ABOUT US
GRIFF
Taken a kayak/snorkel trip in Maui within the last two decades? If so, it is likely you encountered Griff on the water. A 20 year resident of Maui, Griff’s love of Hawaiian history, culture, language, and ecology has only grown stronger over the years. Each trip provides ample and unique opportunities for him to share his knowledge, love and passion for all things Hawaiian.
Raised in the foothills of South Carolina, Griff cultivated an appreciation for the outdoors at a very young age. He honed his water skills- sailing, kayaking, fishing and water skiing- at a small lake in the NC mountains.
After graduating from Coastal Carolina University in 1999, Griff’s love for nature led him to careers in the outdoor industry- water ski instructor, camp counselor, naturalist, program director of environmental school, guide for wilderness trips, trip scout, outdoor programming (designed, developed and delivered) and owner/operator of Aloha Kayaks Maui.
When Griff is not on the water leading kayak trips, you can find him surfing the North Shore, fishing from his Boston Whaler, the Wharf Rat, or snorkeling with his young son, Summit. Griff is an avid “farmer”. His backyard garden and free range chickens yield more than enough organic produce to nearly eliminate trips to the grocery store!
When taking a trip with Griff and Aloha Kayaks Maui, make sure to ask about his fateful journey to Africa or his summit bid of Mount Rainier or his extensive backpacking and kayaking through Alaska or his famous dance at Bollywood or his bout with Malaria or his sailing of the Hokule'a or his trips to Kaho’olawe or his best whale encounter. There are enough stories for multiple trips with Aloha Kayaks Maui!
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Visit our tour pages for more information: Ultimate Maui Experience, Ultimate Maui Whale Watch, and Ultimate Maui Group Excursion
OUR MISSION
At Aloha Kayaks Maui our mission is to protect our oceans for future generations by operating a sustainable tourism business whilst providing educational adventures to help promote the protection of our oceans.
​Green Paddling Blue Water was created to represent our two core values of sustainability and education. Green Paddling signifies the eco-friendly, sustainable business we strive to create, and Blue Water represents the ocean that we aim to educate people to respect and protect.
​To minimize human impact on Maui’s fragile ecosystems, we use non-motorized boats and clean our gear with earth-friendly products. We don’t drop our anchors on the reef, feed fish, or remove marine life from their homes for “show and tell”. See our FAQ page for tips on how to ‘leave no trace’ .
After a morning on the water with Aloha Kayaks Maui, not only will you have enhanced kayaking skills, but you will gain greater understanding of ocean etiquette and how to protect our oceans for future generations. We hope to see you here in Maui soon!