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Where better to enjoy one of the world's most popular water activities than in the place where it was born? A slower-paced relative of surfing, stand up paddleboarding (SUP) got its start in the 1960s when Hawaiian surf instructors began standing on their boards – with the aid of an outrigger canoe paddle – to keep better watch of their students. And the rest Hawaiʻi history.
The Hawaiian Islands are a majestic archipelago of islands, atolls, and islets in the North Pacific Ocean. One of the eight major islands that is accessible to tourists is the Island of Maui.
Whether you’re taking a guided tour or renting gear and exploring on your own, Maui’s many flat-water coves and calm beaches are ideal for SUP. Head to Turtle Town to see scores of tropical fish and honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles). Skim the clear, gentle waters of Kāʻanapali Beach and Honolua Bay, a protected marine reserve. Or, if you’re visiting in the winter months, embark on an unforgettable whale watching tour in Mākena, where you may find yourself floating above a pod of koholā (humpback whales).
In this blog, we will explore the best places to experience stand up paddleboarding in Maui and why you should consider renting your SUPs and gears at MAUI SUP RENTALS!
The second-largest island, Maui (The Valley Island) encompasses almost 730 square miles of verdant glory and is home to over 144,000 people2, the third most populous in Hawaii. Maui is characterized by its mountains and valleys, indeed the island is formed from two adjacent shield volcanoes whose lava flows overlapped millennia ago. Aside from this, Maui also possess beautiful beaches that is perfect for your SUP adventure. These beaches are:
KAPALUA BAY
To the northern coastline of Maui is Kapalua Bay, a great destination for stand up paddleboarding if you want to avoid wind and rain. You always expect a bit of chop when riding in the open water but this is one of the rare locations where it is kept to a minimum throughout most of the year. The extensive beach makes for an attractive getaway where you won’t be crowded out and also you will be able to stay close to the shoreline – ideal conditions for beginners or intermediates.
SUP yoga on the sea is a unique experience, as only a few open water locations offer the tranquility needed for performing yoga poses. The expansive open water area created by the two reefs extending into the sea is ideal for paddleboarders, especially beginners or families with young children looking to try stand-up paddleboarding. Kapalua's well-earned acclaim explains why it consistently ranks in the Top 10 of the best Hawaiian beaches.
MAKENA BEACH STATE PARK
For golden sands and expansive beaches, you can’t do much better than Makena in the southwest of the island. The open water here is marvelously clear and it’s well-sheltered, making it ideal for beginners or anyone wanting to improve their techniques in stand up paddleboarding. The presence of two large black lava outcroppings serve as excellent markers to help you keep your bearings – something that isn’t always easy on open water particularly if you haven’t visited before.
KIHEI
One of the joys of open water for stand up paddleboarding s seeing the different species of marine animals that you see. The Hawaiian archipelago plays host to a diverse array of wild and wonderful fauna and it is no surprise to learn that the marine conservation area is there to protect them.
Kihei is on the south side of the island and if you arrange your visit during winter there is a good chance to see pods of humpback whales. While here you can also visit the Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. The shallows above the reefs also provide much in the way of getting close to the numerous colorful species that mosey their way around in the warm water.
THE MALIKO RUN
Most experienced paddleboarders will have heard of The Maliko Run. Situated between Kahului Bay and Spreckelsville Beach on the north coast of the island there is a ten-mile stretch of water that is a big attraction for downwind SUP enthusiasts. The constant warm breeze blows in a northeasterly direction making the conditions here perfect for catching those smaller waves to speed you along.
One significant bonus of this location is the community feel – we find veteran stand up paddleboarders are happy to demonstrate their technique or help improve your game. We unreservedly recommend the Maliko Run to anyone who enjoys downwinding and hanging out with seasoned SUP experts.
NAPILI BAY
If wind and rain doesn’t bother you or if you want to put your skills to the test then we recommend a visit to Napili Bay, just south of Kapalua Bay. Here the weather and conditions are rougher and more of a challenge to stand up paddleboarders on the water.
Because of the unfavorable weather conditions, the beach has seen limited development, resulting in a more natural setting with minimal human presence and fewer amenities. In essence, it is an unspoiled area where the lush greenery, sea, and coastline create a remarkable backdrop and ambiance for your journey. This is a place where you can experience solitude and peaceful reflection without the interruptions of other paddleboarders or the hectic atmosphere of a resort.
When you consider renting a stand up paddleboard during your vacation or random adventures here in Maui helps you save all the hassle of having to transport and store your board. The purpose of local rental shops like MAUI SUP RENTALS is to set you up with the perfect SUP board for you, pay, get kitted, and go. We even offer more conveniency through our FREE DELIVERY and PICK UP if you are staying in West Maui.
Maui SUP Rentals offers AFFORDABLE, RELIABLE, and CONVENIENT High-Quality Top Brands Stand Up Paddleboards on the Market Today! We offer Naish, SurfTech, and Blue Planet Stand Up Paddleboard Rentals. We also do FREE DELIVERY and PICK UP in West Maui. Call 808-353-6621 to Schedule a SUP Reservation.
Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Rentals
FREE DELIVER & PICK UP in WEST MAUI
BEST RENTAL RATES of STAND UP PADDLEBOARDS
Only $45/day
Most Popular!
$180/week
FREE DELIVER & PICK UP
Call 808-353-6621
MAUI STAND UP PADDLE BOARD RENTALS
FREE DELIVERY AND PICK UP TO YOUR LOCATION
To reserve your MAUI (SUP) Stand Up Paddle Board, please call 808-353-6621 or fill in the Reservation Request Here.
Mahalo!
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