USA · TOURS IN MAUI
The road to Hana takes a whole day and the sunrise at the crater starts at three in the morning. These 15 sort the drives, the snorkel boats and the luaus by price, pickup time and how much sleep you are giving up.
Spend about 90 minutes at a working pineapple farm in Haliimaile. Your guide, possibly Shilo, Colton, Rudy, or Brian, explains pineapple growing, leads you through the fields and packing area, and serves samples at different stages. Each person takes home a fresh, airport-ready Maui Gold pineapple.
“It’s a good tour and you get a pineapple at the end. Probably the best pineapple you could get. It is a bit pricey.”
From Lahaina, you’ll ride a small zodiac raft for whale watching from December to April, or dolphin watching and coastal sightseeing in summer. Guides such as Captain Jack, Jess, Mark, and Olivia explain marine life while a hydrophone lets you hear whale songs. Expect a friendly small-group ride, ocean spray, and no guarantee of close wildlife encounters.
“This was an absolutely amazing experience! There are so many places to choose from, but we were told this one was highly recommended and we now see why. Small group, in a boat low to the water so we could easily maneuver to be safely near where the whales went — obviously keeping a distance to not interfere with them. The tour was fun, safe and informative. Truly a highlight of our visit to Maui. Captain Darryll was awesome! We also had an opportunity to meet one of the owners the day before, and were very impressed with her knowledge.”
Meet at Maalaea Harbor for a 5.5-hour catamaran trip to Molokini Crater and a second stop at Turtle Town or Coral Gardens. You get breakfast, lunch, gear, flotation aids, onboard history, two restrooms, and help from the crew. The captain chooses sites according to sea conditions, so wildlife and the exact second stop can change.
“Its super amazing staff, safety by life guard, food, beautiful aquatic life and an amazing experience”
Start before dawn with hotel pickup, then ride a minibus to Haleakala’s 9,740-foot summit for sunrise above the clouds. You’ll see rare silversword plants, hear island stories from guides such as Preston or Alfredo, and finish with a local breakfast in Waikapu. Bring serious cold-weather layers.
“It's cold on the mountain. Dress warm and in layers. Our tour guide was Preston at Polynesian Tours and he was very good. He went above and beyond explaining things. Most of the other tour drivers were eager to get guests back, but he gave us plenty of time to look around and explore. We were the last bus that left. I appreciate the time that he took with us.”
Set out from Ma’alaea Harbor aboard Calypso, Maui’s three-level power catamaran, for roughly 5.5 hours at Molokini Crater and Turtle Town. You get snorkel gear, flotation devices, breakfast, lunch, lifeguards, glass-bottom viewing, slides, and narration. Whales may appear in winter, but sea life and snorkel sites depend on conditions.
“We had a spectacular time on our snorkeling adventure from Ma'alaea Harbor to Molokini! The crew was professional, informative, and incredibly attentive to our needs. The boat was clean and well-maintained, and we felt safe throughout the trip. The true highlight was getting to see whales up close—it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. While the water was a bit choppy near Turtle Island and Molokini, it didn't take away from a fantastic day on the water. Highly recommended!”
Meet guides such as Joe, Robbie, or Alex at Makena Landing for a small-group swim to Maui’s Turtle Town. You’ll receive snorkel gear, instruction, a life jacket, guided time in the water, photos, and raw video clips. The route can involve a long swim from shore, so basic comfort in open water matters.
“We had so much fun and saw turtles throughout our swim. Robbie made it super simple, easy & anxiety free for first timers. If you’re not sure… it’s worth it.”
Spend about 12.5 hours on Maui’s Road to Hana with a professional guide, air-conditioned transport, breakfast, lunch, waterfall stops, and Wai’anapanapa’s black sand coast. Guides such as Salesi, Ed, and Eli are praised for local stories and humor. Pickup is limited, and the group can reach 22 people.
“Our tour guide “Sal” (Salesi) was fabulous at making this a memorable day— from stopping for the warm banana bread, pizza for lunch in a lush garden venue to sneaking a peak at the lounging turtles at the end. Plenty of breaks, local merchant stops, photo ops and leg stretching ops along the way. Loved it!”
