MAKE A Splash

The crystal blue waters and mellow surf along Kā‘anapali Beach provide great opportunities for a variety of water sports – from kayaking, to surfing to snorkeling and jet skiing.

Kā‘anapali Surf Club

by SERENE

As summer heats up, a crop of exciting water sports become available on Kā‘anapali Beach. The absence of humpback whales gives jet skiers and parasail tours the green light to operate again, and calmer waters beckon scuba divers and snorkelers beneath the surface. Here are eight ways to spend your time on the water at the Kā‘anapali Beach Resort.

1 Parasail

While the views from the top floor of your resort certainly command attention, you can’t beat the tropical panoramas afforded while suspended 1,200 feet above the sea. From May 16 to December 14, UFO Parasail helps visitors elevate their Maui vacation – literally. The flight yields 360-degree views of West Maui: the emerald walls of Mauna Kahālāwai rising to the east, the violet profile of Lāna‘i to the west and the contours of Māla’s outer reef below. Airtime averages 10-15 minutes, but the memories endure. 800-359-4836, ufoparasail.net

2 Jet Ski

As if being on Maui isn’t already thrilling, zip across cerulean seas on a speedy Yamaha WaveRunner, courtesy of Maui Water Sports. This adrenaline-pumping activity is suitable for the whole family. The minimum age for passengers is five years old, while drivers can be at least 16 years of age. Look for Maui Water Sports’ white umbrella near Leilani’s on the Beach. From there, the ride of a lifetime is just a three-minute boat trip away. (808) 667-2001, mauiwatersports.com

3 Scuba Dive

In the warm waters off Black Rock, bulbous yellow corals and a spectrum of tropical fish attract dozens of snorkelers each day. But for those who want to go deeper, for longer, and explore beyond the shallows, take a guided scuba dive with Black Rock Scuba. No experience? No problem. Introductory dives are offered twice daily. Beginners receive top-notch instruction and are afforded the ease of taking their first underwater breaths in a shallow pool before moving on to open seas.

Alternatively, adept divers can opt for a night dive in the wine-dark waters off Kā‘anapali. Watch as an alien world comes to life beneath your dive light and glimpse rarely-seen nocturnal marine animals. You’ll get to know an underwater realm that few experience. (808) 283-2877, blackrockscubadiving.com

4 Surf Lesson

There are few things more exhilarating than riding a wave for the first time. Kā‘anapali Surf Club has helped countless visitors begin their surfing journey in the rolling breaks fronting Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club. Lessons start with a 20-minute safety and technique introduction before hitting the surf. Group, private and semi-private lessons are available. (808) 270-0044, kaanapalisurfclub.com

5 Snorkel

The snorkeling opportunities are virtually endless in and around the Kā‘anapali Beach Resort. Off-the-beach snorkelers cluster around Black Rock’s ragged lava peninsula, hoping for glimpses of humuhumunukunukuapua‘a (the Hawai‘i state fish) and honu (green sea turtle). Meanwhile, a lineup of catamarans berth on Kā‘anapali’s golden sands, ready to ferry hauls of visitors to sequestered reefs.

Shakas abound on the water at Kā‘anapali Beach. Scuba divers prepare for an underwater exploration at Pu‘u Keka‘a with Black Rock Scuba diving guides.

Pick your paddle: Kā‘anapali Surf Club offers a selection of paddle sports to choose from, including kayaking and stand up paddling. Lessons and guided tours are also available.

Do-it-yourself snorkelers can rent gear by the day or week from one of Aqualani’s many watersports booths in the Kā‘anapali Resort. Or, hop aboard a sailing excursion with Trilogy for a day of epic food, drinks and snorkeling around West Maui. (808) 283-0384, aqualanibeach.com | (808) 874-5649, sailtrilogy.com

6 Kayak

Boat tours usually get the lion’s share of love from prospective Kā‘anapali snorkelers. But Kā’anapali Surf Club hosts snorkeling excursions aboard a different, more intimate type of vessel: the humble kayak.

Take a guided kayak snorkel tour around Pu‘u Keka‘a (Black Rock) and explore the thriving underwater world below. Fresh perspectives abound on this excursion as you take in unique offshore views of Kā‘anapali and learn about the area’s rich history and culture from your guide. (808) 270-0044, kaanapalisurfclub.com

7 Sup

When the winds are still and the seas are placid, explore the waters on a paddle-powered excursion. Kā‘anapali’s calm mornings offer ideal conditions for beginner and experienced standup paddlers to take to the seas. Practiced standup paddlers can check their resort’s water sports center for equipment rentals, while beginners can opt for a lesson with Kā‘anapali Surf Club. (808) 270-0044, kaanapalisurfclub.com

WE LIVE OCEAN ALOHA

Conservation is at the core of Ocean Aloha. Encounter Hawaiʻi’s unique ocean inhabitants, dive into rich Hawaiian culture, and embrace the ways you can inspire change.