FAQ

Even though the spacious Pride of Maui is Coast Guard Certified for 149 passengers, our trips operate at 60% capacity to ensure your experience is the absolute best.

We are located in the central part of the island, off highway 30. The entrance to Maalaea Harbor is just south of the Maui Ocean Center. All harbor parking takes place just across from Carl’s Jr. before Maui Ocean Center. The price is $1.50 per hour (available in increments) and must be paid by credit card.

Check-in is at 233 Ma’alaea Harbor Rd, Wailuku, at the North Loading Dock, located to the left of the U.S. Coast Guard Station, at the end of the pier in front of the condominiums.

Call for specific directions from various parts of the island. 808-242-0955.

Cancellation & Refund Policy: Please provide 48 hours cancellation notification for a full refund. Less than 48 hours may result in no refund. Cancellations related to travel restrictions and COVID-19 will be fully refunded. Please travel safely and let us know if you have any questions about Hawaii’s Safe Travel policies.

No-Show Policy: All no-show reservations are non-refundable.

Yes. We offer group discounts, and we also provide private charters for a variety of events and celebrations. Please call our reservations office at 808-242-0955 for more information about planning your perfect group outing with Pride of Maui.

Yes. Our boat has shaded areas. The lower deck of the boat has a fully shaded cabin outfitted with seating areas, bathrooms, and a bar. However, the upper deck of our boat is an open-air viewing area that does not have shade. For those who are sensitive to the sun, we suggest that you bring hats, swimwear cover-ups, and sunglasses for additional protection.

The Pride of Maui vessel is a 65-foot maxi-powered catamaran boat balanced on two hulls and provides over 3,000 square feet of deck space. It’s extremely stable and was specifically built for Hawaiian waters by professional boat builders in New Orleans, Louisiana.

We suggest that you make reservations as far in advance as possible so that you’re able to maximize your vacation by enjoying one of our top-rated Maui tours! We recommend that you book at least two weeks in advance for our Morning Molokini & Turtle Town Snorkeling Excursion, Afternoon Turtle Snorkel Adventure, and Maui Whale Watching Snorkel Cruise. For all other tours and trips, try to book at least a few days in advance to reserve your spot on the boat.

Yes, we love to sell gift certificates! A Pride of Maui gift certificate is the perfect gift for your family and friends, and those who are celebrating a romantic Maui honeymoon or anniversary. Please call our reservations office at 808-242-0955 for more information about gift certificates with Pride of Maui.

No. We do not provide towels on any of our trips and tours. Please come equipped with your own beach towels.

Molokini is about an hour from Ma’alaea Harbor. Its isolation is one of the reasons why the water is so clear. It’s a very scenic cruise to Molokini and once you see it, you will be glad you came.

This is our most frequently asked question. You are in for a treat at Turtle Town, snorkeling and seeing the amazing Hawaiian green sea turtles. As a protected species, it is unlawful to chase, harass, or ride them. The calm swimmer moving gently and respectfully over the reef will be delighted to discover that, when left alone, the green sea turtles will often swim towards you for a closer look. Please note: Sightings cannot be guaranteed as wildlife can be unpredictable. Turtle sightings are common at Turtle Town, but there are no turtles at Molokini.

Maui’s reefs are teeming with a variety of colorful and interesting fish, and coral, including over 250 species of marine animals—many endemic to the Hawaiian islands. We encounter whales (seasonally) and dolphins en route and have even sighted Hawaiian monk seals and manta rays at Molokini. You never know what you may encounter, you will see lots of cool stuff!

No. We care for guests regularly who do not swim. We provide a variety of flotation options, the captain provides a comprehensive orientation to beginners, and we have a lifeguard in the water and additional crew standing watch.

Absolutely, including infants. Strollers are great for infants and toddlers. We have safety rails throughout the vessel, and entry into and out of the water is safe and easy with submerged stairs. We also boast a super water slide on the bow.

We do not allow full-face snorkel masks. For more information, please read our snorkeling safety tips regarding snorkel masks.

We provide all of your snorkel gear and flotation devices for all sizes including foam noodles, waist belts, and ski vests. We have a piece of flotation or two that is suitable for everyone, even non-swimmers. Some of our guests like to use their own mask and snorkel, which is certainly fine and up to you.

The morning Molokini & Turtle Town Snorkel Tour is our signature trip featuring a full 5-hour experience. You will visit not just one but two separate Maui snorkel destinations. Due to its relative isolation, the geography and marine life at Molokini Crater are unique and unlike what you will see closer to shore at the coastal reef. The clarity of the water at Molokini is unsurpassed, offering a sheltered haven for easy and amazing Maui snorkeling and SNUBA diving. At the second site, Turtle Town, you will experience the Hawaiian green sea turtles up close. A truly unique opportunity awaits you, where on the reef, you will enjoy a wide variety of colorful tropical fish and turtles as you swim along the beautiful coral reef. Visiting two separate destinations unique in their ways provides a completely fulfilling experience culminating with our most popular adventure.

