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Make A Splash Without Getting Wet!

The old saying goes: “Different strokes for different folks” – meaning this world is full of individuals, each with their own personalities, opinions, hobbies and yes… fears.

If you’re traveling to Maui and have a fear of the water, this is your chance to conquer it! A Canoe Ride in Maui will help you face that fear with professional coaches, and a sturdy canoe to back you up. The best part is that you stay happily above the water, not even getting your hair wet! This little-at-a-time approach is a great way to slowly (but steadily) increase your confidence. Who knows, maybe after some time, you’ll forget your fear altogether.

But a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step, so call us and book a Maui Canoe Ride today!

Make Your Friends Jealous

If you’re traveling to Maui, make sure you bring your camera… because how else can you show your friends you had the BEST VACATION EVER?

shakaYes, these days it’s all about posting your most recent experiences on Facebook or your own blog. It’s an easy way for friends and family to see what you’ve been up to, and why not make them a little jealous at the same time?!

If you come out for a stand up paddle lesson or canoe ride in Maui with us, make sure you bring that (waterproof) camera. The images and video that you’ll capture will surely impress anyone that sees them. After all, it’s not everyday that one posts a picture of themselves in paradise, surrounded by sparkling blue water and sunny skies, with a great tan!

Re-Discover Maui From The Water

Some families and couples love Maui so much when they first visit, that they just HAVE to come again. They do whatever it takes: Timeshares, sacrificing “sick days” in exchange for more vacation time from work… anything that gets them on the island again. We don’t blame them for the effort!

For those of you who frequent Maui’s shores, we invite you to do something different and “re-discover” Maui with a Stand Up Paddle Tour or Canoe Ride with us. We bet that no matter how many times you’ve visited Maui, you’ll see it from a totally new perspective when you’re on the water, and will appreciate a whole new side of the island experience.

We cater to all types of individuals: whether you just want to cruise along and enjoy the view, or you want to gain a new skill to use each time you visit Maui, we’re you’re best choice! Join us for a tour today, and you’ll never look at Maui the same way again!

Hey! Slow Down…

Today’s adrenaline-soaked world is all about bigger and faster… and it seems that this message appears everywhere, especially when it comes to vacations. But we disagree…we like to remind ourselves that bigger and faster do not always mean “better”. To us, the choice between a theme park vacation and a Hawaii vacation isn’t really a choice at all! The difference is all in what you get out of the experience.

Looking Back After all, what do you really “experience” by doing the theme-park thing? Long lines, steel monstrosities, and bugs in the teeth as you hurtle through the air going mach speed… that doesn’t sound very fun at all! Do you even get to SEE anything besides the blur of objects whizzing by?? (It sounds funny but it’s true!). We say SLOW IT DOWN… it’s better to experience something real (and at a normal speed).

Enter a canoe ride with Maui Paddle Sports: it’s just the cure for adrenaline-overload! You’ll be able to truly escape from it all as you leave dry land and step into the blue pacific ocean. Looking back at the Hawaiian Islands and all their beauty will be something you’ll remember with much more fondness. We hope to see you on the water soon!

Take A Test Paddle!

Whether you live by the ocean, a lake, river or pond, chances are you’ve thought about Stand Up Paddling your local waters. But perhaps you aren’t sure how to proceed? After all, there are lots of shapes, sizes, and styles of SUPs and paddles to choose from. To a novice, the choices can be overwhelming.

Maui SUPSo we suggest taking a Stand Up Paddle Lesson in Maui with us. In a way, you can “try before you buy” and find out what works best for you. We encourage you to talk to your guide and let them know about your local waters, and the kind of paddling you intend on doing (are you into racing, cruising, riding waves, etc..). We’ll match you with the equipment that resembles as closely as possible the kind of board you might end up getting on your own.

So what are you waiting for? Come see us for a test paddle today!

2 Steps For Getting Fit

Lots of people are getting into stand up paddling, because it’s a great way to get fit while having fun at the same time!

