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Kihei Boat Ramp • South Maui • Sea Caves, Spinner Dolphins, Turtles and Eagle Rays • 4 Hours
Questions about this or any other Maui activity? Text or call us at (808) 298-3021 daily. We are fun specialists and island experts, and we can help you pick the perfect Maui activity for your crew. We are Maui family-owned and operated, and we’re Maui’s highest-rated activity and rental shop!
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Free cancellation up to 72 hours prior.
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Auntie Snorkel’s Reviews
Why You’ll Love the Blue Water Rafting Kanaio Coast and La Perouse Bay Snorkel Tour
⭐ A Coastline That Almost Nobody Sees
The Kanaio Coast stretches south of Makena along the lower slopes of Haleakala — a remote, raw stretch of volcanic shoreline with no roads, no beach access, and no boat tours except Blue Water Rafting. About 200 years ago, molten lava poured from a side vent and exploded into the ocean, forming a dramatic series of sea caves, lava arches, and grottos that line the coast.
⭐ Spinner Dolphins at La Perouse Bay — Often at the Bow
La Perouse Bay is one of Maui’s most reliable spinner dolphin habitats. Blue Water Rafting’s raft sits low to the water, and pods of spinner dolphins — including babies — regularly swim alongside the bow, sometimes just feet away. On many trips guests encounter dolphins while in the water, an experience described by those who’ve had it as genuinely unforgettable.
⭐ Sea Turtles and Spotted Eagle Rays at Makena
The final snorkel stop in Makena puts guests in the water with Hawaiian green sea turtles and spotted eagle rays along pristine lava fingers. These turtles are accustomed to snorkelers and surface for air within just a few feet of guests without alarm. It’s the kind of close-up wildlife encounter that snorkel tours built around busier sites can rarely deliver.
⭐ 40 Years of Operation and a Flawless Award Record
Blue Water Rafting has operated on Maui since 1985. Their TripAdvisor record includes Travelers Choice awards in 2022, 2023, and 2024 alongside Certificates of Excellence in 2019 and 2024. Forty years of repeat guests and consistent top-rated reviews reflect a level of operational quality and crew knowledge that only comes from genuine longevity.
⭐ Three Distinct Experiences in Four Hours
This tour isn’t a single snorkel stop with a long ride bookending it. The route moves through three meaningfully different environments: the geological drama of the Kanaio sea caves, the spinner dolphin encounters at La Perouse, and the turtle and eagle ray snorkel at Makena. The variety keeps the experience engaging from start to finish.
⭐ Breakfast and Lunch Included
A morning breakfast of muffin and fresh fruit starts the tour, and a full lunch — individually wrapped croissant sandwiches, a nut-free chocolate chip cookie, water, and Hawaiian juices — is served at the Makena snorkel stop. Vegan and gluten-free options are available if requested in the comments section at booking.
⭐ Pristine Reefs Away From the Molokini Crowds
Blue Water Rafting designed this tour specifically for guests who want exceptional snorkeling in remote, uncrowded environments rather than the busy Molokini circuit. The reefs along the Kanaio Coast and at La Perouse see a fraction of the traffic of the popular south-side snorkel sites, and the marine life reflects that.
What’s Included in the Blue Water Rafting Kanaio Coast and La Perouse Bay Snorkel Tour
✔ 4-hour rafting and snorkel adventure along South Maui’s remote coastline
✔ Kanaio Coast sea cave and lava arch sightseeing (inaccessible by road or standard boat)
✔ Spinner dolphin encounter at La Perouse Bay
✔ Green sea turtle and spotted eagle ray snorkel stop at Makena
✔ Zodiac-style raft vessel — small group experience
✔ Snorkel gear included
✔ Breakfast: muffin and fresh fruit platter
✔ Lunch: individually wrapped croissant sandwich (ham and cheese or turkey and cheese), nut-free chocolate chip cookie, water, and Hawaiian juices
✔ Vegan or gluten-free lunch option available if requested in the comments at booking
✔ E-Ticket emailed from Auntie Snorkel after booking
✔ Free cancellation up to 72 hours prior
What Does the Blue Water Rafting Kanaio Coast and La Perouse Bay Tour Look Like?
See for yourself in this preview of the experience.
What Can I See on the Blue Water Rafting Kanaio Coast and La Perouse Bay Snorkel Tour?
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the Kanaio Coast route consistently delivers some of the most diverse and unusual encounters available on any Maui ocean tour.
