Paradise is just a paddle away!
When planning a trip to Maui, it can be hard to find activities that everyone will enjoy, especially when you’re bringing the whole family. Your children want something exciting, your spouse might just want to enjoy some great views, and older members of your group want to burn calories without risking life and limb.
On Maui, the impossible is possible even when it comes to discovering an activity the whole family will love. Allow us to introduce stand-up paddle boarding. If you’ve never heard of stand-up paddle boarding, imagine standing on a large surfboard and using a long pole to glide gently across the pristine waters along the shores of Kihei and Wailea-Makena. Take a deep breath. Can’t you just feel the stress melting away? Here are all the reasons why stand-up paddle boarding needs to be on your Maui agenda:
Almost Anyone Can Learn Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
Most people in good health can get the hang of stand-up paddle boarding with an hour or less of practice. The key is learning to balance on the board and standing up on the board without tipping over. Once you get used to the gentle movement of the ocean beneath your feet, stand-up paddle boarding will feel entirely natural. You can use your pole to travel easily through the water so you can take in all the amazing views of the clear, blue ocean.
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Is Both Relaxing And A Good Workout
Stand-up paddle boarding lets you burn calories in a gentle way. You won’t be huffing and puffing like on a tough run, or taking a tumble in the waves like with surfing, but you will definitely get in a good workout. Stand-up paddle boarding engages your core and legs to maintain balance, while your arms work to pull the board through the water. Though it won’t feel like it, stand-up paddle boarding will burn plenty of calories, which can make up for the delish dinners you have planned. At the same time, stand-up paddle boarding is a smooth, almost meditative activity that will allow you to let go of your stresses and worries. Take in the amazing views all around you and draw power from the water, sunshine, and ocean breezes.
Unbeatable Views
Maui is known for its clear and beautiful waters, and now you can put yourself right in the middle of it. Depending on what month and time of day you go stand-up paddle boarding, you might see whales or dolphins in the distance! We highly suggest that you try to go stand-up paddle boarding at sunrise or sunset. Both times of day allow you to refresh your soul as you watch the wheel of the day turn.
Snorkeling Gets Better
Not only does a paddleboard afford you a chance to snorkel in spots that are usually hard to get to from the coastline, but you can see straight down with the right equipment and weather. Wear Polarized glasses with a strap (like Maui Jims) and go out on a day with calm conditions and no surf. We once SUP’d from Kamaole Beach 1 down to the south end of Keawakapu and back on a glassy day. It was unbelievable! We saw schools of fish, turtles, manta rays and gorgeous reefs. No one was around us, and we had the best snorkeling experience without even getting in the water!
Tours And Lessons
At Ali’i Resorts, we can help you rent stand-up paddle boards for yourself and your group members. If you’d rather not “go it alone’ your first time out, we can also help you book a lesson or a guided tour. A guided stand-up paddle tour is a wonderful outing for a family, a group of friends, or hard-working employees whom you want to reward. A knowledgeable guide can take you down the coastline, showing off Maui’s beautiful marine life and impressing even the most skeptical member of your group.
Excellent south Maui beaches to give Stand Up Paddle Boarding a try are Kamaole 1, Kamaole 2, Kalama Beach Park, and Makena Landing.
Affordability
Oh, and one last thing, stand-up paddle boarding is extremely affordable! The boards are cheap to rent, and guided tours and lessons are very reasonably priced. Just one more reason this can be the perfect family or group activity on your Maui vacation.