SUP’ing works wonders for your fitness for two reasons: 1) You are burning calories; and 2) You are building muscle. These are two very important steps towards losing weight! Often times we find that folks who are trying to get fit tend to neglect one of these steps. For men, they think lifting heavy weights alone will do the trick; and for women, they think that endless running/cardio will make the pounds melt away. But pretty soon, they find that focusing on just one area doesn’t get the job done.

We all know that cardio burns calories, but some of us might not know that building muscle also helps burn calories! That’s right – muscle is a calorie-burning furnace: meaning you burn more calories (even as you are rest) when you have a bit of muscle. This is why it’s important to combine both cardio and muscle building – it’s a winning combo! And stand up paddling is a great way to do both, while having fun and getting some sun. Now that’s a fitness routine we could stick to!

Authentic Canoe Coaches

The Maui activities business has always been a strong source of commerce on this island. And as such, one sometimes encounters an activity company that is more passionate about the “business” than the activity itself. (Ever been on an activity lesson and thought your teacher could use a few lessons himself?). Well rest assured that’s not us at Maui Paddle Sports!

Happy GroupIf suddenly the world was rich, and no one had to work, you’d still find us in the water. Everyone on our staff is a paddler before anything else. Many of our coaches are active members of competition canoe clubs, and even the owner of Maui Paddle Sports is an accomplished and well-respected paddler in Hawaii.

So if you want an authentic experience with real paddlers, look no further than Maui Paddle Sports for your Maui Canoe Ride and Lesson. Our coaches are friendly and helpful, and above all – AUTHENTIC!

SUP’s As Getaway Vehicles

SUPWith all the hustle and bustle of every day life, we all need a place we can go to escape the noise. That’s why we love getting in the water so much! It’s like liquid therapy.

We encourage all who live near lakes, ponds, and the like – to come out and take a Stand Up Paddle Lesson with us. You’ll get the skills you need to bring SUP’ing back home. And when you do, you’ll be able to find new corners of your favorite lake, river or pond for those times you just want to get away from it all.

Now, that’s not to say you shouldn’t share your love of Stand Up Paddling with friends! But for those times you just want to escape, and appreciate some time to yourself, SUP’ing is your chance to make an easy getaway!

Get Some Culture Without The Boredom!

Everyone is more receptive to learning when the classroom is fun! Think about it: how many times have you been part of a tour or group, but couldn’t wait for it to be OVER!? Perhaps the subject matter itself was boring, or maybe it was the tour guide that was stale… perhaps it was both!?

Stand Up Paddle Class MauiWell rest assured here at Maui Paddle Sports we can offer you an education on an important piece of Hawaiian History, The Canoe, without putting you to sleep! Canoe Paddling in Maui is one of the best ways to learn about (and experience) an important aspect of Hawaii’s culture. Actually getting in the water and experiencing this for yourself makes the experience much more REAL, FUN, and EXCITING!

So if you’d like to add a little culture and education to a fun activity day in Maui, give us a call! We promise you’ll walk away with the feeling that you not only DID something, but LEARNED something as well!

Cruising Together!

Maui is one of the top choices for couples to visit on their honeymoon, and for good reason: Maui is simply gorgeous, and offers lots of things for couples to do together.

One of our favorites is being together for sunset. There is something about the fading light, sparkling water, and colorful skies that make the event a daily joy. And for us, there’s nothing better than going for a sunset Stand Up Paddle with your sweetie…it’s something you won’t forget! Picture it now: the two of you, gliding effortlessly, surrounded by sparkling water and natural beauty… it’s really something special!

So come see us for a Stand Up Paddle lesson: you’ll learn a new skill that you can use here on Maui as well as back home, or anywhere around the world. They say the couple that plays together, stays together… and we couldn’t agree more!

Get a Healthy Addiction!

SUP MauiStand Up Paddling is addicting, no doubt about it! Maybe it’s the sunshine, or the calming effects of the water… or perhaps it’s the release of endorphins once the body begins to exercise. Personally, we think it’s just plain fun!

Whatever your reason is for Stand Up Paddling, we totally support it, and we encourage you to go everyday! Why not make it as much a part of your routine as a jog, morning coffee, or after-dinner dessert?

