The Ultimate Guide To The Andaz Maui Outrigger Excursion: Is It Worth The Hype In 2025?
The Andaz Maui Outrigger Excursion stands out as one of the most highly-praised and authentic cultural experiences offered on the South Maui coast. As of December 25, 2025, this activity remains a cornerstone of the resort’s amenities, providing guests with a direct, hands-on connection to Hawaii’s rich seafaring heritage.
This isn't just a simple boat ride; it is an immersive journey aboard a traditional Hawaiian waʻa, teaching the basics of paddling, the deep history of the canoe, and its vital role in Polynesian culture. Whether you opt for the complimentary resort fee experience or a dedicated private tour, understanding the nuances of this adventure is key to maximizing your stay at the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort.
Andaz Maui Outrigger Excursion: Price, Duration, and Booking Details
The Andaz Maui offers a tiered approach to its outrigger experiences, catering to both guests seeking a quick cultural introduction and those desiring a deeper, private ocean adventure. The key distinction lies between the included "Outrigger Experience" and the optional, paid private tours.
The Included "Outrigger Experience" (Resort Fee Amenity)
- Cost: Included in the daily resort fee (which is typically around $50.00–$58.98 per night).
- Duration: Approximately 25 minutes.
- Content: This is a guided introduction to the basics of outrigger paddling and a brief overview of the canoe's historical and cultural importance to Hawaiian heritage.
- Location: Tours launch directly from Mokapu Beach, the beautiful, golden-sand beach fronting the Andaz Maui.
- Booking: Reservations are required and highly recommended to be made immediately upon arrival, as spots for the complimentary tours fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
The Enhanced and Private Outrigger Tours
For guests who want a more extensive and personalized experience, the Andaz Beach Crew (or partners like Maui Pacific Tours) offers several paid options that venture further along the scenic South Maui coast, often incorporating other activities like snorkeling.
- Private Outrigger Canoe Tour: This is a more intimate, dedicated experience.
- Cost: Approximately $139.00 per person.
- Duration: Varies, but generally longer than the included tour.
- Snorkel Outrigger Canoe Tour: A popular choice that combines paddling with exploring Maui's vibrant underwater world.
- Cost: Varies, often around $113.85 for adults.
- Duration: Typically a 2-hour tour, including about 30 minutes of paddling, with the rest dedicated to snorkeling.
- Inclusions: Snorkel gear, bottled water, and often digital photos are included.
- Wildlife: Snorkelers are often guaranteed to see sea turtles (honu), various tropical fish, and other marine life.
- Whale Watching Outrigger Canoe Tour (Seasonal): Offered during the winter months when Humpback Whales migrate to Maui’s warm waters.
- Cost: Around $159.00 per person.
The Deep Cultural Significance of the Hawaiian Waʻa
The outrigger canoe, known in Hawaiian as the waʻa, is far more than recreational equipment; it is a profound symbol of Polynesian history and a sacred vessel integral to the seafaring cultures of Oceania.
The Andaz Maui excursion provides a crucial link to this past. When you step into the canoe, you are participating in a tradition that dates back to the first Polynesian settlers who arrived in Hawaii around 200 AD. These early canoes were the "lifelines" that connected communities and served essential purposes for fishing, long-distance travel, and exploration.
Your guide, a member of the Andaz Beach Crew, will share the proper techniques of paddling and the protocols for handling the waʻa, emphasizing the concept of Aloha ʻĀina (love of the land/ocean) and Lōkahi (unity). This cultural tour is designed to instill a deep respect for the ocean and the traditions that define the islands, making the experience a highlight for guests interested in authentic Hawaiian culture, beyond just sunbathing.
Beyond the Paddle: What to Expect on the South Maui Coast
Launching from Mokapu Beach, the outrigger excursion offers a unique perspective of the Wailea coastline that is impossible to replicate from the shore. The waters here are known for being calm, clear, and turquoise, providing an ideal environment for paddling and marine life viewing.
The Wailea Coastal Experience
- Mokapu and Ulua Beaches: The excursion often paddles between Mokapu Beach and the adjacent Ulua Beach. The lava rock outcropping separating these two beaches is a prolific habitat for marine life, making it a prime snorkeling and viewing area.
- Marine Life Encounters: The calm waters of South Maui are a known habitat for Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honu). It is not uncommon for paddlers on the outrigger to spot these majestic creatures surfacing nearby. During the winter months, the private tours offer a fantastic, low-impact way to observe migrating Humpback Whales.
- Coastal Views: From the water, you gain stunning, panoramic views of the entire Wailea resort area, including the Andaz’s signature tiered pools and the slopes of Haleakalā in the distance.
Pro Tips for Your Outrigger Adventure
To ensure you have the best possible experience, keep these current tips in mind:
- Book Early: Regardless of whether you are taking the included or a private tour, make your reservation immediately upon checking in with the Andaz Beach Crew kiosk. The most desirable morning slots (often starting around 7:00 AM) are the first to go.
- Sun Protection: The Hawaiian sun is intense, even early in the morning. Wear reef-safe sunscreen (required in Maui), a hat, and sunglasses.
- Minimal Gear: The crew provides everything you need, including the paddles and life vests. For the snorkel tours, gear is included. You only need to bring water (or use the bottled water provided on private tours) and perhaps a waterproof camera.
- No Experience Necessary: The guides are experts and will teach you everything you need to know. The outrigger is stable, making this a fun activity for all ages and fitness levels.
Maximizing Your Resort Fee: Other Included Activities
The Andaz Maui resort fee is designed to enhance your cultural and ocean experience, and the Outrigger Excursion is just one part of a comprehensive list of included amenities. Leveraging these activities can significantly boost the value of your stay.
Other popular activities included in the daily resort fee are:
- Water Activities: Daily stand-up paddleboard (SUP) lessons, guided kayak tours, and complimentary use of snorkeling equipment and GoPro rentals.
- Cultural Classes: Hands-on instruction in traditional Hawaiian arts, such as Hula lessons, Ukulele lessons, coconut weaving, and Lei making.
- Fitness and Wellness: Access to fitness classes and the 24-hour fitness center.
By combining the outrigger excursion with complimentary rentals for snorkeling at Mokapu Beach, guests can create a full day of authentic, ocean-based Hawaiian adventure without incurring extra costs beyond the resort fee. The Outrigger Excursion remains a must-do activity that connects the luxury of the Andaz Maui with the timeless spirit of the islands.
Detail Author:
- Name : Delta Howe
- Username : treinger
- Email : treva.kirlin@becker.com
- Birthdate : 1996-03-05
- Address : 666 Reichel Viaduct Harmonfort, CT 20491
- Phone : 1-425-519-7007
- Company : Mertz, Renner and Halvorson
- Job : Financial Examiner
- Bio : Dolores iste sed repudiandae dolorem. Tempora non odio accusantium laudantium maiores sint enim itaque. Et et eius quo. Ducimus et quod est qui deleniti id.
Socials
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/eboehm
- username : eboehm
- bio : Consequatur nulla tempore et delectus. Dolorum vitae nisi commodi qui numquam.
- followers : 4067
- following : 2424
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@eldridge_boehm
- username : eldridge_boehm
- bio : Quod adipisci natus veritatis dolorem voluptates. Id odio quod voluptates iure.
- followers : 3065
- following : 1977