The afternoon Maui Turtle Snorkel Adventure (available April 1st thru December 31st) is a 3-hour cruise where you will visit one of our beautiful coral reefs, where the conditions are the calmest and clearest. This trip is well suited for the late risers and those seeking to enjoy some world-class snorkeling without making a full day of it. The afternoon snorkel adventure offers tremendous value.

The premier Whale Watch Snorkel Cruise (available January 1st thru March 31st) is our 3-hour whale watching cruise. You will have a unique opportunity to see whales in their natural environment AND learn about their fascinating lives with our onboard certified naturalist. Remember, whale sightings are guaranteed, or your next whale watch is free.

*Whale sightings are guaranteed January through March only. Our guarantee includes a free pass for your next whale watching tour if no whales are seen on your trip. Whale sightings are not guaranteed in December or April due to whale migration patterns during the arrival and departure periods. The whale sighting guarantee is good for free passes only, with no refunds or cash value.

Molokini is about 9 miles offshore (1 hr boat ride). There is about an hour boat ride to the other destinations too. Olowalu may take a little longer.

Yes. You need basic swimming skills and will need to be comfortable in the water and able to go underwater without feeling panicky.

Yes, we provide breakfast. It includes muffins, croissants, and fresh fruit.

Morning Molokini & Turtle Town Snorkel Tour: Delicious cheeseburgers, hot dogs and chicken sandwiches are served hot off the grill and piled high with your choice of fixings. Make sure to save some room for the tasty cookies!

Afternoon Turtle Snorkel Tour: We have delicious burgers, hot dogs and chicken sandwiches fresh off the grill. Chips, beverages and yummy cookies are included.

For vegetarian or vegan options, please give us a call on our customer service line at 808.242.0955, at least 72 hours in advance. Mahalo!

Yes. If you have vegetarians or vegans in your party, please give us a call on our customer service line at 808.242.0955, at least 72 hours in advance. Mahalo!

The parking is operated by Diamond Parking Services. The lot closest to our slip has a machine that only takes cash (No change is given). You can also pay with a credit card by phone by dialing in or using a QR code. The cost for parking is $3.

Check-in for the Molokini & Turtle Town Snorkel Tour is 7:30 am.
Check-in for the Turtle Snorkel Adventure (available 04/01 to 12/31) is 1:30 pm.
Check-in for the Whale Watching Snorkel Cruise (available 01/01 to 03/31) is 1:45 pm.

Morning Molokini & Turtle Town Trip is 5 hours. Departs: 8:00 am. Returns: 1:00 pm, DAILY.
Afternoon Turtle Snorkel Trip is 3 hours. Departs: 1:30 pm. Returns: 4:30 pm, Mon, Wed, Fri (available 04/01 to 12/31).
Whale Watching Snorkel Cruise is 3 hours. Departs: 1:30 pm. Returns: 4:45 pm.

Payment methods such as credit card, cash, or traveler’s checks, and your photo ID for the open bar. For the snorkeling cruises, all you really need to bring is a swimsuit and a smile. Some recommended items to bring with you are: a towel, bathing suit, slippers, tennis shoes, or soft-soled shoes, camera, dry shorts and a pullover shirt, sunglasses, and possibly your favorite snorkel mask, although we provide all of your equipment.

We have storage below the outer perimeter bench seats. Many of our guests bring a backpack or soft bag to keep their personal items in. There are up to 9 crew on the boat daily and in the 30 plus years we have been operating, none of our guests have reported a loss.

We have wetsuit rentals onboard. Credit cards are not currently accepted. Wetsuits are $10. A little cash ($20-$40) on-hand is a good idea.

Absolutely, they make a convenient base to operate out of for families with toddlers and infants. The Pride of Maui is very spacious and can easily accommodate strollers.

We accommodate pregnant guests regularly. Please ask your doctor if it is safe for you to be on a boat during your pregnancy. Our vessels are large and stable, although each pregnancy is different and your doctor knows you best.

The weather here is referred to as “micro-climates.” It can be raining hard where you are, yet sunny and calm at the harbor and our destinations. The weather forecast comes out of Honolulu and is frequently inaccurate for Maui. We have frequent passing showers that turn to clear skies in short order. With more than 30 years in the business, we are your best resource for the weather. Our Captains are seasoned veterans with extensive local knowledge. If we have not called you, please show up at the harbor with expectations to go out, even if it is raining or windy. In the event that the conditions are unsafe to operate, you will be given the option to reschedule or cancel for a full refund. All of our destinations are weather permitting. We will take you where the conditions are the best overall, for a safe and enjoyable experience. Pride of Maui is the largest power catamaran on Maui. She is extremely stable and we make Molokini the vast majority of all morning trips and about half the time in the afternoon.

At 65 feet in length and a beam (width) in excess of 30 feet, our very large (Maui’s largest), multi-hulled power catamaran offers unsurpassed stability and comfort. Very few of our guests become ill, even those prone to motion sickness. If you are in doubt, there are products available over the counter at our local Longs Drug stores to ease your mind. Just ask the pharmacist for one of many preventative options. If you are susceptible to motion sickness, Pride of Maui is positively the right vessel for you! She is famous for her amazing stability.