Being creatures of habit we think that a routine, sport, or hobby to pursue with passion is a very good thing. Especially when that habit keeps you outside, getting sun, and keeping fit. We hope you join us for a Stand Up Paddle lesson in Maui, and perhaps begin to sport a healthy addiction of your own!

Build Your Team in a Canoe

Corporate groups often travel to Maui as part of a reward for being top sellers, or to meet at a convention for their industry. But we hope it isn’t all work for these folks, and they get the chance to have some fun while they’re here!

Teamwork Corporate Groups on MauiBosses love these kinds of trips because it gives employees a chance to unwind, but also because it helps bond the team together. Anyone can tell you that a closely knit group is certainly a force to be reckoned with, especially in the business world.

So, for Maui corporate group activities and tours, look no further than Maui Paddle Sports! Our outrigger canoe lessons on Maui help teach participants all about teamwork: as what one person does in a canoe affects all others. Teamwork and understanding become necessary components into creating a successful outing!

SUP Substitutions

You can add Stand Up Paddling to just about any activity, hobby, or exercise – to create a totally new way to do the things you already love.

If you’re the type of person that likes to go for a morning or sunset jog, why not substitute your jog with Stand Up Paddling for a fun change of pace? You’ll get the same great cardio workout, and will work your muscles differently, keeping them guessing.

Or if you’re a fisherman going for small game, why not paddle out on your stand up paddle board for an afternoon of trolling? Once you find your spot, you can sit and cast away.

Then there’s good old transportation. Heading to a beach party or bbq? Why not pack a backpack and make your entrance from the water!?

There’s lots of fun ways you can stay on the water, find yours!

Reserve Your Time Online!

With summer fast approaching, we’d like to remind everyone that when it comes to booking your Maui SUP Lesson or Maui Canoe Ride: it’s the earlier, the better!

We offer Stand Up Paddle Lessons and Canoe Lessons multiple times per day, but since summer is Maui’s busy season, seats fill up quickly! To be sure we can accommodate you and your party, please book ahead of time using our simple online booking form.

Please check out our SUP lesson rates and times here; and our Canoe ride rates and times here. We look forward to paddling with you soon!

A victory for the ocean!

In some local news, Ma’alaea Harbor was recently “saved” when the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources along with the United States Army Corp of Engineers announced they would be abandoning plans to extend the breakwater at Ma’alaea. In doing so, “Freight Trains” – considered to be the world’s fastest wave, was saved from destruction, and now remains open for the continued use by local surfers!

Freight Trains

Photo from full article at Surfrider Foundation

The announcement marks the end of a battle that has lasted over 20 years. When the plans were first announced over two decades ago, local community members teamed up with the Surfrider Foundation to speak up not only about the destruction of Ma’alaea’s wave, but also impacts to coral reefs, the marine ecosystem, and water quality.

We are pleased to hear the news, not just as surfers and paddlers, but as ones who truly love the ocean. We think all who use the ocean for any reason must leave as little impact as possible. That’s why we use paddle power over gasoline and oil-based engines! We’d rather “earn our turn” on the water, and help protect it’s cleanliness at the same time.

We hope you join us for a paddle on Maui – either on a SUP or in an outrigger canoe. You’ll take part in an amazing activity that not only puts you in touch with the ocean, but does so in a way that you know won’t harm it, nor the inhabitants underneath. That’s something to feel good about!

Fitness Benefits of Stand Up Paddling

Athletes all over the world have found that Stand Up Paddling is a great way to cross train, or just keep in shape during the off season. One thing is for certain: have a look at anyone who regularly stand up paddles, and the fitness benefits are quite obvious!

Fitness Paddling MauiStand Up Paddling strengthens your entire body. Sure – your arms, shoulders, and back get a good workout, but did you know that you also work your abs, legs, and even TOES? That’s right – because of the micro-adjustments your muscles make to remain balanced on the board, you truly work just about every muscle – big or small.