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Kanaio Coast Sea Caves, Lava Arches, and Grottos
- Spectacular volcanic formations created when lava poured into the ocean approximately 200 years ago — caves, tunnels, arches, and grottos carved into the youngest lava field on Maui, inaccessible by any other means
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Haleakala Slopes From the Water
- Sweeping views of Haleakala’s lower slopes from the ocean, with the raw volcanic landscape of the Kanaio lava field descending directly into the sea
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Spinner Dolphins at La Perouse Bay
- One of Maui’s most reliable spinner dolphin habitats — pods including babies regularly frolic at the bow of the raft, and in-water dolphin encounters have been reported on many trips
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Remote Snorkel Sites: La Perouse Pinnacle and More
- Time and conditions permitting, guests may snorkel remote sites including the La Perouse Pinnacle, teeming with fish and featuring unique underwater terrain found nowhere else on Maui’s south shore
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Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles at Makena
- Endangered and protected, these turtles surface for air just feet from snorkelers and are accustomed to people — one of the most intimate turtle encounters available on the island
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Spotted Eagle Rays at Makena
- The pristine lava fingers at the Makena snorkel stop attract spotted eagle rays gliding along the reef — a sighting that consistently surprises and delights guests who weren’t expecting it
What’s on the Menu?
Your booking includes both breakfast and lunch. Please request vegan and gluten-free options in the comments section at the time of booking.
Breakfast
- Muffin
- Fresh fruit platter
Lunch (Served at the Makena Snorkel Stop)
- Individually wrapped croissant sandwich: ham and cheese, or turkey and cheese
- Nut-free chocolate chip cookie
- Water and Hawaiian juices
- Vegan or gluten-free option available if requested at booking
What are the Check-In Details, Departure Times, and Duration of the Blue Water Rafting Kanaio Coast and La Perouse Bay Snorkel Tour?
Tour duration: Approximately 4 hours
Check-in time: 6:30 AM
Departure time: 7:00 AM
Availability: Seasonal — May through December; specific days of the week to be confirmed. Call us at (808) 298-3021 or check the booking calendar for available dates.
Check-in and departure location:
Blue Water Rafting
Kihei Boat Ramp
2800 South Kihei Road, Kihei, HI 96753
What is the Location and Directions for the Blue Water Rafting Kanaio Coast and La Perouse Bay Snorkel Tour?
Kihei Boat Ramp, 2800 South Kihei Road
The Kihei Boat Ramp is conveniently located for guests staying in Kihei, Wailea, and Makena, and an easy drive from Kahului.
Approximate driving times:
- 5 minutes from central Kihei
- 15 minutes from Wailea/Makena area resorts
- 25 minutes from Kahului Airport (OGG)
- 60 minutes from Kaanapali area resorts
Who Should Book the Blue Water Rafting Kanaio Coast and La Perouse Bay Snorkel Tour?
This tour is a great fit for:
- Guests who want to see a part of Maui almost nobody gets to see — the Kanaio Coast sea caves and lava arches are genuinely inaccessible any other way
- Wildlife enthusiasts who want spinner dolphin encounters, sea turtles, and spotted eagle rays in a single tour
- Guests staying in South Maui — Kihei, Wailea, or Makena — who want a convenient early-morning departure close to their resort
- Photographers and geology enthusiasts who appreciate the volcanic formations along the Kanaio Coast
- Guests who want uncrowded, remote snorkel sites away from the standard Molokini circuit
- Anyone looking for an adventure-forward ocean experience that covers more ground and delivers more variety than a standard snorkel tour
For guests who also want to snorkel Molokini Crater on the same trip, Blue Water Rafting offers a 5.5-hour tour that adds Molokini to this same Kanaio Coast route. For guests on the West Side who prefer a Lanai raft tour, take a look at the Hawaii Ocean Rafting Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Watch. Browse the full selection of Maui snorkel tours from Auntie Snorkel.
Are There Special Restrictions for the Blue Water Rafting Kanaio Coast and La Perouse Bay Snorkel Tour?
⚠️ No children under 4 years of age. Adult supervision is required for all guests under 12.
⚠️ Not available for pregnant guests or those with back or neck problems.
⚠️ No wheelchair accommodations and no service animals on this tour.
⚠️ Guests should be comfortable in open ocean conditions on a raft vessel.
⚠️ Must be able to board the raft and use the swim ladder for re-entry after snorkeling.
⚠️ If prone to motion sickness, take preventative measures before boarding.
⚠️ Vegan and gluten-free lunch options must be requested in the comments section at the time of booking — not available on the day of the tour.
⚠️ Snorkel locations, sea cave access, and wildlife sightings are subject to ocean and weather conditions and are never guaranteed.
⚠️ This is a seasonal tour running May through December. Specific operating days are to be confirmed — call us at (808) 298-3021 for current availability.
Pro Tips from Your Fun Specialists
- Check in at 6:30 AM — the boat departs at 7:00 AM sharp and early morning conditions on South Maui’s coast are typically the calmest of the day
- Request a vegan or gluten-free lunch in the comments when you book — this cannot be accommodated on the day of the tour
- Apply reef-safe sunscreen before boarding and bring extra; the 4-hour tour covers a lot of open-water time in Maui morning sun
- Bring a light jacket or windbreaker for the early morning ride — the raft moves fast and the wind at 7 AM on the water can be cool
- Bring a waterproof bag for your valuables and personal items
- If you’re a photographer, the Kanaio Coast sea caves are spectacular — a waterproof camera or a GoPro is worth having. Rent a GoPro from Auntie Snorkel’s Kihei shop before your tour
- This tour departs from the south side, making it the most convenient early-morning option for guests staying in Kihei, Wailea, or Makena
- Bring cash for crew gratuity — the Blue Water Rafting crew consistently earns exceptional reviews and tips are always appreciated
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the Blue Water Rafting Kanaio Coast and La Perouse Bay Snorkel Tour
What makes this tour different from other South Maui snorkel tours?