No. We regularly have guests who do not know how to swim. We have several different flotation devices to keep you floating. The Captain will provide an orientation and we have a lifeguard in the water and crew standing watch.

We have boogie boards, noodles, and flotation waist belts.

Yes. We have life jackets for all ages.

Rain won’t necessarily deter us from going out. However, in the event the conditions are unsafe and we cancel then you will be given the option to reschedule or cancel for a full refund. All tours are weather permitting and it is up to the captain’s discretion to take you where the conditions are the best overall and safe and enjoyable.

We have a marine gangway that measures 27 1/2 inches wide with about a 10-inch step up on the dockside and a 10-inch step down on the boat side. Unfortunately, it is not wide enough to roll a wheelchair across. If someone in your party can help the person get across the gangway by lifting them we can take a lightweight wheelchair. We are not able to lift people onto the boat for liability reasons.

Yes. We take all ages and we are family oriented.

SNUBA is available on the morning trip to Molokini & Turtle Town for $68 per site.

There are rare sightings, but the ones we do see (again, very rare) are usually pretty small & docile.

Great chance of turtle sightings at any of the alternate destinations; however, turtles are not commonly seen at Molokini. Sightings are not guaranteed.

When you first get off the boat, it is pretty deep, around 20-30 ft. But as you get closer to the site, it shallows up to about 5-15 feet.

Yes, the prevailing conditions are calm mornings and windy afternoons.

Swimsuits, Towels, Cash or Card for Upgrades and Gratuities and a change of clothes.

It is best to print it out, in case there are discrepancies, but if your name is on the manifest, we will let you on the boat.

Even though the spacious Pride of Maui is Coast Guard Certified for 149 passengers, our trips operate at 60% capacity to ensure your experience is the absolute best.

Molokini Crater is one of the most incredible places to snorkel in the world! Yes, it is worth it! The best way to snorkel at Molokini is on a guided tour with a Maui boat tour company outfitted with professional and experienced staff.

Both Lanai and Molokini offer fantastic snorkeling opportunities. There isn’t a way to compare them because they are unique. Molokini is best reached by boat and easily traversed when staying on the Island of Maui. If you’re visiting Lanai, research the best local snorkel tour guides.

Yes, Molokini Crater is excellent for snorkeling! It’s one of the few volcano islets globally and is famously known for its diverse underwater ecosystem. Molokini is also a rare sea bird refuge. Take advantage of all opportunities to snorkel at Molokini when visiting Maui.

The best and only way to snorkel at Molokini is on a Maui boat tour. (Unless you are a marine biologist or oceanographer!). On the Pride of Maui or Leilani, our guests explore snorkeling with experienced Maui snorkel guides on a professional and eco-conscious boat tour. Guests learn about this rare volcano islet and the marine species that dwell in its protected crescent.

From our boat slip at Maalaea Harbor, it takes an average of one hour to reach Molokini Crater. Pending wind conditions, the journey can be quicker. Our #1 Rated Molokini Snorkel Tours are 5 hours in total. They allow guests time to experience Molokini best aboard a world-class catamaran.

Yes, Molokini Crater is very safe when visiting with an experienced captain and crew. When choosing a Maui Snorkel Tour to Molokini Crater, choose a boat company that provides an expert crew, state-of-the-art snorkel, and safety gear. Aboard our world-class catamaran, our guests traverse to Molokini in style, and with stability and comfort always being a priority.

Molokini Crater houses a reef with up to 150 feet of visibility (on the backside and outside of the crescent). This makes Molokini a highly sought-after location for avid scuba divers. The depth is 20-50 feet when snorkeling at Molokini Crater, pending the specific snorkel spot.

Yes, of course, kids can snorkel at Molokini Crater! Aboard Pride of Maui’s #1 Rated Molokini Snorkel Tour, guests are provided snorkel instruction with an expert-level crew. Our snorkel gear, safety vests, and flotation devices are state-of-the-art, sanitized, and maintained between every use.

Yes, Molokini is safe for kids. Safety protocols in and out of the water are our #1 priority. Our guests visit this rare volcano islet in comfort and amongst a professional staff. We have that rare insider’s perspective to make your Maui snorkel tour one of the most memorable moments of your life!

The waters surrounding the island of Maui are abundant with sea turtles, and Molokini Crater is no exception. It is possible to snorkel with turtles at Molokini on any morning or afternoon. For the best Molokini snorkeling experience, book a morning tour so you can snorkel when the ocean is at its calmest. Calm conditions allow for better visibility and more opportunities to see Maui’s sea turtles thriving in their natural environment.

We offer a 5-hour Snorkel Adventure that heads out to both Molokini Crater and Turtle Town. We provide our guests with a delicious breakfast, BBQ lunch, an open bar, all of your snorkel gear, and flotation devices. Please keep in mind that we also offer SNUBA.

Yes, if the weather permits we’ll be heading out to both Molokini Crater and Turtle Town.

While both boats and tours are equally accomplished at showcasing the incredible beauty and snorkeling at Molokini, onboard the Pride of Maui, you’ll enjoy more space and amenities, which include a jumbo slide! Aboard the Leilani, you’ll enjoy fewer passengers and a more personalized experience.