If you’re an athlete looking for a fun way to cross train, or just a regular Joe looking to improve your fitness level, please see us for a stand up paddle tour in Maui!

Don’t Settle for “Imitation” Tans!

Tanning salons (and more specifically tanning salon patrons) have made some headlines lately, and we thought this would be a good time to offer some advice: Get a REAL TAN… It looks better! We’ve all seen the usual offenders: Uneven and streaky self-tanners, orange spray-tan victims, and who could forget the sight (and smell) of a fresh baked human just out of the tanning booth?!

Maui ActivitiesOur advice: Stop trying so hard! It seems people put too much effort into something that is really quite simple. Instead of trying to “appear” like you’ve been in the sun, why not get yourself outside – and actually in front of the sun?! You’ll not only look better, but you’ll feel better too. Sunlight is an excellent source of vitamins A and D as an added bonus!

Stand Up Paddling in Maui and Canoe Riding in Maui is a great way to get yourself outside, absorbing the natural sun. Trust us when we say you’ll look way better than anyone coming out of a tanning booth, and your smile will be way bigger, knowing you did something REAL, something FUN, and something AUTHENTIC!

Don’t let your vacation go to waste!

Vacations should be about relaxing, resting, and experiencing new things. With so much to do and see on Maui, we must admit that we cringe when we see people “wasting” their vacation on other pursuits. Maybe you’ve seen it before: the idea of a vacation means “party time” for some people, and they end up in the bars till closing time. Then, they sleep it off during most of the day, only to rise somewhere around lunchtime. From there… it’s to the hotel pool with a Mai Tai.

Get on the water in Maui!We think this is such a waste! I mean, you can go to a bar and sleep off your hangover ANYWHERE in the world. But you can’t experience all the wonderful things Maui has to offer if you’re nursing a headache by the hotel pool.

So we say don’t waste another moment! Book a Maui Activity, do something different, see something new! A stand up paddle lesson in Maui might be just the thing. Or if you prefer, a Maui Canoe Ride might be more your speed. In either case, don’t waste any more time, put down that drink and pick up some sunscreen… we think you’ll like the way you feel in the morning much better!

Technique Over Talent!

If you’re unsure whether or not you can “handle” Stand Up Paddling or Canoe Paddling in Maui, just know it’s not all about muscle… proper technique rewards you with greater success!

TEACHING CANOE PADDLINGWe’ve been doing this long enough to know that you can never judge a book by it’s cover. We’ve seen muscle-y guys with no necks struggle to find their stroke; while in the same session seeing aunties and grandmas glide across the water effortlessly… it’s quite a sight!

We make it a priority to teach you proper technique from the start. This is beneficial to your body and allows you to maximize the output of your efforts. Cruise by one of our locations and we’ll show you what we mean!

Mother Ocean

In so many ways, the ocean acts as mother not just to us, but to all living things. And it is ONLY the ocean, with her vastness – that could ever do so.

The ocean provides food for so many living creatures, including us. She reliably stores our fresh water – frozen in ice caps, and helps to circulate more through the water cycle of evaporation, cloud formation, and rains. The ocean does this for the entire world, and doesn’t ask for a thing in return!

On a day like Mother’s Day, you just have to sit back and appreciate it. We truly love the ocean and all that it gives us!

We encourage everybody to help the ocean as it helps us, and there are so many ways to do so! We suggest typing “How to help the ocean” in your search bar, and start putting what you learn into use!

Stand Up Paddling with your Best Friend

We’re dog lovers over here at Maui Paddle Sports, and we have to admit it: As much as we love being on the water, we definitely don’t love leaving the dogs behind. That’s why we sometimes take them out paddling with us!

If the right conditions are met, we think taking your pet out for a paddle can be mutually beneficial. For your pet, he or she gets sensory stimulation, and perhaps can enjoy the calming effects of gliding across water. For us, we get the same great workout, sunshine, and feeling of enjoyment.

If you’re a pet lover a who lives near a pond or a lake, come see us for a Stand Up Paddle Lesson in Maui! Your dogs will be stoked when you return home with a new activity for you both to enjoy! Just don’t expect them to do any of the work…

Fun for all ages

Traveling with friends and family can be great – the experiences you share can bond you closer together, and will create common memories for you to look back upon with fondness.

