If you’ve taken a kayak or snorkel trip in Maui over the past two decades, there’s a good chance you’ve met Griff on the water. With over 20 + years of residency in Maui, Griff’s deep love for Hawaiian history, culture, language, and ecology has only grown stronger. Every trip he leads is an opportunity for him to share his extensive knowledge and passion for all things Hawaiian, creating a memorable experience for all who join him.
Griff’s journey began far from the Hawaiian Islands, in the foothills of South Carolina, where he developed a love for the outdoors at a very young age. He sharpened his water skills—sailing, kayaking, fishing, and water skiing—on a small lake nestled in the North Carolina mountains. This early connection with nature laid the foundation for a life dedicated to exploring and protecting the natural world.
After earning his degree from Coastal Carolina University in 1999, Griff followed his passion for the outdoors into a series of adventurous careers. He worked as a water ski instructor, camp counselor, naturalist, program director at an environmental school, wilderness trip guide, and outdoor program developer. Eventually, this journey led him to Maui, where he realized his dream by founding Aloha Kayaks Maui.
When Griff isn’t on the water leading kayak tours, you can find him surfing the waves of the North Shore, fishing from his beloved Boston Whaler, the Wharf Rat, or snorkeling with his young son, Summit. Griff is also an enthusiastic “farmer,” tending to a backyard garden and raising free-range chickens, which provide him with enough organic produce to nearly eliminate the need for grocery shopping.
Griff’s life is a testament to his deep connection with nature and his commitment to sharing the beauty and culture of Hawaii with others. Whether you’re paddling alongside him in Maui’s crystal-clear waters or hearing him tell stories of Hawaiian legends, Griff’s love for the islands shines through in everything he does.
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