It takes about 45min-1hr from our harbor in Maalaea to the Molokini Crater.

It’s very likely that we’ll see turtles, however, it’s not a guarantee being that they are wildlife. But we’ll take you out to a location that they’re often seen at. Please note: Turtle sightings are common at Turtle Town, but there are no turtles at Molokini.

This is a Molokini Snorkel Adventure that offers our guests the opportunity to also do SNUBA all on one trip.

We do not allow full-face snorkel masks. For more information, please read our snorkeling safety tips regarding snorkel masks.

If we can’t make it to Molokini Crater our captain will always make sure to get you folks out to another beautiful snorkel destination. Safety is always our number one priority and we want you to be safe and comfortable in the water at all times.

It’s about 70ft at Molokini Crater and 30ft at Turtle Town.

5 hours from 8AM-1PM

Maalaea Harbor North Dock (Left of the US Coast Guard)

The water temperature stays around 70 degrees year round but if you find that to be too cold for you, we do have wetsuits available on board for you to rent for $10 (cash).

7:30am

SNUBA is an optional upgrade that we offer on our Molokini & Turtle Town Snorkel Adventure. But this is not just a SNUBA trip.

Yes, there are 2 restrooms (heads) on board.

Molokini Crater (Marine Reserve) and Turtle Town

Purchasing (1) SNUBA upgrade is for one location only. If guests would like to SNUBA at both Molokini and Turtle Town, the upgrade will need to be purchased for each location.

Morning Tour – Molokini Crater and Turtle Town scheduled stops, but weather dependent

Afternoon Tour – Turtle Town; Olowalu, Coral Gardens, or Molokini Crater (completely weather dependent)

Molokini is about 9 miles offshore (1 hr boat ride). There is about an hour boat ride to the other destinations too. Olowalu may take a little longer.

While we cannot guarantee whale sightings on the Molokini & Turtle Town Snorkel; during whale season (Dec. – March) it is a possibility that whales will be seen!

Maui Whale watching is incredibly safe. It’s also one of the most amazing experiences you can have in your life! Aboard a top-rated Maui boat tour on our spacious and stable catamaran, guests feel reassured that safety is always the number one priority. Pride of Maui employs an experienced and professional crew that follows ocean safety guidelines and the legal regulations of the NOAA, the U.S. Coast Guard, and Hawaii DLNR’s Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation.

It’s incredibly rare to snorkel around whales. Although snorkeling may happen in proximity to whales, we must never forget that the NOAA’s Endangered Species Act protects Maui’s Humpback Whales. Boat tour operators must keep a safe distance from the whales to ensure their safety and well-being. If you’re snorkeling on the coastline of a Maui beach, the water depth will most likely be too shallow for the whales.

When enjoying a Maui whale watch tour, commonly seen whale behaviors include blows, spy hops, tail slaps, pectoral slaps, head lunges, peduncle arches, peduncle throws, fluke up dives, and fluke down dives. The most eagerly awaited whale behavior is breaching—it’s truly majestic! Guests may also have an opportunity to hear the whale songs aboard a Maui Whale Watching tour with Pride of Maui.

The North Pacific Humpback Whales migrate to Hawaiian waters every year. They travel over 3,500 miles from Alaskan waters for mating and birthing in Maui’s warm waters. In fact, for the duration of time spent on Maui, the whales do not eat. They migrate back to Alaskan waters in late Spring for feeding.

The North Pacific Humpback Whales begin to arrive in Maui’s waters in late fall, and they start to head back to Alaskan waters in late March to early April. Maui’s whale season is roughly December to March, and the peak time to see whales on Maui is February.

For visitors traveling to Maui on vacation, the most commonly seen whales are the North Pacific Humpback Whales, although many other whale species frequent the waters surrounding Maui. Types of whales found on Maui include the North Pacific Humpback Whale, False Killer Whale, Pygmy Killer Whale, Pilot Whale, and Orca. There have also been recorded sightings of Sperm Whales, but that is extremely rare!

Yes, we guarantee sightings during whale season (January through March), or your next tour is on us.

We’ll snorkel for about 45 minutes and then head out to do some whale watching.

Coral Gardens or Olowalu.

About 45 minutes.

We do not offer SNUBA on our afternoon tour or our whale watching tour.

We do not go to Molokini Crater.

February is considered peak season for Maui whale watching!

December through March is considered to be whale season. North Pacific humpback whales migrate to Hawaii to mate and give birth during this time every year (though whale watching in Maui during November is possible).

Maui features the best whale watching in Hawaii.

The winds tend to pick up in the afternoon and that’s the reason why we leave it up to our Captain on where the snorkel location will be. Our Captains have years of experience and will always make sure to get you out to an area where the water conditions are safe and comfortable for our guests.

We do not allow full-face snorkel masks. For more information, please read our snorkeling safety tips regarding snorkel masks.

If it’s late season, the end of March, April, and May, it is still possible to see whales though there is no guarantee in April or May.

We will always do our best to get our guests out to see them but because it is wildlife, we can’t guarantee anything. However, just the other day we saw whales, turtles, and a pod of dolphins. It was an amazing trip!