Redline Rafting takes you from Kihei to Molokini Crater and Turtle Town on a fast, small-group raft limited to 24 people. You can snorkel the crater’s front and back walls, look for rays, tropical fish, eels, and green sea turtles, and enjoy breakfast, lunch, and guidance from crew members such as Tony, Nick, Kelly, and Chase. The boat ride can be lively, so bring sunscreen and a towel.
“Great, private group snorkeling trip to Molokini! Due to high swell we weren’t able to snorkel elsewhere, but our guides made the most of the trip showing us around, watching high surf, and a great breakfast & lunch! Kelly was amazing!!”
Sail from Ka’anapali Beach on Sea Maui’s two-hour sunset catamaran with unlimited drinks, hearty pupus, and views of Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe. The crew, including names such as Jim, Travis, Jenni, Mario, Nick, James, and Em, keeps things lively and well organized. Expect a barefoot, beach-loading boarding and possible whale sightings from December 15 through April 15.
“The crew is professional and friendly! The ride is beautiful and the food was good. We’ll definitely book again.”
Cruise from Ma'alaea Harbor aboard Quicksilver's double-deck power catamaran during Maui's December to April whale season. Captain Kiwi, Carlos, Paul, and other crew members have provided lively whale narration, while hydrophones let you hear whale songs. Expect open views, shaded seating, drinks, restrooms, and a chance to see breaching calves.
“Everything was great!! We seen whales! The sun was shining it was a good day. The captain was very friendly and knowledgeable about the whales. The staff were polite and friendly served drinks . We would highly recommend this whale tour!!!”
Board Sea Maui’s 65-foot catamaran from the sand at Ka’anapali Beach for a 2.5-hour sunset sail. You’ll get a chef-prepared buffet, full open bar, indoor and outdoor seating, and whale watching from December 15 to April 15. Wednesday and Saturday sailings include live music. Expect wet feet during beach boarding.
“Wonderful experience, great staff open bar, nonstop, drinks, Prosecco, and chocolate at the end dinner was amazing and more whales that we could count”
Spend 5.5 hours aboard a Malolo catamaran from Maalaea Harbor, visiting Molokini and Maluaka Beach, known as Turtle Town. You get breakfast, lunch, gear, flotation aids, freshwater showers, and an English-speaking crew. Captain Steve and other crew members have earned praise for clear safety help, while sightings of turtles, whales, dolphins, and colorful fish remain weather dependent.
“A well run tour, two great snorkel spots. Got to swim with turtles. Very safe snorkel areas and well monitored. Good steady boat. A great morning.”
Set out from Ma’alaea Harbor on Quicksilver’s two-hour sunset cruise. You’ll enjoy table-side service, a three-course dinner, two alcoholic drinks, island-style music, and views toward Lanai and the West Maui coast. Winter sailings may include humpback whales. Arrive 30 minutes early at Boss Frog’s and allow time to park.
“Great experience as to cruise, music, food and photographer. Only suggestion is send out the email about traffic, parking, etc earlier in the day. Received it at 2pm for a 5pm cruise.”
Spend about two hours aboard the Pride of Maui, a spacious power catamaran leaving Maalaea Harbor at 5:00 pm. You’ll cruise near Molokini, enjoy ribs, shoyu chicken, vegetables, dessert, and an open bar, then watch live Hawaiian music and hula. Winter sailings may include humpback whales.
“Crew was kind and hardworking. Food was delicious. Good drinks. Captain went out of his way to stop and watch the whales! We got to see 3 whales doing tail splashing together!”
Board Malolo at Maalaea Harbor for a three-hour afternoon cruise to Molokini Crater or Coral Gardens. Your captain chooses the site according to ocean conditions. Snorkel gear, flotation aids, a hotdog lunch, and nonalcoholic drinks are included. Crew members such as Ashley, Erika, SeaBass, and Captain Kiwi have helped make past trips friendly and reassuring.
“Despite the weather that precluded us from visiting Molokini, was a fun and well organised day out”
Pick a skyline, a canyon or a stretch of water.
