern edge of Wailea. Quieter than the Kamaole strip and a pleasant destination for paddlers who want a more relaxed setting and more open water to themselves.
Who Should Rent a Sit Down Paddle Board from Auntie Snorkel?
This rental is a great fit for:
- Guests who want to enjoy the ocean at a completely relaxed pace without the balance demands of standing on a board
- Anyone who is new to paddling and wants the most accessible possible introduction to being on the water
- Guests staying in Kihei, Wailea, or Makena who want easy access to the Kamaole Beach Parks and South Kihei reef
- Couples and families who want to paddle together at a comfortable, matched pace
- Anyone with balance, mobility, or stability concerns who still wants a genuine ocean experience
- Guests who want to spot wildlife, watch the reef below, and take in the scenery without managing a balancing act at the same time
Pair your sit down paddle board with our snorkel gear rental and a GoPro rental to capture all your memories. Browse all Kihei beach rentals available from Auntie Snorkel.
Rental Care and Responsibility
⚠️ Renters are responsible for the board during the rental period. Damage beyond normal wear may result in additional charges.
⚠️ Guests over 250 lbs may find paddle boarding more challenging on our standard boards. Call us at (808) 298-3021 before booking and we will help you choose the best option.
⚠️ Afternoon trade winds make paddleboarding difficult. Plan to be on the water in the morning. Paddling into strong afternoon wind is exhausting and potentially unsafe for beginners.
⚠️ Guests must be able to carry the board to the water. SUP boards are large and require carrying to and from the water.
⚠️ Always watch the water for at least 10-15 minutes before launching. Know where any surf is breaking and where you can get back to shore if conditions change.
⚠️ Boards must be returned to the Kihei shop from which they were rented. They cannot be returned to our Lahaina location.
⚠️ Rinse the board and paddle with fresh water before returning them.
Pro Tips from Your Fun Specialists
- Go in the morning. The single most important tip for Kihei paddling is to be on the water early. By late morning the conditions at the Kamaole parks can change significantly from what they were at 8am.
- Sit toward the center of the board for the best stability. Sitting too far back raises the nose and makes steering harder. Too far forward and the nose digs in.
- Use alternate strokes on each side every three to four paddle strokes to travel in a straight line. The double-bladed paddle makes this more intuitive than a single-bladed paddle, but new paddlers often still default to one side.
- Look up and ahead, not down at the water. You will hold a straighter line and notice the marine life and scenery around you much more easily.
- Bring your snorkel gear. The reef at Kamaole Beach Park I starts just across the street and is home to Hawaiian green sea turtles. Paddle out, tethered to the board’s leash, and drop in for a snorkel session without losing your board.
- Apply reef-safe sunscreen before leaving the shop and bring a waterproof container for your phone. Both are available in our shop.
- If you are transporting the board by car, pick up soft racks and straps at our shop for $9 and allow a few extra minutes at pickup for our staff to talk you through the loading process and check your setup.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Sit Down Paddle Board Rentals in Kihei
What exactly is a sit down paddle board?
It is one of our wide, stable SUP boards configured for kayak-style paddling. Instead of standing on the board and using a single-bladed SUP paddle, you sit on the board and use a double-bladed kayak paddle. You get all the stability and visibility of a paddle board experience without needing to balance on your feet. It is comfortable, easy to learn, and genuinely enjoyable from the very first stroke.
Do I need any experience?
No experience is required. If you can sit and paddle, you can do this. Our staff provide free basic instruction at pickup and most guests are moving confidently within minutes of getting on the water.
How is this different from a regular kayak?
A sit down paddle board sits higher on the water than a kayak and has a much wider, more stable platform. This gives you better visibility into the water below, ideal for spotting fish, coral, and sea turtles, and makes it easier to get on and off in the ocean. It is also significantly lighter and easier to carry than a traditional kayak.
Do I need a car to get to the beach?
Not if you are launching from Kamaole Beach Park I. The beach is a two-minute walk from our shop. Pick up your board, walk to the water, and you are paddling. Free parking is also available at our shop.
What time of day is best for paddling?
Morning. South Maui’s afternoon trade winds typically pick up by late morning and can make paddling difficult even from a seated position. Morning sessions offer calm, glassy water that is ideal for beginners and enjoyable for everyone. Plan to be on the water by mid-morning at the latest.