GrommetWe think it’s important for friends and family to stick together during those “memorable” experiences, so everyone is included on the fun. That’s why we consider ourselves a “kid-friendly” Maui activity… with only a few exceptions, just about everyone can paddle with us, despite size, experience, or age.

So if you’re on the search for Maui Activities for Kids, look no further! We’ve found that children really enjoy the fresh air, ocean scenery, and the opportunity to burn off some energy! We’ve also found that parents enjoy the underlying lessons that come from a stand up paddle or canoe lesson with us… Kids also learn about teamwork, confidence, and gain basic water skills. Only Maui Paddle Sports can offer so many benefits from a single Maui Activity!

Choosing Your SUP Board

Standup Paddle Boards come in many different shapes and sizes, and shapers are continually refining and innovating designs. Each particular style of SUP board is generally designed for a specific type of paddler and for a specific type of use.

Brennan Rose

Brennan Rose, Maui

For example, long distance racing SUPs are longer and more needle-like in shape to give them speed. Then there are SUPs that are designed for progressive surfing… these boards are lighter, shorter, and “looser” (easier to turn and maneuver). And let’s not forget everyone’s favorite: the every day CRUISER Standup Paddle Board. This is the all-around board that’s at home doing a lazy flat water cruise, as well as hanging-five on a playful day of surfing.

No matter what your interest is, we encourage paddlers of all types to take a Maui Stand Up Paddle lesson with us. It’s your opportunity to learn the basics, or hone your skills, with professional paddlers ready to share their knowledge and experience. Call us when planning your Maui Activities list, or just CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR TOUR NOW!

When in Rome (Or Maui)

There’s an old saying: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” which is just another way of reminding travelers to always try the local flavor. We think it’s good advice! Traveling is meant to expand one’s horizons… and what better way to do that than to experience local culture?

Maui Canoe ToursThe canoe is perhaps one of the most important pieces of Hawaiian culture. It was large ocean-going canoes that brought the first people to set foot on Hawaii’s shores; and it was the canoe that served as a lifeline for food, as well as transportation among islands. To this day, canoe paddling and racing are heavily infused into the culture of the islands, with canoe clubs and teams all over the state.

We hope you get many things out of your Maui canoe ride with us, but especially a sense of history. Looking back on the islands from the perspective of the water is truly spectacular. You can’t help but imagine what it must have been like for those first brave paddlers to travel over 2,000 miles, to finally gaze upon the lush green landscape of Hawaii.

So our advice: Skip the hotel pool and do as the locals do! Experience a piece of culture with roots that run deep through the heart of the islands. It’s truly an experience you don’t want to miss!

We’d love to hear from you!

The only thing we like more than stand up paddling and canoe riding in Maui – is hearing how much YOU love stand up paddling and canoe riding in Maui!

Our guests mean the world to us, and we love to keep in touch. If you haven’t already done so, please like us on Facebook so we can stoke you out with pictures and “the haps” here on Maui. On the opposite side, we’d love to see any of your pictures or videos that you captured during your tour with us… cruise by our page and post them! Or, just drop us a line to say “Aloha” and let us know how you’re doing since your Maui tour with us.

We look forward to hearing from you soon, and we look even more forward to seeing you on the water again!

Maui Wedding Magic

Maui is one of the world’s most amazing places to get married. It’s been said Maui offers the perfect balance – there’s enough natural beauty to remind you that this is Hawaii, yet enough ‘modern conveniences’ to make you and your guests feel comfortable.

Maui Wedding Canoe RideIf you’re looking for that extra touch of “Old Hawaii” to add to your wedding ceremony, we’ve come up with a special suite of services to accommodate you. Imagine it now… your guests on the beach, captivated by the scene: A beautiful bride making her way across the water, escorted by 6 paddlers in a traditional double-hulled outrigger canoe. It’s a moment that you and your guests will truly remember forever!