The Kanaio Coast is inaccessible by road and visited by very few boats — Blue Water Rafting’s route past the sea caves and lava arches covers terrain that most Maui visitors never see at all. Combined with La Perouse Bay’s spinner dolphin habitat and the turtle and eagle ray stop at Makena, the variety and remoteness of the experience set it clearly apart from the standard Molokini-and-Turtle-Town circuit.
What are the Kanaio sea caves like?
Around 200 years ago, a side vent on Haleakala sent molten lava flowing into the ocean along the Kanaio Coast. When lava meets seawater, it explodes, hardens, and fractures. It creates the caves, arches, grottos, and tunnels that Blue Water Rafting tours past. The formations are dramatic, photogenic, and completely different from anything else on Maui’s coastline.
Are dolphin encounters guaranteed?
The captain cannot guarantee olphin sightings. However, La Perouse Bay is one of Maui’s most reliable spinner dolphin habitats and the crew encounters them on the majority of trips. In-water dolphin encounters have occurred and guests describe them as deeply memorable when they happen.
Can I snorkel if I’m not a strong swimmer?
Your ticket price includes snorkel gear and an experienced crew with guests at all levels. Guests should be comfortable in open ocean conditions. If you have concerns, call us at (808) 298-3021 before booking and we can help you assess whether this tour is the right fit.
When can I take this tour?
This is a seasonal tour running May through December. Blue Water Rafting will confirm specific operating days in season. Call us at (808) 298-3021 or check the booking calendar for the most current availability.
May I have a vegan or gluten-free lunch?
Yes, but it must be requested in the comments section at the time of booking. The crew cannot accommodate dietary requests on the day of the tour.
Is this tour good for families?
Yes, for families with children ages 4 and older. An adult must accompany guests under 12. The early 7:00 AM departure and the raft vessel format make this a better fit for families with older children who are comfortable in the ocean.
What is the cancellation policy?
Auntie Snorkel offers free cancellation up to 72 hours prior to your tour.
Why Book the Blue Water Rafting Kanaio Coast and La Perouse Bay Snorkel Tour With Auntie Snorkel?
⭐ Best-Value Tickets for Maui Snorkel Tours
⭐ Secure Checkout with Easy Cancellation Up to 72 Hours Prior
⭐ Real Local Support from Our Family-Owned Lahaina and Kihei Shops
⭐ Personalized Help Choosing the Right Maui Activity for You
⭐ Trusted by Thousands of Happy Maui Guests
More About the Blue Water Rafting Kanaio Coast and La Perouse Bay Snorkel Tour
The Kanaio Coast Is Maui’s Least-Seen Coastline
The Kanaio Coast exists entirely outside the reach of ordinary tourism. Blue Water Rafting has navigated this coastline for 40 years. The sea caves they tour past are unknown to the vast majority of visitors who come to Maui. Guests consistently describe the section of the tour as something they had no idea existed and could not have found any other way.
La Perouse Bay and the Dolphins Who Live There
La Perouse Bay sits at the southern edge of Maui, sheltered and calm. It hosts a resident population of spinner dolphins that return reliably to rest and play in its waters. The low profile of Blue Water Rafting’s raft makes it an attractive companion for dolphins. Pods follow alongside the bow, and in-water encounters have happened here on tours when conditions allow it.
The Makena Snorkel Stop: Turtles and Rays
The tour ends with lunch and snorkeling at Makena. Here, pristine lava formations create habitat for Hawaiian green sea turtles and spotted eagle rays. These aren’t glimpses from a distance. The turtles surface for air within arm’s reach of snorkelers. The eagle rays glide through the reef at close range.
40 Years on These Waters
Blue Water Rafting launched in 1985 and has operated continuously on Maui’s south shore since then. Their captains and crew know this coastline the way locals know their neighborhoods. They know all the sea cave formations, the dolphin travel routes, the turtle spots, the wind and swell patterns that govern access to each site.
A Tour for Guests Who Want More
The Blue Water Rafting Kanaio tour moves through three distinct environments. It covers terrain that no other tour accesses. It delivers wildlife encounters at each stop. For guests who feel like they’ve done the standard Maui ocean experience and want something that goes further, this is the tour that delivers it.
Location: Blue Water Rafting, Kihei Boat Ramp, 2800 South Kihei Road, Kihei, HI 96753
Learn More About Maui Snorkeling from Auntie Snorkel’s Fun Specialists
Auntie Snorkel’s Maui Guidebook offers all our Island Expert knowledge at your fingertips to help you find the perfect Maui activities for you. Learn more about Maui snorkeling in the articles below.
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