Can I go snorkeling from the sit down paddle board?
Yes. Paddle out to a reef, ensure the board’s leash is attached to you, and drop in for a snorkel session. The wide, stable board is easy to climb back onto after snorkeling. Rent snorkel gear from us at the same time and you can do both in one stop.
Do I need to return the board to the Kihei shop?
Yes. Boards must be returned to the shop from which they were rented. Kihei sit down paddle board rentals must come back to our Kihei location.
What is the cancellation policy?
Auntie Snorkel offers free cancellation anytime prior to pickup. No deadline, no fees.
Why Rent Your Sit Down Paddle Board from Auntie Snorkel?
⭐ Best-Value Sit Down Paddle Board Rentals in Kihei with 25% Off Online
⭐ Wide, Stable Board With Double-Bladed Kayak Paddle and Life Jacket Included
⭐ Two-Minute Walk to Kamaole Beach Park I – No Car Needed
⭐ Free Delivery on Rentals of 5 Days or Longer
⭐ Free Cancellation Anytime Prior to Pickup
⭐ Trusted by Thousands of Happy Maui Guests
More About Sit Down Paddle Boarding in Kihei
From the Owner’s Desk: Why This Has Become a Favorite
I’ll be honest with you: sit down paddle boarding has quickly become one of my absolute favorite ways to spend time on the water. I’ve been doing ocean stuff my whole life, and there’s something about this setup that just feels easy, peaceful, and really fun in a low-stress way. No rushing, no balancing act, just sitting back and enjoying Maui from the water.
One of my favorite things to do lately is take my goldendoodle, Basil, out with me along the coast. She plops herself right on the board like she owns it, ears flapping in the breeze, watching the shoreline roll by. We cruise over calm water, spot turtles popping up for air, and just take it all in. It’s mellow, it’s beautiful, and it reminds me why I fell in love with the ocean in the first place.
That’s what I love most about sit down paddle boarding. It’s accessible. You don’t have to be an athlete or have perfect balance to enjoy it. You can take your time, paddle a short distance, or just float and soak it all up. Whether you’re paddling solo, with a partner, or bringing a four-legged co-pilot like Basil, it’s one of the easiest ways to connect with Maui’s coastline.
If you’re on the fence about standing up versus sitting down, this is a great option. It’s comfortable, stable, and lets you focus on the scenery instead of your footing. Stop by the shop and we’ll get you set up. I think once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become a favorite around here.
— Mark Noble, Owner and Fun Specialist, Auntie Snorkel
Two Minutes to the Water – No Car Required
One of the most practical advantages of renting from Auntie Snorkel’s Kihei shop is that Kamaole Beach Park I is a two-minute walk from our front door. Pick up your board, grab your kayak paddle, put on your life jacket, and walk straight to the water. There is no drive to coordinate, no parking to navigate, and no time wasted on logistics.
Stable, Comfortable, and More Accessible Than a Kayak
Traditional kayaks sit low and enclosed in the water, which some guests find claustrophobic, difficult to get in and out of, and hard to see around. A sit down paddle board sits high and open on the surface, giving you a clear view of the reef below and the coastline around you. For guests who want the experience of being on the water without the logistical demands of a traditional kayak, this setup is the better answer.
SUP and Snorkel: A Perfect Kihei Morning
Sitting on your board with a double-bladed paddle, you can cover the reef at Kamaole Beach Park I comfortably and easily. When you spot a turtle or a particularly beautiful section of coral below, you stop, ensure your board’s leash is attached to your ankle, pull on your mask and fins, and drop in. The board floats patiently beside you. Then you climb back on and keep going. It is one of the most complete ocean experiences available within walking distance of a Maui rental shop, and guests who try it almost universally wish they had booked more days.
Pickup Location: Auntie Snorkel Kihei, 2439 S Kihei Road, #101A, Kihei, HI 96753
Learn More About Paddle Boarding and Beach Days on Maui from Auntie Snorkel’s Fun Specialists
Auntie Snorkel’s Maui Guidebook offers all our Island Expert knowledge at your fingertips to help you plan the perfect Maui vacation. Check out these articles from our local experts.
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