We’re incredibly grateful that we get to be a part of these magical moments, and to do so in a way that honors the tradition and culture of the islands. We look forward to hearing from you about your special day…let us help create your magic moment with our canoe services for weddings!

Swells 101

The weather in Maui is transitioning from winter to summer, which results in more than just temperature changes – it means a change in the ocean as well. For the next few months, we’ll be seeing fewer north swells, and more south swells. Not sure what that means? Well read on!

Swells can be thought of as rolling waves, which are generated by wind and storms. The bigger the storm, the bigger the swell! And since Hawaii is surrounded by water on all sides, we see plenty of these swells!

Sometimes swells are generated from storms to the north, so they arrive on the north-facing shores. Other times swells are generated from the south, and end up on our southern-facing shores. That’s why surfers, paddlers, boaters and divers will refer to swells as either a “north swell” or “south swell.”

So what does this mean for you? Well not much as far as your SUP lesson or canoe ride! We’re experts at knowing our local waters, which means you’ll never have to worry about dangerous conditions. Our SUP lessons and canoe rides are designed with beginners in mind, and so we operate in the calmer, more appropriate waters. Your safety and comfort are our #1 priorities, which means our professional guides will care for you and guide you every step of the way!

We hope this knowledge helps you choose Maui Paddle Sports for your Stand Up Paddle Lesson or Canoe Ride in Maui. We’re dedicated to bringing you a great day out on the water!

A World-Class Classroom

Students who take a Stand Up Paddle Lesson in Maui with us get a very special treat. Sure, they learn fundamental skills regarding paddling, but the real treat is doing so on one of the most beautiful stretches of beach Maui has to offer.

SUP MauiDid you know that the area where we teach our Stand Up Paddle classes was once the Royal neighborhood and capital of old Hawaii? It’s true! Lahaina is such a gorgeous place that the Ali’i (or royalty) decided there was no better place to live.

On average, the weather in Lahaina is very warm and sunny, without much wind to “chop up” the water. The section of water that we do our paddling in is also protected from rough surf by a large reef. This gives you everything you could ever want in a Maui Stand Up Paddle Lesson: crystal-clear water and warm sunshine on your skin!

We consider ourselves quite privileged to be able to call Lahaina’s waters our classroom. We can’t wait to share it with you!

A different kind of lesson

It’s easy to see that a Maui Canoe Ride offers you lessons in culture, sport, and environment. But what you might not necessarily know – is that canoe paddling also helps bond you to your fellow paddlers, and teaches you the importance of teamwork and cooperation… and it can even teach you a little bit about yourself.

Canoe Ride OhanaIn the islands, the canoe truly embodies what it is like to be part of an “Ohana” or family. When sitting 4 or 6 people deep on a canoe, you quickly learn that the actions of one person can affect the others! You also learn that things tend to go better when everybody works together toward a common goal. In other words: “There is no I in Canoe!”

We encourage everyone traveling in a group of any size to come see us for a Maui canoe ride. You’ll get all the fun, scenery, and exercise that you might expect, but then you might end up getting something more… like a closer bond to those around you! We’ve seen it happen… you may paddle into the water as just a group of friends, but you’ll return to land as an Ohana!

Bring your Maui SUP Lesson Skills Home!

SUP MauiIt’s no secret that Stand Up Paddling (SUP) is the fastest-growing water sport on the planet! Seems like everyone is SUP’ing these days, and we’re happy to share our love of the sport with such eager students.

If you’re traveling to Maui, we’d love for you to join us on a Maui Stand Up Paddle tour, where you’ll learn all the fundamentals and even some advanced techniques. Just don’t consider it a vacation-only activity – because we guarantee you’ll want to take your new skills back home with you! It doesn’t matter how far away you live from the ocean – if there’s a local pond, river, lake, or even a large swimming pool, you can SUP close to home!

Join Maui Paddle Sports and experience the fun and beauty for yourself with your very own SUP lesson in Maui. You’ll gain the skills, confidence, and knowledge to continue SUP’ing long after you leave the islands. But every journey begins with that first step… so be sure to call us today and book your lesson!

