ISLAND SPREE MAUI
  • Insider's Guide To Maui
    • Before You Go to Maui
    • What To Do Before Check-in
    • Top 6 Things to Do in Maui >
      • The Road to Hana
      • Haleakala Sunrise
      • Best Molokini Snorkel Tours
      • Best Luaus in Maui
      • Best Helicopter Tours in Maui
      • Best Whale Watching Tours in Maui
    • Other Activities, Tours, and Fun Things To Do
    • Fun Things To Do with the Kids
    • Best Beaches in South Maui
    • Best Snorkeling in South Maui
    • Explore Maui: Area Highlights >
      • South Maui
      • The North Shore
      • Central Maui
      • Upcountry
      • West Maui
    • Best Places to Eat & Drink >
      • Best Places to Eat By the Airport
      • Quick Bites in Kihei and Wailea
      • Local Favorites in Kihei and Wailea
      • Place to Grab a Drink in Kihei and Wailea
      • Out of Area Favorites
    • Best Places to Shop
    • Farmers Markets
  • Planning Resources
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INSIDERS GUIDE

The Best Snorkeling is at Molokini Crater 

Click the underlined links for more information or to book an activity or tour.
 
If you are looking for the ultimate snorkeling experience or even just an amazingly beautiful boat ride, you must visit the Molokini Crater.

Molokini is a world-class snorkeling destination right off the coast of South Maui. You can see the crater from the shore when looking look out to the ocean just south of Kihei and Wailea.

For those who love to snorkel, this is a must-do activity!

Avoid the Crowds

The Pride of Maui and its amazing crew always provides guests with an exceptional experience. This boat is less crowded than some of the other big boats and the crew is very attentive and accommodating. Make reservations here.

It’s All About the Fun

If have older kids or are a big kid yourself, the Calypso is all about fun with its water slides and high dive platforms. The Calypso is a larger boat that gets crowded so it’s not really recommended for smaller children or the elderly. Make reservations here.

Family-Friendly Snorkeling                                                         

The Four Winds II is less crowded than the larger boats. It’s an awesome choice for families with younger children or grandparents who don’t want to get in the water. It has an underwater glass bottom and window viewing room so kids (and adults) can see marine life and the snorkelers. There are also lots of kids’ activities and children aged 3 and under are free. Make reservations here.

Snorkel in Luxury                                                                                 

The Kai Kanani is a luxury sailing catamaran that departs right from the beach in Makena (which can be tricky during big surf). Not for small children or the elderly. Make reservations here.

The Ultimate Snorkeling Experience                                                 

If you’re looking for an amazing snorkeling adventure, check out Redline’s high powered raft. This smaller boat can go where the big boats can’t—like the backside of Molokini. This boat is very fast and you’ll be one of the first boats to reach the crater in the morning.

You will get wet during the ride, but it’s a whole lot of fun! Not for small children or the elderly. Make reservations here.

Whale Watching Bonus

If you are taking a Molokini snorkeling tour during whale season, you will most likely see whales along the way so don’t book both tours!
 
Insider Tips:
  • Boat Tours require good weather so you may want to book the tour earlier in your vacation just in case you need to reschedule. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • Try to book your tour for as early in the day as possible before the winds kick up.
  • If you need to cancel, make sure you know the tour’s cancellation policy. Most require you to cancel at least 24 hours in advance.
  • Get there on time! Make sure to confirm check-in times or you may miss the tour. 
Island Spree Maui: The Ultimate Insiders Vacation Insiders Travel Guide for guests and visitors staying in
in Kihei, Wailea, Makena, and Maalaea.

Copyright© 2023
  • Insider's Guide To Maui
    • Before You Go to Maui
    • What To Do Before Check-in
    • Top 6 Things to Do in Maui >
      • The Road to Hana
      • Haleakala Sunrise
      • Best Molokini Snorkel Tours
      • Best Luaus in Maui
      • Best Helicopter Tours in Maui
      • Best Whale Watching Tours in Maui
    • Other Activities, Tours, and Fun Things To Do
    • Fun Things To Do with the Kids
    • Best Beaches in South Maui
    • Best Snorkeling in South Maui
    • Explore Maui: Area Highlights >
      • South Maui
      • The North Shore
      • Central Maui
      • Upcountry
      • West Maui
    • Best Places to Eat & Drink >
      • Best Places to Eat By the Airport
      • Quick Bites in Kihei and Wailea
      • Local Favorites in Kihei and Wailea
      • Place to Grab a Drink in Kihei and Wailea
      • Out of Area Favorites
    • Best Places to Shop
    • Farmers Markets
  • Planning Resources
  • Ocean Safety
  • Emergency & Medical