Our Turtle Watch Snorkel Adventure is a shorter trip that runs from 2 pm to 5:30 pm and takes you out to one snorkel location of the captain’s choice based on the weather conditions. We typically head out to either Turtle Town, Olowalu, Coral Gardens, and sometimes make it out to Molokini Crater. On this trip, we’ll provide you with a hot BBQ Lunch, open bar, and all of your snorkel gear and flotation devices.

Turtle Town, Olowalu, Molokini or Coral Gardens. The captain will pick the best spot based on the weather/water conditions for that day.

It is 3.5 hours long, and runs from 2 pm to 5:30 pm.

Yes, we serve a hot-off-the-grill BBQ lunch featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, & marinated chicken breasts served with all the fixings along with pasta salad and a vegetable crudité platter. If you have vegetarians or vegans in your party, please give us a call on our customer service line at 808.242.0955, at least 72 hours in advance.

Yes, once snorkeling has come to a close we offer an open bar (beer, wine, mai tais)

After snorkeling is done about 3:00 pm.

The winds tend to pick up in the afternoon and that’s the reason why we leave it up to our Captain on where the snorkel location will be. Our Captains have years of experience and will always make sure to get you out to an area where the water conditions are safe and comfortable for our guests.

If weather permits we’ll try our best to make it out to Molokini Crater but ultimately it’s up to our captain and what the weather conditions are like. Our number one priority is our guests’ safety.

It is typically much windier in the afternoon, making the snorkeling out at Molokini less enjoyable, and borderline unsafe. It is pretty rare to see any boats out there after noon. So, we usually try to hide from the wind using the West Maui Mountains and snorkel at Turtle Town, Coral Gardens or Olowalu, though we do try to make Molokini if conditions permit.

We do not allow full-face snorkel masks. For more information, please read our snorkeling safety tips regarding snorkel masks.

We will always do our best to get our guests out to see them but because it is wildlife, we can’t guarantee anything. However, just the other day we saw whales, turtles, and a pod of dolphins. It was an amazing trip!

Snorkeling is possible on all corners of the Island of Maui. For visitors, the best snorkeling is found in the protected coves of South Maui and West Maui. For the ultimate Maui snorkeling experience, visitors can book a #1 Rated Maui Snorkel Tour with Pride of Maui. We have tours to in-the-know and top Maui snorkel spots like Molokini Crater, Turtle Town, Olowalu, and Coral Gardens.

The best time to snorkel in Maui is in the morning and early afternoon hours, when the ocean and the wind are at their calmest. This allows for a comfortable ride and provides the best water clarity. Visiting Maui’s underwater world is ideal when the ocean’s surface is flat and glassy.

Yes, of course, it’s worth it! When visiting the Hawaiian Islands, the top ocean activities in Maui are snorkel tours and whale watching. If you’re visiting during whale watching season (mid-December to April), guests have the most incredible opportunity to adventure on our Maui Whale Watching Snorkel Cruise. We know how to help you create Maui memories that will last for a lifetime!

For visitors, the best snorkeling is found in the protected coves of South Maui and West Maui. We highly recommend that you book a Maui snorkeling tour. After snorkel training and a taste of Maui’s underwater world, venture to renowned Maui snorkeling beaches like Wailea Bay (South Maui) or Napili Bay (West Maui).

Generally and weather-dependent, the best months to snorkel on Maui are Spring-Fall. Maui experiences its Winter season with more winds and more storms during the winter. Snorkeling during the winter months can be hit or miss.

Yes, of course. If you’re snorkeling at a Maui beach, ensure proper snorkel training, and heed all warning and caution signs on the beach. Never turn your back on the ocean, and snorkel at a Maui beach with lifeguards.

No, you cannot snorkel anywhere on Maui. Maui’s Pacific Ocean is alive and unpredictable. It’s best to snorkel at a beach known for snorkeling and with a sandy bottom. Look for a protected beach cove, and perhaps choose one with a barrier reef. Ocean safety should always be your priority, and always snorkel and play in the ocean with a buddy. If in doubt, don’t go out!

First of all, rest assured, we are the #1 Top Rated Maui Snorkel Tour operator for many reasons. Our top priority is always safety. All of our tours provide an expert and certified crew. We have strict safety measures and we provide modern equipment, ocean activity instruction, and marine life education. We are the ideal choice for family snorkel tours in Maui.

Toddler age and up is appropriate for using snorkels. Of course, the first step is comfort in the ocean with parental guidance. We also provide a variety of flotation devices. For kids older than eight years old, ask about SNUBA. It’s a combo of snorkeling and scuba diving and one of the most popular activities for kids in Maui.

For safety reasons, both kids and adults should always use fins when snorkeling. Since children have less muscle power in their legs, choose lightweight and flexible fins for kids. Our tours are outfitted with the most modern and state-of-the-art equipment. Ask our expert crew for their recommendation for practices when wearing snorkel fins in the ocean.