Seeing Sea Turtles in Maui

At Maui Paddle Sports, we’re lucky to be on the water every day, and we often find ourselves just a few strokes away from some of Hawaii’s most beautiful ocean life.

Honu“Honu” is the Hawaiian word for the Sea Turtle, and it’s one of our favorite creatures to encounter while on one of our Stand Up Paddle Tours or Canoe Tours. Sea Turtles are revered in Hawaiian Culture as the symbol of longevity and wisdom. There’s a good reason for that: some species can live well past 80 years old… longer than most humans!

There are only a few Maui Activities that potentially allow such an up-close look at the Sea Turtle, and Maui Paddle Sports is one of them! Although we could never guarantee their presence during a tour (hey they might be in a meeting that morning) let’s just say you shouldn’t be surprised if you look out and see one of the ocean’s most beautiful and respected residents looking right back at you.

We hope you’ll call us to book a Maui Stand Up Paddle Lesson or Maui Canoe Ride today, so we can share our love of the ocean with you, the Honus, and everyone else tomorrow!

The Origins of Outrigger Canoe Racing

For Ancient Hawaiians the ocean was their lifeblood. When the missionaries attempted to limit their ocean recreation the people felt as though they were denying their Polynesian identity.
In 1875 King David Kalakaua, who was a great lover of water sports, instigated the rebirth of canoe paddling & sailing. In 1908 the first ‘official’ canoe paddling club was founded. By 1910 there were 2 clubs and thus began the modern history of ‘canoe racing’.

Modern Canoe Racing in the Islands

 

Outrigger Canoe Paddling- Hawaii’s State Sport!

Outrigger canoe paddling is an essential part of Polynesian culture and for Ancient Hawaiians the canoe literally represented ‘life’ since it provided both food & transportation for their families.
Canoe racing & surfing were ways for Hawaiians to hone their skills in the ocean. Outrigger canoe paddling first became a sport in the early 1800′s but was then outlawed by the missionaries in 1820 & not ‘officially’ reinstated again until 1976. Today the sport is growing and crews of paddlers from ages 7-70yrs old paddle in regattas hosted throughout the Spring & Summer. Each canoe has 6 paddlers- a stroker to set the pace & a steersman to maneuver the boat.
Outrigger canoes were traditionally made of Koa wood but today more modern materials are used to create lighter canoes which are faster for racing. However, during all ‘State Championship’ races crews are required to paddle in a Koa canoe to maintain the tradition. Simply by paddling ‘canoes’ we help to perpetuate the culture of the islands and Polynesian people.

Stay in touch with us!

Maui Paddle Sports appreciates all of our guests & would be stoked to have you stay in touch with us! Follow us on Twitter @MauiPaddleSport for island news & daily photos. We’d also appreciate it if you would ‘Like’ us on Facebook- there’s cool videos for you to check out. Whales, turtles & more…
But most importantly we hope you will come back & see us on your next trip to the islands. A Hui Ho! (Until we meet again.)

The best brunch on Maui?

Outrigger canoe paddling is the best way to start your day- exercise, incredible views of Maui, fresh Maui Gold Pineapple & a Hawaiian history lesson complete our tour. You will work up an appetite & we recommend a big brunch after your paddle. Where to eat brunch can be a tough decision, especially with so many great restaurants on the island. Our favorite, hands down, is ‘The Plantation House’ restaurant in Kapalua. INCREDIBLE views of Molokai, Ahi benedict & Lava Flows with ice cream. Are you hungry yet??

New Website with Mobile Functions!

Maui Paddle Sports is proud to present our new website which is optimized for mobile phones & iPads. Now you can book our tours online & we will keep you updated with daily Blog posts about the BEST things to do on Maui! Your suggestions are welcome:)

New Website!

We’re stoked to announce the launch of our new website! Please cruise through the pages to learn more about the fun Maui ocean activities we offer. This new site allows you to book your tours online with ease, and also allows us to provide new pictures and videos to keep you stoked! Check back often and be sure to tell your friends about Maui Paddle Sports!