Clear Bottom Kayaking at Makena Landing in Maui

 Thanks Kay and Andy for sharing another Maui adventure.

 

Clear bottom kayaking was a good solution for us because there had been two shark attacks near Makena Landing since our arrival in Maui we were apprehensive about a kayak/snorkel adventure.  So my brother and I set out at 8:00 AM after some instruction about water safety and directions for the best areas to paddle.  The orange and green kayak was very sturdy.  It was not long before we sighted a turtle who obligingly swam under our glass bottom kayak.  We also saw lots of reef fish and coral formations.

 
We could have opted to float around with all of the sea life below but we wanted to paddle too. As we headed in the opposite direction I spotted a fin surface on the water.  "Look, Andy," I said, "a shark!"  The "shark" was actually a dolphin.  In fact there were four dolphins swimming along beside us.  They even talked to us.

 
The water became somewhat rough so we headed back to look for more turtles. On the way back we saw a couple of parents with their two small children in a kayak, and commented on what a great option clear bottom kayaking is, to enjoy Maui's underwater scene, especially for families or people who don't snorkel.  Our two hours was soon up and Kyle Prescott pulled us into the shore.  We were glad that Kyle and his partner, Derek Brown brought this new activity to Maui this year.

 

For more information visit the website of Clear Bottom Kayaks.

A Morning Kayak and Stand up Paddle off Waiohuli Beach, Kihei, Maui

The other morning my friend Julie and I went for an early morning paddle just off Waiohuli Beach in Central Kihei right across the road from where we live. We put the kayak on wheels and I pulled it while Julie carried her stand up paddle board to our launching place on the beach.

Julie putting the kayak on wheels

Ready to launch our vessels

It is quite shallow there for a long way out, so we had to keep a look out for coral heads as we tackled the relentless succession of waves to where the the ocean was flat and serene. Of course I couldn't take a photo of that part because I was too busy paddling for my life!

All around us were large turtles swimming and popping up for air sometimes right beside us.  I tried to get a photo of them, but wasn't quick enough.  Oh and the whales breaching and doing their thing in the distance. What a treat!!

As sat quietly and looked towards the pristine South Maui shoreline, I felt so grateful that this beautiful island is my second home!
I have to admit that I was a little nervous about the paddle back into shore, as this was only my second time in a kayak.  Julie instructed me to always go with the waves and to check behind me so I knew when they were coming. I was proud of myself that I made it to shore without tipping, but was I ever out of breath.  It was a good workout for sure!!!
I will look forward to my next kayaking adventure and welcome your comments about experiences kayaking or stand up paddle boarding.