Yes, snorkels are safe for children. Following ocean safety protocols, establishing comfort levels, and proper instruction for the use of snorkeling apparatus’ is a part of the ocean education provided on our Maui snorkel tours. We offer a free introduction to snorkeling class on all of our snorkel tours.

The cost to snorkel at Molokini varies, pending your chosen boat tour operator. Like anything else, you must consider quality and quantity. A quality tour with a limited number of guests will cost more than a discounted tour on an older vessel packed with guests. Review our snorkel tour options and click Book Now to see our current rates. If you are adventuring with a party of 8 or more, please ask us about our discounted rates.

There are only a handful of places in the world where visitors can snorkel with Manta Rays. In Hawaii, guests can book Manta Ray snorkel tours in Kona on the Big Island.

The best time to snorkel in Maui is roughly between 10 am-2 pm. The sun is at its highest peak during these hours, and the ocean is at its calmest. Mid-morning to early afternoon is also when Maui’s ocean waters have the most clarity allowing for the best viewing of rare and colorful ocean species.

Hawaiian green sea turtles live throughout Maui’s coastline waters; the best way to safely view them is on a dedicated Maui snorkel tour to Molokini Crater (sightings are rare) or Turtle Town. Always remember to keep a safe distance and do not touch them. They are an endangered species protected by the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Read more about Maui’s turtles.

There are many places on Maui where people should not snorkel. Hawaii’s oceans are powerful with tricky currents. The safest places to snorkel in Maui are in protected beach coves or on a designated Maui snorkel tour.

Yes, snorkeling is excellent on Maui! The Island of Maui is a world-renowned snorkel destination. Maui’s waters are home to over 700 reef fish species; many do not exist in the world but Hawaiian waters. Plus, Maui’s home to Molokini Crater, Turtle Town, and Coral Gardens. Maui is a popular snorkeling destination for tourists, ocean researchers, and marine biologists worldwide.

We do not suggest that guests night snorkel in Maui. Not only is it safest to snorkel during sunlit hours, but the best snorkel experiences are from 10 am to 2 pm. During these hours, the sun is at its highest peak, the ocean waters are calmest, and the ocean clarity is at its best.

To enjoy Maui snorkeling at its very best, we suggest a dedicated Maui snorkel tour. With an expert captain and crew, guests can enjoy visiting world-renowned Maui snorkel destinations like Molokini Crater, Turtle Town, or Coral Gardens.

With Pride of Maui, SNUBA is offered during morning snorkel tours. The duration of a SNUBA experience is generally 20-25 minutes, depending on the guest. SNUBA is an activity available per snorkel location as an add-on to a regular snorkel booking (per person). Contact our reservations department at 808-242-0955 for more information about SNUBA with Pride of Maui.

First of all, SNUBA is not like scuba diving. It’s more like snorkeling but with more support. The most common cause of ear pain when swimming or snorkeling occurs when the ears are not equalized before entering the water. Equalizing is when you block your nostrils and blow to open your ears (“popping” your ears), the same action taken right before a plane lands. If you have a concern about ear pain and ocean activities, please make sure to visit your general doctor to be signed off before booking any ocean activity.

On a Pride of Maui SNUBA adventure, guests can dive to a depth of 15 feet. The SNUBA tank is attached to a raft on the ocean surface and connected to a long hose that always remains with you.

There are only a few requirements for SNUBA. Guests must be at least eight years of age, have no medical contraindications, and have basic swimming skills. Although we provide flotation devices for SNUBA, all guests should be comfortable swimming in the ocean.

SNUBA is not the same as scuba diving. It’s an ocean activity available to all guests eight years or older. There is no certification required, unlike scuba diving. If you’re comfortable in the ocean and would like to view marine life and tropical fish in a hybrid scuba-snorkeling situation, SNUBA is for you! Our #1 priority is safety on all Pride of Maui boat tours. Read more about SNUBA and snorkeling safety.

There’s a minimal chance that a person can get the bends, also known as decompression sickness (DCS), from SNUBA diving. Unlike scuba, guests cannot reach a depth further than 15 feet with SNUBA. As a general recommendation, guests should refrain from taking helicopter tours, driving to Haleakala, or taking an airplane 4-6 hours before or after SNUBA.

There are many differences between scuba and SNUBA diving, although SNUBA is like a hybrid of snorkeling and scuba. With SNUBA, guests do not need certification; they can only go 15 feet deep. SNUBA is an assisted ocean activity where an air tank floats on the ocean surface connected to a 15-foot tube that follows the SNUBA diver providing air.

No certification is required for SNUBA.

With Pride of Maui, SNUBA is offered as a per-person and per-location add-on to a snorkel tour. To learn more about our prices for SNUBA, please visit our SNUBA page.

SNUBA is the safest and easiest way to experience the exhilaration of breathing underwater for about 20 minutes in the care of our expert instructors. A cross between snorkeling and SCUBA diving, SNUBA is easy because the air tank is attached to a raft floating at the surface above you so that you can just relax and breathe without worrying about all that heavy equipment.

Yes, it is so easy that anyone over 8 years of age is eligible as long as you do not have any medical conditions which would prohibit participation.

Since 1988, approximately 5 million people have done it without injury. SNUBA diving has proven to be the safest form of diving offered anywhere in the world.

The entire SNUBA Adventure is conducted in about an hour. SNUBA was developed for those who would like to safely experience breathing and exploring underwater without the investment of precious vacation time. The entire SNUBA program includes the following:

• Pre-dive Presentation / Orientation, Approximately 15 minutes • Equipment Outfitting, Approximately 10 minutes • Skills Demonstration / Practice, Approximately 10 minutes • Underwater Exploring, Approximately 25 minutes

You breathe through a mouthpiece called a regulator. As you begin to inhale a comfortable flow of air is provided from a compressed air cylinder located in the raft. The most difficult thing to remember is that you will be breathing through your mouth and not your nose.

You will be wearing a pair of fins, a mask, a weight belt (to neutralize your buoyancy in the water) and a SNUBA harness which connects your air-line to the raft on the surface.

The depth is limited by the length of the air lines which allow you to dive to a maximum depth of 15 feet.

Yes. You need basic swimming skills and will need to be comfortable in the water and able to go underwater without feeling panicky.

We offer SNUBA on our Molokini snorkel tour adventure.

Please note: SNUBA locations may vary depending on conditions and are at the discretion of the captain.

Even though the spacious Pride of Maui is Coast Guard Certified for 149 passengers, our trips operate at 60% capacity to ensure your experience is the absolute best.

Yes, our Sunset Dinner & Luau Cruise wouldn’t be complete without our fabulous Polynesian dance show for every day the tour operates!

Check-in for the Sunset Dinner & Luau Cruise is 5:00 p.m.

The Sunset Dinner & Luau Cruise is 2 hours. Departure is at 5:30 p.m., and we arrive back at Maalaea Harbor around 7:30 p.m. It currently operates Tues, Thurs, and Sat.

Our Sunset Luau Cruise cuisine is superb. For appetizers, enjoy assorted cheeses with artisanal crackers and Maui onion tartlets. Savor island-style baby back ribs, shoyu chicken, coconut roasted sweet potatoes, stir-fry vegetables, Maui gold pineapple slaw, assorted tropical desserts, and taro rolls for dinner.

At 65 feet in length and a beam (width) over 30 feet, our very large (Maui’s largest), multi-hulled maxi-power catamaran offers unsurpassed stability and comfort. Very few of our guests become ill, even those prone to motion sickness. If you are in doubt, there are products available over the counter at our local Longs Drug stores to ease your mind. Just ask the pharmacist for one of many preventative options. If you are susceptible to motion sickness, Pride of Maui is positively the right vessel for you! She is famous for her fantastic stability.

The weather here is referred to as “micro-climates.” It can be raining hard where you are, yet sunny and calm at the harbor and our destinations. The weather forecast comes out of Honolulu and is frequently inaccurate for Maui. We have frequent passing showers that turn to clear skies in short order. With more than 30 years in the business, we are your best resource for the weather. Our Captains are seasoned veterans with extensive local knowledge. If we have not called you, please show up at the harbor with expectations to go out, even if it is raining or windy. If the conditions are unsafe to operate, you will be given the option to reschedule or cancel with a full refund. All of our destinations are weather permitting. We will take you where the conditions are the best overall, for a safe and enjoyable experience. Pride of Maui is the largest and most stable power catamaran on Maui.

We accommodate pregnant guests regularly. Please ask your doctor if it is safe for you to be on a boat during your pregnancy. Our vessels are large and stable, although each pregnancy is different and your doctor knows you best.

Absolutely, they make a convenient base to operate out of for families with toddlers and infants. The Pride of Maui is very spacious, easily accommodating strollers.

A little cash ($20-$40) on-hand is a good idea.

We have storage below the outer perimeter bench seats. Many of our guests bring a backpack or soft bag to keep their personal items in. There are up to 9 crew on the boat daily and in the 30 plus years we have been operating, none of our guests have reported a loss.

Payment methods such as credit card, cash or traveler’s checks.

The parking is operated by Diamond Parking Services. The lot closest to our slip has a machine that only takes cash (No change is given). You can also pay with a credit card by phone by dialing in or using a QR code. The cost of parking is $3.

The address to key into your GPS is 101 Maalaea Road, Maalaea, Maui, Hawaii. We are located in the central part of the island, off Highway 30. The entrance to Maalaea Harbor is below the Maui Ocean Center. Once you enter Maalaea Harbor, proceed to the ocean side of the harbor (opposite the Coast Guard station), to the public loading dock, where we check you in.

Our sunset dinner & luau cruise features an open bar at no additional cost to our guests!

Unfortunately, we need at least a couple of days to put together a crew, as well as providing the meals and drinks that come with the Private Charter.

Due to the Hawaii State Liquor Law, we don’t allow any of our guests to bring their own alcohol on board. However, we’re more than happy to provide that for you and add that to your Private Charter.

Our Private Charters start at $1900 but go up in price depending on the size of your party, how many hours you would like to charter the boat, and if you decide to add any of our upgrades.

There is no minimum.
Morning trip – 140 max
Afternoon trip – 140 max
Sunset dinner cruise – 100 max

There is no minimum, but the maximum is 40 pax.

No.

Yes, we can arrange for entertainment. Please call our offices at 808-242-0955.

Yes, you can create your playlist on your phone and connect it to the vessel’s sound system (provided you have any adapter required to connect to an auxiliary jack).

We do not have vessels small enough for a beach pick up or drop off.

Leilani’s maximum capacity is 40, and the Pride of Maui is 140.

For both a ceremony and reception, the length is 3 hours. If you just wanted to have the reception with us, it would be about 2 hours.

Transportation is available for an additional fee based on the headcount and location of your hotel. To receive a quote, please contact a private charter specialist directly at 808-242-0955.

Yes, as long as the weather permits we’d be happy to take you out to a different snorkel location.

To be married on Maui (and in the State of Hawaii), you do not need to be a Hawaii resident or a U.S. citizen. Both applicants must be 18 years of age, and applicants must bring proof of age with a state-issued ID, Driver’s license, or a valid passport. Blood tests are not required, but blood relationships between applicants cannot be closer than first cousins. Applicants who were previously married must present proof of a divorce decree or death certificate finalized 30 days before applying for a Hawaii marriage license. You’ll also need an officiant and a marriage license to be married in Maui.

This is quite simple and a fantastic choice! To be married on a boat in Maui, you must contact the specific private charter to make reservations. Please allow our Senior Events Planner to assist you with your Maui wedding cruise arrangements.

Depending on what type of Maui destination wedding you want, plans can differ. Contact the boat charter company first if you’re planning a destination wedding on Maui and aboard a private charter. With an expert staff that knows the ins and outs of a Maui wedding cruise, we can refer wedding planners, or the boat charter company can manage all of the planning.

Like all other top wedding destinations, it can be expensive to be married on Maui! If you’re on a budget and planning a more intimate Maui wedding, it can be done at a great value. Maui wedding cruises are lower-cost compared to a Maui resort wedding. We’ll deck your Maui wedding cruise out and present you with the most memorable Maui wedding experience.

A witness is not required to be married on Maui. For couples who prefer a private wedding ceremony in paradise, look no further than a gorgeous Maui elopement on our Maui wedding charter.

The size of the guest list will depend on the size of the vessel and the legal occupancy of the boat. On our Maui wedding cruises, guests have two options. We can accommodate up to 40 guests on a 50-ft Uniflite Motor Yacht or up to 149 passengers on our 65-foot Maxi Power Catamaran (that boasts 3000 square feet of deck space!). Please note: although we can accommodate maximum guests, we usually choose not to fill our boats to capacity to allow more room for movement and a more relaxed atmosphere on our boats.

Choosing a morning or sunset wedding cruise is entirely up to guest preference; both are amazing. We always suggest a Maui sunset wedding cruise because Maui sunsets are epic! Maui is hands down one of the most beautiful and romantic destinations in the world. Being married on a boat in Maui with a magical Maui sunset in the background will surpass all other wedding dreams.

With our Maui wedding cruises, guests can easily customize their wedding plans and reception. Our staff is knowledgeable and experienced. We can provide wedding planning services with our Senior Events Planner, food and alcohol (ultra-premium bar), tropical floral arrangements, live music or a DJ, photographers and videographers, decorations, and more. We’ll help you create your Maui dream wedding with ease! Please note that possible fly-away decorations are not permitted on our vessels because we continuously aim to operate in a reef-safe and eco-conscious capacity.

To reserve a Maui wedding cruise date, don’t hesitate to contact our Maui boat charter department. You can reach us by phone at 808-242-0955 or through the Contact Form on our website. First, we’ll collect your contact information, and then we’ll ask for the essential details regarding your event: the requested event date, the number of guests, menu, bar, and music options. We will always do our best to accommodate requested wedding dates, and advanced booking is always recommended.

On all of our Maui boat trips, safety is our #1 priority, and all cruises are weather dependent. Rain does not necessarily mean a charter will be canceled; charters are only canceled if ocean conditions are dangerous. Depending on the severity of the weather, our expert captains are responsible for making the final decision regarding operating a charter. We like to accommodate wedding cruises during the months and seasons that provide the best weather conditions—ask us for our recommendation. In case of unpleasant weather, both of our vessels also offer a closed cabin space. If there’s a cancellation due to inclement weather, guests may receive a full refund or reschedule the charter for another day. If a guest chooses to cancel, parties of 6 or more passengers require 96 hours of advanced notice.

Yes, we have guests that have both their ceremony and reception all on our vessel.

For both a ceremony and reception, the length is 3 hours. If you just wanted to have the reception with us, it would be about 2 hours.

Yes, of course!

Please let us know what menu items you’re interested in and we’ll check with our chef to see how much it’ll be.

In the past, we’ve had our groom upstairs, while our bride waits downstairs until the ceremony begins. Then at that time you’ll head upstairs and we can have the ceremony next to our captain’s cockpit right before the sunset.

Being that the benches are bolted down to the boat, we’re unable to move them

You’re more than welcome to bring your decorations. We just ask that whatever you bring be tied down securely to the boat to avoid anything flying into the water.